In-Person 2026 Schedule

"Turns, Spins and Progressions: Oh My! " Open Level 5 Week Course
Dates: Jan 8, 15, 22, (skipping Jan 29), Feb 5 and 12
6:30 - 7:45pm 
If you've ever wanted to truly enjoy different kinds of turns - this is your chance. Pulling from multiple dance styles (Western and Eastern) and disciplines, Irina will carefully walk you through the mechanics of lots of spins, ensuring your progress. Through strengthening drills and fun progressions, we will dive deep and unlock your ability to fly. This is a longer open level class (1.15 hours!), with lots of repetition but also new mini combos each week. Easier modifications will be provided for newer dancers, as well as more complex options for the more experienced movers. 

Sign Up for the Turns, Spins and Progressions: Oh My! 5 Wk Course

"Odissi- Informed Fusion" Technique and Combinations” Open Level 5 Week Course
Dates: Jan 8, 15, 22, (skipping Jan 29), Feb 5 and 12
7:45 - 9pm
Odissi is one of the classical dance styles from India and is arguably one of the most elegant and beautiful dance forms. Graceful, statuesque and complex, its foundational elements can speak beautifully with bellydance. Featuring intricate hand gestures, percussive footwork and beautiful poses, we will learn this new language of movement and build strength through fun drills and short combinations. Open Level but strong foundation in bellydance is expected. Easier modifications will be provided for newer dancers, as well as more complex options for the more experienced movers. 

Sign Up for the Odissi- Informed Fusion" Technique and Combinations 5 Wk Course

WHERE: Bellyqueen School at Playwrights
440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio to be announced, New York, NY 10003

INVESTMENT:
Single 5 Wk Course: $125, $110 Unlimited Pass Holders

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