We were lucky to catch up with Bella Jovan recently and have shared our conversation below.

Bella , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I have loved dance my whole life. I took ballet, jazz, and gymnastics when I was a kid. I was on a dance team in middle school. I was a cheerleader in high school. I always went out dancing with my friends several times a week for so many years (still do!). After I graduated college, I studied ballroom in Hawaii. In 2007, I took my first belly dance class in Seattle and immediately was hooked! I started training with several other belly dance instructors in Seattle shortly after my first class and that was when I knew I wanted belly dance to be my career.

I loved belly dancing so much I started taking 3-4 classes a week, trained to perform, and after a year and a half…I started teaching classes. I then joined an amazing professional belly dance company named Fleurs d’ Egypte. We performed internationally, China, Turkey, and Mexico. I also taught my first belly dance workshop in 2012 in Puerto Rico and performed at the Gala as the featured dancer..as well as in Arizona, Mexico, and Washington state. I trained in Hawaii for belly dance retreats… several times. I also trained in Egypt at the Ahlan Wa Sahlan Festival twice with all the most amazing belly dancers in the world. I took workshops from the amazing host Madam Raqia Hassan, Dina, Dr. Mo Geddawi, Soraia Zaed, Aziza, Anastasia Biserova, Dariya Mitchevich,and so many more.
I also performed in France, Turkey, Egypt, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, India dance contract for 3 months, and more.

Bella , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

For 10 years Bella performed 5-10 shows a week. She danced at several restaurants, hookah lounges, the Pink Door, El Gaucho, The Triple Door, I would perform belly dance at several burlesque events, as well as dance at private events, with Live music or ipod with setlists! I also competed and won a couple awards. I also taught several weekly belly dance classes, had private students, and also trained some students to compete at Belly Dance Off, and also become professional belly dancers. Bella Jovan is a professional international award winning dance artist and choreographer renowned for her energetic, enticing, and vibrant style. Bella is extremely passionate about modern Egyptian and American style belly dance. In addition to belly dance, Bella studies and performs other world dances such as Brazilian Samba, and Hawaiian and Tahitian Hula. Her passion and exuberance for dance creates a fun and exciting addition to any event.

Bella Jovan continues to belly dance professionally for corporate events, private parties, night clubs, and restaurants throughout Washington. She specializes in modern Egyptian and American style belly dance, finger cymbals, veil, fans, sword, and cane. Bella frequently performs with live musicians and bands in Seattle’s restaurants and stage productions. Bella is known for her dynamic style of belly dance which has mesmerized audiences all over the world, such as Egypt, China, Turkey, India, France, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Arizona, San Francisco, LA, Dallas, Portland, Vancouver, and Florida! Bella Jovan’s exciting dance appearance in the movie “Achari America Yatra” was a memorable one, as well as all the fun dance music videos she has been in! Bella is also a UW graduate in Sociology and Society and Justice, Founder and Business Owner of Healing Dance LLC, a licensed esthetician, and certified reiki master.

Bella won 3rd place at the Ahlan Wa Sahlan Festival Competition with live music June 2014. Bella is Raqia Hassan AWS certified of 64 hours of belly dance training June 2014. Bella Jovan won 1st Runner Up in the Pro-Category at La Dansa Orientale Competition March 2013. Bella was a member of the Fleurs d’Eypte, an International Dance Company that showcases Egyptian Belly dance, Brazilian Samba, Hawaiian and Tahitian Hula, and French Can Can Cabaret from June 2009-March 2012. Bella joined the Vamola Samba troupe January 2011 -January 2012 and had performed at several festivals, Ethnic Fest and Brasilfest to name a few. Bella Jovan is known for her endless energy and charismatic smile. Bella has had an exhilarating and engaging year. Bella looks forward to another year of international travel, shows, and classes.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I love belly dancing. It changed my life! To be able to make a living off of an art form that is your passion is a true gift! Belly dance for life!
I produced my first real showcase show in 2018, it was a lovely success of national belly dancers. I love to perform with my heart and connect to the audience and band if I am performing with them as well. I give it my all and have so much with my dance combos/choreos, improv, and have so much fun doing it all!

This is one of the drum solo workshops I taught!

Bella Jovan dancing in Cairo, Egypt!

Bella produced a big show in Seattle!

Bella dancing at a big event called Cairo Nights in Seattle!

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

In 2018 I decided to start another dance business called Healing Dance LLC where I teach dance and perform at retirement homes. I was still belly dancing at restaurants, private events, and teaching but wanted a schedule that had mostly weekends and week nights off ( I taught one night a week and would do most Saturday nights) Now I am more focused on my HD business where I can heal, sing, dance and make the residents happy and also perform my belly dance, hula, samba, and more. I am mainly performing at amazing private events for belly dance now. It’s such a blessing to dance, heal, be creative, and have the schedule you want (M-F, with an occasional Saturday).

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.bellajovan.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellajovan/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bellajovanbellydance
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bella-jovan
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Bellajovan
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/bellajovan

Image Credits

Todd Stefan, Eric Anugraham