Belly dancing has been a life-altering phenomenon for me!  When I started taking classes in July of 2000 I had no idea where it would take me. I had never seen a belly dance show until December of 2000! But after watching dancers like Rhonda and Thalia, I knew I wanted to do more than just take classes.  I am now, not only a student of the dance but also an instructor, and performer. 

As a student I have taken as many workshops as I can to increase my dance repertoire and to have the opportunity to dance with well-known dancers from around the world. Dancers such as-Amar Gamal, Jillina, Raqia, Mona El Said, Cassandra, Vashti, Delilah, Zaina Ali, and Katia.   As an instructor, I have used many techniques in my teaching that I have learned from my participation in these workshops.  I know I will never know everything there is to know about this dance but I will continue to educate myself by being a willing participant in such workshops.

 As a performer I've danced for numerous area weddings, birthday and dinner parties. I’ve performed at several area restaurants:  Opa's, The Sands, Marrakech, Byzantio’s, Helios, Bijan’s Persian Grill, Al-Basha, Mykonos and Deno’s. As well as numerous shows around Texas.

In September of 2004, I competed in the preliminaries for the Belly Dance Superstars Southwest and placed as an honorable mention.  I competed in the finals in October of 2004, and though I didn’t place I had a wonderful time!

In 2005, I caught the TRIBAL bellydance bug and joined Gyspy Sister, Urban Gypsy's student troupe. Later that year I auditioned and land a spot in the Urban Gypsy Performance troupe.  With Urban Gypsy I danced in Texas at festivals, concerts and parties.  In early 2006 I left Urban Gypsy, but not the tribal scene, late that year, Mahalla Tribal Fusion emerged.  Mahalla is a huge part of my life now and I enjoy sharing the dance with my dance sisters...Tala Ali and Lotus.

I owe my belly dancing life to Pat W., Debbie S., and Cynthia A. from Sirrom.  They were my first introduction to the dance when I started with a 6-week leisure-learning course.  Their dedication to the dance was transferred to me the day I stepped into the studio.

*     Do you have a special event coming up?  Wedding?  Birthday Party? Want to do something different?  Hire a bellydancer! Email me at princess@shimmyprincess.com for rates and availability. Please include:  Date, Time, Location, and Contact number. OR complete the form below!

*     Interested in group lessons or one on one lessons? Email princess@shimmyprincess.com for rates! OR complete the form below!

*    Looking for a belly dancer for your restaurant   (I can dance to a live band or pre-recorded music.)?  Email princess@shimmyprincess.com for rates!  OR complete the form below!

Happy Shimmies!
Marisela