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COVER STORY: Samira

A Legacy of Dance: An Interview with Florida Bellydance Icon Samira of Lakeland

We had the pleasure of sitting down with one of Florida’s true pillars of bellydance — the legendary Samira of Lakeland! Known for her grace, authenticity, and decades of dedication to the art, Samira has inspired generations of dancers throughout the state and beyond.

Now retired from the stage, Samira continues to shine through her beloved troupe, Inara Bellydance, which is now led by her longtime student and protégé, Dalena. Together, they’ve ensured that Samira’s legacy and love for Middle Eastern dance remain alive in the community. She is now also the proud owner of The Unbound Bookery.

In our conversation, Samira reflected on her journey — from her early days discovering the magic of bellydance, to building a thriving dance family in Lakeland, to watching her students carry the torch into a new era. Her words are a beautiful reminder of how dance connects us across time, generations, and culture.

Watch our full interview, where Samira shares insights from her career, the evolution of Florida’s bellydance scene, and her thoughts on what keeps the spirit of Raqs Sharqi glowing strong.



 
 
 

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