Dance as Discipline, Dance as Delight
Join fusion icon Amy Sigil alongside Dalia Carella, Irina Akulenko, Elizabeth Khard, Kaeshi Chai, and Brenna Crowley for 3 days of immersive study that honors both the craft and the joy of dance.
Through a dynamic lineup of workshops, you’ll explore expressive choreography, theatrical play, refined technique, and slow, strength-building movement.
Each session offers a distinct perspective to help deepen your connection to your body and practice, whether you dance for precision, passion, or pure delight.
All genders and experience levels are welcome.
WHEN:
Friday, October 16
10:00 am: GENERATING and embracing your YES with Amy Sigil - 3 hr Workshop
1:00 pm: Lunch
2:00 pm: Elena Lentini - A Creative Force - 1.5 hr Panel Discussion
3:30 pm: “Money” Isolations, Musicality & Play with Elizabeth Khard - 1.5 hr Workshop
5:00 pm: Workshop ends
5:15 pm: Meet and greet your fellow participants over food and drinks!
Saturday, October 17
10:00 am: Andaluz Arabesque Fusion with Dalia Carella & Rex Benincasa- 1.5 hr Workshop
11:30 am: Free Your Pelvis with Kaeshi Chai - 1.5 hr Workshop
1:00 pm: Lunch
2:00 pm: Improv Team Sync and The Sigil Method with Amy Sigil - 1.5 hr Workshop
3:30 pm: Workshop ends
7:45 pm: Doors Open
8:00 pm: Theatrical Dance Show at Speyer Hall
9:45 pm: End
Sunday, October 18
10:00 am: Unconventional Vertical Veil with Irina Akulenko - 1.5 hr Workshop
11:30 am: The Magnetic Dancer with Brenna Crowley - 1.5 hr Workshop
1:00 pm: Lunch
2:00 pm: Suck Until You Suc(k)ceed - 1.5 hr Panel Discussion
3:30 pm: Movement for the SPIRIT - 1.5 hr Workshop with Amy Sigil
5:00 pm: Workshop ends
6:30 pm: Doors Open
7:00 pm: Theatrical Dance Show at the Secret Room
9:45 pm: End
WHERE
Meet + Greet over Food + Drinks: Burgerology, 320 W 36th St, back room, New York, NY 10018 (Vegetarian options available)
Workshops + Panel Discussions: Ripley Grier, 520 8th Ave, 17th Floor, Studio 17H, New York, NY 10018
Sunday Show: Secret Room NYC, 707 8th Ave, between W 44th and W 45th St, New York, NY 10036
INVESTMENT
Gotham Fusion Fest Ultimate Package (8 Workshops + 2 Shows): $425, $375 Unlimited Pass Members
No refunds. If you cannot attend, you are responsible for finding your own replacement.
Payment Plan:
• $150 deposit to hold your spot
• Pay the balance at your own pace—must be paid in full by the first day of training
• $50 admin fee applies to the payment plan
Ultimate Package: $425 + $50 = $475, $425 Unlimited Pass Members
TO REGISTER FOR A PAYMENT PLAN
Send your $150 deposit via:
• Zelle: payment@bellyqueen.com (Name: Bellyqueen LLC)
• Venmo: @Bellyqueen (last 4 digits: 0168)
Single Day Packages
Friday Package (4.5 hr Dance Workshops, Panel Discussion + Friday Meet + Greet): $155
Saturday Package (4.5 hr Dance Workshops + Saturday Show): $165
Sunday Package (4.5 hr Dance Workshops, Panel Discussion + Sunday Show): $175
A La Carte Offerings
3 Hr Workshops: $99
1.5 Hr Workshops: $45 to $49
Panel Discussons: $30
Shows / Performance Media Fee
Saturday Theatrical Fusion Dance Show: $40
Sunday Theatrical Fusion Dance Show: $25
Both Shows: $55
If you are performing, your show fee will be applied toward professional photos and videos.
Tickets are not transferable.
Apply to Perform!
Dancers who register for the ultimate or day packages will be eligible to apply to perform.
Performer applications are due July 25. Performers will be announced on August 16.
FAQ
1. If you purchase an Ultimate package, you can watch or perform (if chosen) in the Saturday and/or Sunday shows.
2. If you purchase a Day Package, you can watch or perform in the show on the same day as your package.
It cannot be transferred to another day.
3. If you do not purchase a package, and would like to perform a solo, you must:
– Purchase at least three a la carte workshops
– Buy a ticket / performance fee ( includes professional photos + video)
4. If you do not purchase a package, and would like to perform in a troupe, you must:
– Purchase at least one a la carte dance workshop and one panel discussion, or two a la carte dance workshops.
