Performance Programs

New

registration closes Nov 1st
programs begin Nov 6th

JBelly School of RAQ: Bellydance

Dearest Beauty Shaker, I have been cooking up 2 New Programs to help accommodate our growing JBelly Tribe and all our skill levels. This will be the first time I offer something like this and I am so excited to get to know you and your dancing on a deeper level. These programs are for those who want to take their bellydance to the next level whether you are a beginner or pre-professional. I look forward to this new journey and reaching our goals together! Please read this entire page before booking.

MY PERSONAL MISSION: is that by the end of the program you feel confident in what you have learned, happy with your growth and are stage ready for a professional theater performance.

Important Dates & Locations

LIVE THEATER SHOW SCHEDULE: please have these 2 dates wide open

TECH REHEARSAL: February 8th, 2025
2 LIVE SHOWS: February 9th, 2025

SHOW THEME: Party "حفلة" (haflah), Celebration," is "سهرة" (sahra)

LOCATION: MMAC - Manhattan Movement Arts Center

REHEARSAL LOCATIONS (View the calendar to know where each rehearsal is located)

RGS = Ripley-Grier Studios | 520 8th Ave, Manhattan NY
SS = Surati Studios | 844 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ
Zoom = Online Zoom at Home

PROGRAM PAYMENTS: includes everything except costumes

(training, specialty workshops, one on ones, rehearsals, individual practice support)

Payment 1 $330: at time of registration
Payment 2 $300: December 10th, 2024
Payment 3 $300: January 10th, 2025

pay in full at registration: $900 ($30 Discount)

COSTUME PAYMENTS: these are separate from monthly registration fee

Costume Deposit Due: November 22nd, 2024
Costume Remainder Due: January 6th, 2025

Participant Requirements

- The desire to train like a pro, learn choreography, in-depth technique and performance skills.
- RESPECT and LOVE for Arab Culture, Music, Dance, Art, People
- On time attendance in ALL scheduled training sessions. Any conflicts need to be shared with clear communication.
- Both programs will attend 4-5 Specialty Workshops as an additional part of your training (see below)
- Positive Attitude and Ready to Work Hard
- Personal Practice outside of rehearsals will be required
- Conduct yourself in a professional manner and kindness to ALL dancers

Beginner to Intermediate

This dynamic program is designed for Beginner to Intermediate Level Dancers looking to elevate their skills! You'll be assessed and placed into one of two tailored groups, where you'll dive deep into bellydance techniques and receive personalized feedback. Master 2-3 captivating choreographies suited to your level, refine your performance art, and challenge yourself with a variety of enriching workshops. Get ready to unleash your potential and dance like never before!

View the calendar images below to learn your training schedule.
You do NOT have to be pre-approved to join this program
One on one meetings will be scheduled to identify and discuss your personal goals.
Costume Fee’s: A $100 costume deposit will be required by November 22nd and remainder due by January 6th
Spots are limited, please only register if you are serious about your growth and desire to learn & perform.
You will learn all 3 but only perform 2
- Choreography 1: Drum Solo (ALL beg/int participants)
- Choreography 2: Sha’abi (Intermediate)
- Choreography 3: Raqs Sharqi (Beginner)

Advanced to Pre-Pro

This exclusive program is designed for Advanced to Pre-Professional Level Dancers seeking to refine their craft at the highest level. You'll undergo training to master advanced bellydance techniques with precision. Receive expert, personalized feedback, learn 2-3 intricate choreographies tailored to your skill set, and elevate your performance artistry. Additionally, you'll participate in specialized workshops that will push your boundaries and help you achieve your fullest potential. This is the ultimate program for dancers committed to excellence.

