In-Person 2025 Schedule
Dance in-person with Irina Akulenko at the Bellyqueen School Jan 7-Feb 18 only!
Jan 7-Feb 18 Tue 6.30-7.30pm: Open Level Cross-Cultural Fusion Technique + Combos
Join Irina for her unique combinations and drills. There will be a special focus on taking up space and projecting different emotions.
Jan 7 Tue 7.30-9pm: Drama Queen Dance Workshop
This open-level in-person workshop with the incredible Irina Akulenko, will focus on a variety of walks. Add drama, presence and nuance to how you progress through space. Borrowing from an array of styles, we'll work on creating magic with every step.
Jan 14, 21, 28, Feb 4, 11, 18 Tuesdays 7.30-9pm: Int Level “Santa Fe” Cross-Cultural Fusion 6 Week Performance Project
This intermediate level fusion belly dance performance project is a medium tempo choreography set to a gorgeous track by Rob Mastrianni. It utilizes a veil-like prop and is set to be performed on Sunday, February 23, 7pm 2025.
Tech rehearsal is at 4.30pm the same day.
Focusing on lyrical, clean lines, breath and interesting textures within the body, we will incorporate an unusual prop (we will start with a veil in class and the actual prop will be created for the final performance group) into the dance, working on uniting with fabric as an extension of ourselves.
Performing this project is optional, previous performance experience is required and Irina reserves the right to have the final say in approving the performance team. Please note that costume and the special prop will be an additional and separate cost (efforts will be made to keep the costs to a reasonable minimum). For further details or any questions reach out to Irina at “IrinaDances@gmail.com”
Masks for this series are optional
(Irina is likely to be masked as a safety precaution and asks for anyone with any kind of symptoms to mask up as well)
INVESTMENT:
Tuesday drop-in classes: $25, Class cards + Unlimited Passes apply. Navigate to any Tuesday Jan 7 to Feb 18.
Drama Queen Dance Workshop: Sliding scale $40, $35, $30 members. Navigate to Jan 7.
Santa Fe 6 Week Performance Project: $195
* Includes a video of the performance.
* Participants are expected to invite at least one paying audience member
* Costume is an extra cost
WHERE:
Instruction: Bellyqueen School @Playwrights Downtown
440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4D, New York, NY 10003
WHO: Irina Akulenko is a New York City-based performer, teacher and choreographer with a burning passion for arts of all genres. Although she discovered Middle Eastern dance purely by chance, her interest in expression started at an early age and was channeled into ballet training, in addition to piano and voice lessons as well as drawing. Since 2001, Irina explored Egyptian Cabaret and American Tribal style belly dance, Flamenco and Classical Indian dances (focusing mainly on Odissi) and now enjoys fusing these styles as well as everything in between. Today, Irina performs on various New York stages and tours nationally and internationally as a soloist and as member of various stellar projects. She released three instructional DVDs with World Dance New York and has two instructional series of videos with the popular website “Howcast.com”. Furthermore, she holds a Bachelors degree in Political Science, and has a strong interest in women's issues and visual arts. www.DanceIrina.com