Dance as Discipline, Dance as Delight
Join fusion icon Amy Sigil alongside Dalia Carella, Irina Akulenko, Elizabeth Khard, Kaeshi Chai, and Brenna Crowley for a weekend 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
9:30am: Vendor area open
10:00 am: GENERATING and embracing your YES Part I - 3 hr Workshop with Amy Sigil
11:30 am: 15 min Break
11:45 am: GENERATING and embracing your YES Part II
1:15 pm: Lunch
2:00 pm: 1.5 hr Panel Discussion
3:30 pm: 15 min Break
3:45 pm: 1.5 hr Workshop with Elizabeth Khard
5:15 pm: Early Dinner
7:00 pm: Doors Open
7:15 pm: Theatrical Fusion Dance Show I
9:45 pm: End
Saturday, October 17
9:30am: Vendor area open
10:00 am: Andaluz 1.5 hr Workshop with Dalia Carella
11:30 am: 15 min Break
11:45 am: 1.5 hr Workshop with Kaeshi Chai
1:15 pm: Lunch
2:00 pm: Elena Lentini Tribute - 1.5 hr Panel Discussion
3:30 pm: 15 min Break
3:45 pm: Improv Team Sync and The Sigil Method - 1.5 hr Workshop with Amy Sigil
5:15 pm: Early Dinner
7:00 pm: Doors Open
7:15 pm: Theatrical Fusion Dance Show II
9:45 pm: End
Sunday, October 18
9:30am: Vendor area open
10:00 am: 1.5 hr Workshop with Irina Akulenko
11:30 am: 15 min Break
11:45 am: 1.5 hr Workshop with Brenna Crowley
1:15 pm: Lunch
2:00 pm: 1.5 hr Panel Discussion
3:30 pm: 15 min Break
3:45 pm: Movement for the SPIRIT - 1.5 hr Workshop with Amy Sigil
5:15 pm: Early Dinner
7:00 pm: Doors Open
7:15 pm: Theatrical Fusion Dance Show III
9:45 pm: End
WHERE
Ukrainian National Home, 140 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003
INVESTMENT
Gotham Fusion Fest Ultimate Package (8 Workshops + 3 Shows): $499, $470 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: $499 + $50 = $549, $520 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 Show): $199
Saturday Package (4.5 hr Dance Workshops, Panel Discussion + Saturday Show): $199
Sunday Package (4.5 hr Dance Workshops, Panel Discussion + Sunday Show): $199
A La Carte Workshops + Panel Discussons
1.5 hr Dance Workshop: $49
3 hr Dance Workshop: $99
1.5 hr Panel Discussion: $30
Shows / Performance Media Fee
Friday Theatrical Fusion Dance Show: $30
Saturday Theatrical Fusion Dance Show: $30
Sunday Theatrical Fusion Dance Show: $30
All 3 Shows: $75
If you are performing, your show fee will be applied toward professional photos and videos.
Tickets are not transferable.
Apply to Performby August 11. Application link coming
Performers will be announced on September 1st.
FAQ
1. If you purchase an Ultimate package, you can watch or perform (if chosen) in the Friday, 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, you must:
– Purchase at least one a la carte workshop
– Buy a ticket / performance fee ( includes professional photos + video)
4. 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 with Amy Sigil
When: Friday 10:00 am - 1:15 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.
Friday Panel Discusson
When: Friday 2:00 - 3:30 pm (1.5 Hours)
Description: Coming
Workshop with Elizabeth Khard
When: Friday 3:45 - 5:15 pm (1.5 Hours)
Description: Coming
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.
Andaluz Workshop with Dalia Carella
When: Saturday 10:00 - 11:30 am (1.5 Hours)
Description: Coming
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
Dance Workshop with Kaeshi Chai
When: Saturday 11:45 am - 1:15 pm (1.5 Hours)
Description: Coming
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/
Elena Lentini Tribute Panel Discussion
When: Saturday 2:00-3:30pm (1.5 Hours)
Description: Remembering the late Elena Lentini
Who: Coming
Improv Team Sync and The Sigil Method
with Amy Sigil
When: Saturday 3:45-5:15pm (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.
Dance Workshop with Irina Akulenko
When: Sunday 10:00 - 11:30 am (1.5 Hours)
Description: Coming
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
Dance Workshop with Brenna Crowley
When: Saturday 11:45 am - 1:15 pm (1.5 Hours)
Description: Coming
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.
Sunday Panel Discusson
When: Sunday 2:00 - 3:30 pm (1.5 Hours)
Description: Coming
Movement for the SPIRIT with Amy Sigil
When: Sunday 3:15-5:15 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.