– Buy a ticket / performance fee ( includes professional photos + video)
5. Dancers can perform a maximum of 3 times at the festival (one solo and two troupes)
6. If you are performing more than once on the same night (solo AND troupe), there will be an additional performance fee of $20 per number per person (to cover more photos + video). Zelle: payment@bellyqueen.com (Name: Bellyqueen LLC) or Venmo: @Bellyqueen (last 4 digits: 0168)
GENERATING and Embracing Your YES - Workshop
with Amy Sigil
When: Friday 10:00 am - 1:00 pm (3 Hours)
Description: You know I how do it … all yes all the time! Silent the critic and feed the creation. Tools and methods to get out of the mud and into the joy of creating. This workshop is all about making dance pieces quickly and with joy! See you in the YES!
Who: Amy Sigil is an international instructor in dance and team building, director of UNMATA, owner of Sigil School, and the creator of Improv Team Sync. She has been studying dance for over 20 years with training in Bellydance, American Tribal Style, Hula, Tahitian, Studio Hip Hop, Volleyball, Basketball and Track.
Elena Lentini: A Creative Force - Panel Discusson
with Andrea Beeman, Alanah, Aszmara & Bashirah
When: Friday 2:00 - 3:30 pm (1.5 Hours)
Description: Celebrate the extraordinary life and artistic legacy of the late Elena Lentini through a heartfelt panel discussion featuring personal stories, cherished memories, and rare video footage. Friends, collaborators, and students will reflect on Elena's fearless creativity, generosity, and lasting influence on the dance community, offering an intimate look at the artist and mentor who inspired so many.
“Money” Isolations, Musicality & Play - Workshop
with Elizabeth Khard
When: Friday 3:30 - 5:00 pm (1.5 Hours)
Description: Technique has never been this much fun!
Discover how to turn technique into performance through creative isolations, musicality, and playful movement exploration. We'll combine precision, timing, and character through engaging drills before bringing everything together in a stylish combination inspired by "Money Money." Expect confidence, personality, and plenty of fun along the way.
Who: Elizabeth Khard (Brooklyn, NYC/Belarus) is a talented artist with diverse skills in dance, choreography, design, craft, and production — all fueled by a deep passion for movement and artistic expression. Fusion Bellydance is her passion and primary focus, a style she loves for its limitless creative possibilities and the strong sense of community it fosters. Elizabeth teaches Fusion Bellydance classes in Manhattan, welcoming students of all levels. From 2022-2024, she directed an entertainment dance company, contributing to over 10 successful productions.
Today, she leads Vibe Space — a dance-photo studio in NYC created to support and connect dancers and creatives. For Elizabeth, Fusion Bellydance is not just an art form but a powerful space for individuality, community, and self-expression.
Known for her technically precise performances and unique costumes, Elizabeth continues to inspire through her dedication to dance and creativity.
Andalus Arabesque Fusion - Workshop
with Dalia Carella & Rex Benincasa
When: Saturday October 17, 10:00 - 11:30 am (1.5 Hours)
Description: Join Dalia and Rex for a dance and live music experience exploring Dalia's distinctive fusion, inspired by the spirit of Al-Andalus—the historic meeting place of Arab, North African, and Spanish cultures (which Dalia is focusing on in this class), where centuries of artistic exchange shaped music, poetry, and the arts.
Experience the fluid isolations and elegance of Raqs Sharqi and North African percussive hip work, combined with the dramatic arm work and posturing of Flamenco, all enriched by the timeless beauty of Moorish aesthetics. The dance flows in a romantic, barefoot, and fluid form.
Acclaimed New York percussionist Rex Benincasa joins Dalia on live percussion, and together they weave these cultural dance and musical traditions into a deeply expressive and theatrical fusion experience.
What to bring: Skirt - Belly dance/romani full or flamenco practice skirt.
Who: 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 Roman 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 many dance theater productions in NYC as well as 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 dance academy at www.daliacarella.com
Rex Benincasa is one of New York's most sought-after percussionists in NYC and beyond, performing professionally since 1978. His extensive work with leading flamenco artists and companies includes Flamenco Latino, Carlota Santana Spanish Dance, Andrea DelConte Danza España, Zorongo Flamenco Dance, Pilar Rioja, and Amanecer Flamenco Progressivo.
Beyond flamenco, Rex has performed with ensembles including American Ballet Theatre, Apollo's Fire, Seraphic Fire, The Sebastians, and the Concordia Chamber Players. His recording credits feature artists such as Philip Glass, Marty Balin, Foday Musa Suso, and Sesame Street, while his Broadway performances include Fosse, Man of La Mancha, Hairspray, In the Heights, Billy Elliot, Shrek,The Color Purple, and Mrs. Doubtfire.
Free Your Pelvis - Workshop with Kaeshi Chai
When: Saturday October 17, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm (1.5 Hours)
Description: Discover how freeing the pelvis can cultivate greater confidence, authenticity, fluidity, and presence, both in dance and in everyday life. Awaken the wisdom and expressive power of your pelvis through movement, breath, and embodiment. Inspired by the sacral chakra, this workshop explores creativity, emotional flow, sensuality, and the transformative element of water.