View the calendar images below to learn your training schedule.
I understand that admission to the program is subject to review and approval. I (Janelle) will contact you after the registration process to inform you whether you have been accepted or if an alternative program may be more suitable. You may be asked to submit a video or other content for review.
One on one meetings will be scheduled to identify & discuss your personal goals.
Costume Fee’s: professional custom made bras, belts, and various items will be ordered the first week. A $300 costume deposit will be required by November 22nd remainder due January 6th.
- Custom Thobe/Cover-up order form will be shared soon.
Spots are limited, please only register if you are serious about your growth and desire to learn & perform.
You will learn all 2 to 3
- Choreography 1: Khaleegi + Drum Solo Production
- Choreography 2: Raq’s Sharqi w/ Skirt Veil
- Choreography 3: Small Group Sha’abi (Janelle and Gabriela Workshop Choreography)

Added Program Benefits!

4 - 6 Specialty Workshops
Group Photoshoot & High Quality Video's
New JBelly Program Dance Tank
One 30min 1on1 Session with Janelle (book here) once registered.
10 In-studio Open Level or Beginner Bellydance Classes (in-studio or zoom)
- November 12th to January 28th | Tuesdays 6:30pm
- Not required to attend but highly encouraged
3 Months of Unlimited Access to JBelly Jewel Plan
- Unlimited Beg-Adv Training Program (VIEW CONTENT)
- Unlimited BellydanceBURN™ (VIEW CONTENT)

These benefits are included in your 3 Month Program.

Once you register Janelle will connect a plan to your account to give you booking access.

Is This The Right Program for Me?

Embark on a transformative journey to elevate your bellydance skills in a professional environment with our exclusive program. Dive deep into the art of bellydance with focused technique sessions, undergo personalized assessments, receive invaluable personal feedback & master 2-3 unique choreographies suited to your skill level. Embrace the stage as you refine your performance skills & expand your horizons through sessions designed to propel your dance journey forward.

BEG/INT PROGRAM

BEGINNER DANCER: Has taken a few classes and has a basic understanding of bellydance technique. May have trained with Janelle and wants to learn more. Eager to perform in costume and driven to practice at home. Loves the art form and is ready to dive in!

INTERMEDIATE DANCER: Trained with Janelle or others for 6+ months, with a solid grasp of basic-intermediate bellydance and choreography experience.

Enjoys performing and is eager for more.

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ADV/PRE-PRO PROGRAM

ADVANCED DANCER: At least 1-2 years of consistent training, with a well-developed and confident skill set, including advanced techniques such as the jewel, hagala, layering, traveling steps, veil work & more. Ability to pickup advanced level choreography and willing to practice. Has a deep love & respect for arab culture, dance & music.

PRE-PRO DANCER: Over 3 years of training, a well-developed skill set, stage experience &/or periodically performing at parties & various venues. Has a deep love & respect for arab culture, dance & music!

01 - Nov 16, 2024

SPECIALTY WORKSHOPS

Flamenco Arabe with Dalia Carella

TIME: 12:00-2:00PM

LOCATION: Ripley-Grier Studios

NEED: A full skirt w/wo slits, oriental dance skirt, or veils to tuck and use as a skirt

Workshop Description: Rumba Flamenco Araby with Skirts: Rumba Flamenco is a style of Flamenco music and dance with an Afro-Cuban Rumba influence. Years ago, the dance was improvised with prominent hip and shoulder movements, more overtly sensual than other styles of Flamenco dance. This class will focus on Dalia's Dance Concepts that she has been teaching and performing for decades now. Dalia skillfully blends Flamenco, Arabic Dance (BellyDance) and Afro-Caribbean fiery skit work with Flamenco and Arabic arm technique and hip movements. We will focus on technique and drills to strengthen and open the upper body, enhancing the beauty of this fiery and passionate dance style. Skirts required. Bring a full style, ankle-length skirt without slits. If you do not have a skirt, you can use a large veil.

