Ep 112. Pedro Bonatto: Drummer, Photographer & Husband of a Belly Dancer

belly dance life podcast

Pedro Bonatto is an internationally acclaimed photographer and drummer. Born in Brazil and based in Canada, Pedro works in fine art and fashion photography, with works published in Elle Arabia, Fashion Canada and a number of magazines and books. His fine art project, The Orientalist, features dancers and musicians in scenes inspired by Orientalist paintings, photographed in 6 countries in 3 continents. Pedro's unique style is applied to his belly dance photography, having photographed a number of stars including Aida Bogomolova, Khaled Mahmoud, Marta Korsun, Julia Farid and many others. Pedro is also a drummer focusing on Middle Eastern music and the leader of the world music and dance ensemble Blue Dot.

In this episode you will learn about:

  • How Pedro got involved in Arabic drumming, and how he started working with dancers

  • What is the difference between playing for a dancer and accompanying a singer with a band

  • Pedro’s most memorable shoot from the Orientalist series, in the ‘’ghost’’ city with a broken car, no Internet connection, and upcoming flight in a few hours

  • Life of a belly dancer’s husband: behind-the-scene reality of glittering shows

  • Some ideas on how to deal with partners who do not support your belly dance passion.

Show Notes to this episode:

Thank you for your support via Iana Dance Club: www.ianadanceCLUB.com.

Follow Pedro Bonatto on FB, Instagram, and YouTube, his website with useful tips for preparing for shoots, and his podcasts.

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Bellydance Evolution and information about their BDEmpower program at www.BellydanceEvolution.com.

Podcast: www.ianadance.com/podcast