Today we’d like to introduce you to Shyra Layali
Shyra, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Growing up, I always loved dance and tried many styles. As I got older, my curiosity for the art of belly dance grew so I learned on my own during the start of the pandemic from tutorials on YouTube! I always kept it as a hobby on the side. However, a few years back, I was working as a server at an Egyptian restaurant and lounge. This location always hired belly dancers to perform on the weekends. One night, while I was working, a dancer started her show and approached me while I was serving customers. She signaled to me to join in, so I did! We had instant chemistry and I really enjoyed dancing with her. After her show, I approached her and thanked her for inviting me to dance with her. We exchanged contact information and she recommended that I join her dance class to build my skills. Not too long after that night, I joined her dance class for fun to learn more and engage in a form of exercise. A few months later, she asked me to professionally perform with her. Our first show together was a duet on a Valentines night in 2023 and ever since then I’ve been performing professionally, collaborating with other artists in the DFW and as a solo artist!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Belly dance takes lots of practice and it requires discipline in improving one’s skill set. It has challenged my personal limitations and pushed me out of my comfort zone. Additionally, it is a beautiful and ancient art but is not understood by some who may judge or criticize. It’s important to stay true to yourself and not let the opinions of others sway you. And lastly performing is one part of the job but choreography and truly enjoying the art for yourself makes all the difference when facing the crowd!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The basis of my art form originates from Egyptian styles of bellydance infused with contemporary and Bollywood dance. I have combined the two to represent my Indian heritage and a new genre of dance I learned as I explored the various styles in other cultures. The beauty of dance is that there is a vast array of styles to choose from and there is always something new to learn!
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I would say the most important thing when promoting yourself as an artist is to stay true to yourself and learn to advocate for yourself and your art. Not everyone sees the time and effort spent in perfecting one’s skills and may not see the monetary value in your art form. Educating your clients on your experience level and cost of all factors involved in your service will definitely make a difference in their understanding of the finances required for your work. Discovering your personal touch, your brand, will help you express and market yourself in an authentic way that reveals who you truly are to the world. Lastly, don’t forget to take time to enjoy your art for yourself! When you make your passion into your job, it can be exciting to be paid to do what you love, but it’s important to set aside time to continue learning and growing as an artist off the stage!
Pricing:
- Private shows starts at $250
- Lounge and restaurant shows start at $130
- Monthly Workshops cost $10 per student
- Private dance lessons for small groups or parties costs $15 per person
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/shyradance
- Other: Shyradance@gmail.com
Image Credits
Addison Carrey
Nicholas K.