Grounded in anatomy and mindful movement, you'll learn to move your pelvis with greater freedom, strength, and safety through principles drawn from Middle Eastern dance, Pilates, Suzuki actor training, martial arts, qigong, somatics, and yoga. Through guided explorations, participants will develop mobility, stability, expressive range, and a deeper connection to the body's center, unlocking the pelvis as a powerful source of vitality, creativity, and embodied expression.
Who: Kaeshi Chai is a movement artist, designer, producer and director. She co-founded Bellyqueen - a professional touring dance company and school, - and PURE (Public Urban Ritual Experiment), a global community focused on healing and social change through dance and music. She has taught and performed in 47 states and 39 countries, and performed with the Bellydance Superstars, Jillina’s Bellydance Evolution, Kenji William’s Bella Gaia, Spector Dance, and the Shahrzad Dance Academy. Kaeshi curates the Djam NYC event for dancers and musicians to create and play together. Current projects include Lunar New Year and AAPI presentations in schools and libraries, and Nature Stories, integrating art and science at museums and cultural institutions. https://www.kaeshi.com/
Improv Team Sync and The Sigil Method - Workshop
with Amy Sigil
When: Saturday October 17, 2:00-3:30pm (1.5 Hours)
Experience: All Levels
Format: Technique & Combinations
Description: Improv Team Sync and The Sigil Method A dive into the world of Amy Sigil’s group improvisation formats ITS and The Sigil Method. We will be working with new content, new concepts, and new formations. Working the brain and the body while strengthening group communication and team spirit.
Unconventional Vertical Veil - Workshop
with Irina Akulenko
When: Sunday October 18, 10:00 - 11:30 am (1.5 Hours)
Description: Are you tired of your veil work? Do you find its presentation on stage a bit predictable? Let's think about all the usual rules applied to this beautiful prop, and break them! In this workshop you will learn Irina's favorite bound, vertical veil combinations and explore new ways to frame yourself with the draped fabric. This workshop requires standard length veil, some kind of an hip scarf (the veil will be anchored on the hips at a certain point). Jump in to embody moments straight out of Alphonse Mucha’s paintings.
Who: Irina Akulenko is a New York City-based artist, with a burning passion for arts of all genres. Since 2001, Irina explored both Egyptian Cabaret and American Tribal Style belly dance, Classical Indian (Odissi), contemporary, and Flamenco and now enjoys fusing these art forms. Today, Irina performs on various New York stages and tours nationally and internationally as a soloist fusion dancer; offers numerous online classes in a variety of styles: is a teacher and principal dancer with Bellyqueen Dance Theater and choreographer and Assistant Director for NASA-powered multimedia show Bella Gaia. www.DanceIrina.com
The Magnetic Dancer - Workshop
with Brenna Crowley
When: Sunday October 18, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm (1.5 Hours)
Description: What makes an audience unable to look away? It’s not just technique; it’s presence, intention, and the courage to be fully seen.
In this workshop, dancers will explore exercises designed to unlock their natural charisma, deepen their emotional expression, and strengthen audience connection. Through guided movement explorations, improvisation, focus exercises, and performance techniques, participants will discover how to command attention, embody their unique artistic voice, and create performances that leave a lasting impression.
Open to dancers of all styles and experience levels.
Who: Brenna Crowley is a NYC-based dancer, choreographer, and instructor known for her fierce, funny, and powerful performances. Since beginning her dance journey in 2004, she has performed coast to coast—featured as a soloist, ensemble member, and collaborator with companies like Solstice Ensemble, Dalia Carella Dance Collective, her own Zilla Dance Project, and many more. With an infectious charisma, she seamlessly blends traditional belly dance with a contemporary twist, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that captivates audiences. A true entertainer, she loves moving to the beats of popular hits, turning each performance into a memorable dance party. A vibrant presence on stage and in the classroom, Brenna currently teaches at Bellyqueen School and continues to share her unique blend of movement through performance and education.
Suck Until You Suc(k)ceed - Panel Discussion
with Amy Sigil, Brenna Crowley, Dalia Carella & Kaeshi Chai
When: Sunday October 18, 2:00 - 3:30 pm (1.5 Hours)
Description: Every artist starts somewhere. Growth requires experimentation, vulnerability, and the willingness to be imperfect. If you’ve ever struggled with imposter syndrome, feared taking creative risks, or questioned your unique voice as a dancer, this conversation is for you. Join four experienced artists as they share the challenges, failures, breakthroughs, and practices that helped them cultivate authenticity, musicality, movement connection, and confidence.
Discover practical tools and fresh perspectives for developing your own story, style, and artistic identity—and learn why embracing the awkward stages of the creative process may be the fastest path to finding your voice.
Movement for the SPIRIT - Workshop
with Amy Sigil
When: Sunday October 18, 3:30-5:00 pm (1.5 Hours)
Experience: All Levels
Format: Technique & Conditioning
Description: Connecting movement to the soul and spending energy in areas that inspire passion and growth. We will crack open our bodies and hearts to take a spiritual dance journey together. See you in the spirit.