Ep 196. Beata Cifuentes: Introducing Structured Belly Dance Class

Ep 196. Beata Cifuentes: Introducing Structured Belly Dance Class

Author: Iana Komarnytska June 2, 2022 Duration: 1:11:33

Born in Berlin, Germany, Beata Cifuentes started dancing at the age of six. Already as a child she attended her weekly ballet lessons with great persistence. Her decision to interrupt medical studies, as well as an intensive three-year course at Berlin’s Academy for Performing Arts, led her to discover oriental dance. She was fascinated by Arabic music when she heard the legendary singer Um Kalthoum – this was the start of a life-long passion for oriental dancing. After serious research, studies and travels to the Middle East, Beata founded the first-of-its-kind school for oriental dance in Berlin. She currently co-directs the Dance Academy Cifuentes in Beelitz, performs and teaches internationally, and is an inspiration to dancers world-wide.

In this episode you will learn about:

- Teaching mistakes Beata did in the beginning of her career

- Transition from ballet to the belly dance world

- Incorporating ballet class structure into oriental dance

- The love story of Beata and Horacio

- Crazy situations of collaborating with various composers on music CDs

Show Notes to this episode:

Follow Beata Cifuentes via website, FB, YouTube and Instagram.

Follow Iana on Instagram, FB, and Youtube . Check out her online classes and intensives at the Iana Dance Club.

Find information on how you can support Ukraine and Ukrainian belly dancers HERE.

Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast


Iana Komarnytska hosts Belly Dance Life, a podcast that goes far beyond the stage to explore the rich, textured world surrounding this ancient art form. This isn't just about steps and technique; it's a deep, personal conversation about the culture, history, and community that give the dance its soul. Each episode feels like a candid journal entry, weaving together the performing arts with honest discussions on health, body image, and personal growth. You'll hear from dancers, historians, and artists about how this practice intersects with modern society and individual identity. The Belly Dance Life podcast delves into the lifestyle in its entirety-the triumphs, the creative struggles, the cultural appreciation, and the quiet moments of practice that never see the spotlight. It's for anyone curious about the stories woven into the music and movement, offering a nuanced perspective that celebrates belly dance as a living, evolving form of human expression. Tune in for thoughtful reflections that connect the art to the broader tapestry of life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 302

Belly Dance Life
Podcast Episodes
Ep 318. Mar: Creating Healthier Environment For Students to Thrive [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:31:48
Mar is an Egyptian American woman and source dancer based in Los Angeles who founded Move And Radiate Inc. (M.A.R.). She created M.A.R. to provide a safe and non-judgmental space that steers away from competition & perfe…
Ep 316. Aliah: Shaping Your Career for Success [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:44
Aliah is a renowned professional belly dance artist, international teacher, and judge. With a career spanning over a decade, Aliah has performed and taught in numerous countries including China, Switzerland, Norway, Fran…
Ep 315. Marlene Tafle: Trust Yourself & Take the Leap [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:21:19
Marlene Tafle is an Argentine dancer specializing in Raqs Sharqi, with a profound passion for Egyptian culture. She began her dance journey at the age of 13 and earned her teaching degree from the Maiada Arabic Dance Aca…
Ep 312. Acia Legras: Growing Up in an Artistic Family [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:12
Acia Legras comes from a family deeply rooted in the arts, having started her artistic career at a young age with the Folkloric Troupe of Réunion, which was directed by her family. This involvement allowed her to learn t…
Ep 310. Zahra Zuhair: Seeing Trends Change & Repeat [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:22
Zahra Zuhair is an internationally acclaimed performer, instructor, and choreographer celebrated for her authenticity, musicality, and dedication to Middle Eastern dance. With a foundation in raqs sharqi from a young age…