We had the good fortune of connecting with Miabella Richardson Harrell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Miabella, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
After many years of my students encouraging me to open my own studio, I took the plunge in 1998 and opened Crescent Moon Belly Dance Studio & Boutique. We thrived for 20 years until COVID hit. Then everything changed. People were forced to stay home and I had to close my doors. When things started to open back up we struggled and try as we might, we just couldn’t keep our doors open. So I closed the doors to Crescent Moon and started teaching at Greenbriar Community Center not far from where my studio had been. About a year later, I expanded my classes to Dottie Lynn Community Center in Arlington, and to the new ACTIV Community Center also in Arlington. The reason I didn’t give up when I closed my studio? Because I love teaching and sharing this beautiful art form to so many eager to learn women. Belly dancing is not only one of the best forms of exercise I know for your body, but also for your mind, spirit, and soul. As long as I can offer this outlet, I will never give up.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Belly dance is an ancient art. It empowers women to be confident and strong. I know that it helped me overcome being extremely shy and awkward. It is hard to say what I am most proud of though. I feel I have accomplished so much in this journey. In the late 80’s into the 2000’s I had the opportunity to dance at almost every venue that offered belly dance in the DFW area. I have traveled all over the U.S. teaching and performing. Something I never dreamed would happen did happen…I was hired to teach a workshop and perform in Cairo, Egypt, which is probably at the top of the “I’m so proud” list. One very important lesson I have learned along the way is you have to be able to laugh at yourself and have a good sense of humor.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I had the honor of entertaining friends for a week in Fort Worth, some of the restaurants I would take them to would be Japanese Palace, Istanbul Grill, Melt & Dip in Richardson. I would also have to treat them to some local Bar-B-Q and some Mex-Tex. I would take them to Studio 80 for some fun times and dancing, maybe even ride on the pirate ship around downtown. For drinks and atmosphere, I would take them to Atlas. Weather permitting and if its spring time we would definitely have to drive out to Weatherford to Chandor Gardens.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would have to say a lot of my success as a business owner was due to Yvette Cobb who owned and operated Dancing Feet Studio. I taught belly dancing at her studio and there she taught me the ropes of how to keep books, records, work with clients and how to be successful. Unfortunately Yvette is no longer with us, but I will forever be in her debt.

Website: https://www.crescentmoonbellydance.com

Facebook: Crescent Moon Belly Dance

Youtube: Crescent Moon Belly Dance Miabella

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