Dalia Carella is a renowned Near/Middle Eastern and World Fusion solo artist, choreographer, master teacher, and Founder/Artistic Director of the Dalia Carella Dance Collective. Dalia has been training professionals and students for many decades with her enormous wealth of dance technique and theatrical presentation in any style that she teaches. Dalia's much sought after teaching style and performance technique of innovative Cross Cultural Belly Dance, Turkish Romani and Flamenco Araby movements and skirt work have been sought after and appreciated by both Near/Middle Eastern and Fusion Dance communities around the world. Dalia has produced dance and theater productions both Off Broadway and Off Off Broadway in New York City. Her numerous concerts and teaching tours have led her throughout the US, Canada, England, Puerto Rico, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Italy, China, Turkey, and Japan. Visit Dalia’s online live dance school at www.daliacarella.com

02 - Dec 7, 2024

Flutter and Shimmy Lab with Gabriela Figueroa

TIME: 1:00 - 3:00PM

LOCATION: Ripley-Grier Studios

Workshop Description: Flutters & Shimmies are one of the most challenging but fun moves in the belly dance world, with consistent practice it will become natural in your body

Flutter technique
Diaphragm exercise to warm & open it up
Vacuum breathing exercises
Shimmy drills to loosen up the hips
Flutters & Shimmies combos for a fun practice
Applying the moves to a mini drum solo choreography

Gabriela Figueroa ’s journey with Middle Eastern dance began as a self-taught dancer. She started her formal instruction in 2011 with Natalie El-Ghoul; a Middle eastern & contemporary dancer and choreographer at La Fábrica in Guayaquil, Ecuador. during her time at La Fabrica Gabriela discovered her passion for Middle Eastern dance and continued her studies in Quito, Ecuador at Frente de Danza Independiente with Carolina Cruz, In 2015 Gabriela became a member of Natalie Nazario's Raks Al Zahra troupe for 7 years

In 2018, Gabriela joined the Bellyqueen Teacher Training Course led by Kaeshi Chai and now is part of the teachers staff of Bellyqueen in New York City.

In 2022 & 2023 auditioned and got the opportunity to be part of "Table of Silence" Project directed by Buglisi Theater dance & Lincoln Center , a ritual dance of peace choreographed by Jacqulyn Buglisi

in 2023 created the yearly project “The improvisation Bootcamp” where her mission is to activate within each dancer their capacity to find the voice of the body , to surrender and trust while immersing themselves in the technique and melodies of the Arab live music

Gabriela teaches Raqs Sharki regularly in NYc , focusing her class on the dance culture,history & creating community while integrating body and mind through dance, performs and choreograph group numbers for different shows

She continues to grow each day by regularly studying different styles such as Middle Eastern folklore , Romani, Flamenco , Theater dance , voice/movement studies with Meredith Monk, clown with many renowned teachers which makes her a versatile and bold performer and Choreographer

03 - Dec 16, 2024

Zills Skillz with Layla Isis

TIME: 7:00-8:30PM

LOCATION: Ripley-Grier Studios

NEED: Zills

I highly recommend a set of $20 student/intermediate zills from Saroyan Mastercrafts (view here)

Lighter gauge introductory zills: (view here)

**Instructions for securing the elastics will be shared prior to the workshop.

Workshop Description: TBA

Layla Isis is a renowned NYC-based professional. She began her studies at the legendary Serena Studios (Classic American Cabaret style) over 2 decades ago & went on to become one of NYC's most popular & highly sought after bellydancers in the region and around the world across a wide array of platforms
CREDITS: Sex and the City 2, The Late Show with David Letterman, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Dr. Oz, and Martin Scorsese's HBO series "Vinyl.” The Bellydance Superstars, DVD "Temptation of Bellydance." Co-producer of The New York Oryantal Parti! & The Bellydance Spectacular concert series, Co-founder of Entelechy Dance and Infinity Bellydance troupes. Dalia Carella Dance Collective, Zikrayat, Tomoko Aoki Dance, Goddessdance, NYC Fringe Fest, NYGypsyfest, Town Hall, Lincoln Center, Irving Plaza and celebrities Akon, Ashanti, Gogol Bordello, Yerba Buena, Marc Jacobs, Rachel Ray, Phillip Glass.

Her style has been described by clients and colleagues as "sophisticated and elegant" and "natural, fluid, and dynamic." "A "total" artist all around. www.laylaisis.com

04 - Jan 15, 2025