Helen Blondel: Belly Dancing changed my life for the better

Interview with professional Belly Dancer & Singer Helen Blondel -founder of Bellypop and new friend of the Sporting Blog!

It’s our second belly dancing interview of the month!

Follow Helen on Instagram and check out BellyPop Online

Clearly, you are a born entertainer, what was your favourite form of expression when you were younger and how did you get into it? 

My favourite form of expression has always been art, especially performance art.

From a very young age, I found an avenue to express my feelings in singing. I was involved in choir and in my early teens began singing professionally for televised sporting events and corporate functions.

Helen Blondel - an inspiration

Did you also play sports when you were younger?

I was involved in sports as a hobby to keep me occupied. Some of my favourite sports to participate in include non-competitive swimming and soccer.

Clearly, exercise and fitness play a big part in your life, aside from dancing, how do you generally like to keep in shape? 

Other than dancing, my next favourite form of exercise is Pilates. I love how pumped I feel afterwards. It feels great to notice myself getting stronger with each workout as the months go by.

At what point did you discover belly dancing and how?

I discovered belly dancing at the age of 13 when I saw a dance troupe called "Worldwind Dancers" performing at my school's recital.

The dance was so enchanting that I dedicated the next year to learning all about it. Many years later, here I am, a professional belly dancer and belly dance instructor.

Tell us about your most memorable belly dancing experience? 

My most memorable belly dancing experience is when I got to perform on the popular TV show "Sabado Gigante" on Univision for the launch of the hit novela "La India."

It was a surreal experience and dancing on set is very different from dancing in a live show.

Helen Blondel - looks amazing, feels amazing!

Is there a place on your bucket list that you'd love to perform? 

Yes! It would be a dream come true to perform in Dubai, UAE.

You teach Belly dancing online. We encourage people to get up and get moving, to do interesting things that can complement or be part of their fitness routine. What would you say to encourage someone to try belly dancing? 

Belly dancing is for absolutely everyone! There is a common misconception that you need a certain body type to be successful in belly dance and this could not be further from the truth.

This beautiful style changed my life for the better and I feel so much more healthy and confident because of it.

In three words sum up what belly dancing means to you? 

Elegance, Freedom, Expression

And finally, an isolation tip? 

My biggest advice is to keep pushing and keep learning. Sometimes we feel like we've learned all there is to learn.

However, there are powerful lessons in every situation. Use this time to improve yourself and your mindset and this will naturally translate to a happier, healthier you, and focus on your fitness and training!

Learn more at: https://bellypop.thinkific.com/courses/intro-to-belly-dance