We were lucky to catch up with Samantha Diaz recently and have shared our conversation below.

Samantha, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

I’ve always believed in the power of dance to bring people together, and after years of working in the industry, I felt it was time to create something truly special in New York City. The idea for the New York Belly Dance Festival came from my passion for building community and celebrating the beauty of belly dance on a larger scale.

After organizing the Orlando Belly Dance Convention, I knew I wanted to bring that same magic to NYC, a city full of energy, culture, and diversity. I wanted to create a space where dancers and enthusiasts could connect, learn, and perform together while experiencing the unique spirit of this incredible city.

This festival is a dream come true, and I can’t wait to share it with all of you. It’s about celebrating dance, culture, and community in a way that feels inspiring and unforgettable.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hi, I’m Samantha Diaz, and I’m a dancer, choreographer, producer, and creative entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in the performing arts. My journey into dance began with a passion for self-expression and storytelling, and it has since become my life’s mission. Over the years, I’ve embraced various dance styles, including belly dance, Bollywood, and fusion, which have allowed me to connect with different cultures and communities in meaningful ways.

I’m the founder of DanceSoul Entertainment, where we provide exceptional performances, workshops, and entertainment production for events of all kinds. I also created the Orlando Belly Dance Convention and now the New York Belly Dance Festival, bringing together dancers, instructors, and enthusiasts from around the globe to celebrate the artistry and culture of dance. Additionally, I curate jewelry through Inspire Grace, collaborating with indigenous artisans from Latin America to create pieces with intention and story.

What makes my work unique is my dedication to creating experiences that inspire and deeply connect to culture and community. Through performances, workshops, and events, I strive to bring people together, help them discover their own unique voice through movement, and celebrate the richness of diversity.

For my clients and collaborators, I aim to provide not only high-quality entertainment but also opportunities for connection, empowerment, and inspiration. I am proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients and the artists I’ve worked with, and I take great joy in seeing how these experiences impact others.

For those new to my work, I want them to know that everything I create is rooted in passion, love for the arts, and a commitment to uplifting others. My focus is on crafting unforgettable experiences that celebrate creativity, community, and the joy of dance.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One story that stands out from my journey is the time I had to rebuild myself after a life-altering accident that left me with severe burns. It was a moment that tested every ounce of my resilience and strength, both physically and emotionally. For someone whose life revolves around movement, expression, and creativity, the recovery process felt overwhelming, as I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to return to the stage or continue doing what I love.

Through that journey, I learned the importance of patience, self-love, and leaning on the support of my community. It wasn’t just about healing my body but also about rediscovering my purpose and confidence. Dance became my therapy, my outlet, and my motivation to push forward. Slowly, I rebuilt my strength and reconnected with the art that has always been at the core of who I am.

That experience didn’t just change me; it deepened my understanding of resilience and the power of creativity. It taught me that even in the hardest moments, we have the ability to transform pain into purpose and use it to inspire others. Today, when I teach, perform, or create events like the New York Belly Dance Festival, I carry that story with me as a reminder of how far I’ve come and as a way to encourage others to embrace their own strength and perseverance. Resilience, for me, is about choosing to show up even when the odds feel stacked against you, and that’s the energy I bring into everything I do.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that I needed to do everything on my own to prove my worth or capability. For much of my life and career, I felt the need to handle every aspect of my work without asking for help. I thought relying on others might be seen as a weakness or diminish my accomplishments.

That mindset came from my drive to succeed, especially in an industry where I felt I constantly needed to prove myself. But as my projects grew larger—producing conventions, creating festivals, building a brand—I found myself overwhelmed and stretched too thin, often at the expense of my own well-being. It became clear that this approach wasn’t sustainable, and I was holding myself back by not tapping into the support and expertise of those around me.

The turning point came when I finally allowed myself to ask for help. By delegating tasks, collaborating with talented people, and accepting advice, I realized how much stronger and more impactful my work could be when I shared the responsibilities. The truth is, success isn’t meant to be achieved alone.

Unlearning this mindset has not only allowed me to build better partnerships and create larger projects like the New York Belly Dance Festival, but it’s also brought me a deeper sense of fulfillment. I’ve learned that collaboration is a strength, and trusting others opens the door to growth, connection, and shared success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Newyorkbellydancefestival.com
• Instagram: @sammydance
• Facebook: https://Www.facebook.com/newyorkbellydancefestival
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthadiaz?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@inspiregraceco
• Other: https://inspiregrace.co/pages/samantha-diaz

Image Credits

Photo Stereo Vision / Inoa