https://bellyqueen.com/blog daily 0.75 2025-05-13 https://bellyqueen.com/blog/soul-jkbl2 monthly 0.5 2019-08-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ce592c8732098000152407a/1565797388353-ZNIL9DIOB2P9Q5AICP8I/Aro+Ha_0411.jpg Blog - Feeding your Soul image shot at Ara Ha https://bellyqueen.com/blog/summer-retreat-y5ywb monthly 0.5 2019-08-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ce592c8732098000152407a/1565796730347-F967A8VZLRZX25KHDFKR/Aro+Ha_0394.jpg Blog - Summer Retreat 2019 photo shot at Aro Ha https://bellyqueen.com/blog/yoga-5azej monthly 0.5 2019-08-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ce592c8732098000152407a/1565795875642-R6M0H2EEIP23VHI244L5/Aro-Ha_1169.jpg Blog - Yoga Reimagined image shot at Aro Ha https://bellyqueen.com/blog/exploring-jc29f monthly 0.5 2019-08-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ce592c8732098000152407a/1565797613488-VGVMGKNK8VDIMJ36QTC8/20140302_trade-151_0742-copy.jpg Blog - Exploring Colima https://bellyqueen.com/home daily 1.0 2026-03-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/3bf23cab-05af-455c-aafe-789a7b41d75e/Screen+Shot+2023-11-19+at+10.53.17+AM.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/1ac98fd2-2886-4d3d-a605-37659c5243cd/_VLJ4113LR.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/9f785935-03fc-4d0a-b177-896d53d52cb0/IMG_8263.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/ea4bf480-104f-4414-91fa-29d1f9ea6a5c/CandleGroup_.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/c07e7212-76ef-416c-9b89-7ec8dbec983c/HD2603Schedule.jpg Home - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/719a7c9e-9f39-4139-a385-12b503b5592e/HDTarikImprov260321.jpg Home - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/8218a87d-11c5-4fe3-a699-384c725a6a91/HDBrennaKraken.jpg Home - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/4b7ea15e-2df3-4536-af37-33eabdafbc81/Kaeshi2604.jpg Home - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/c2dc1e3a-0c61-4b2e-a6ad-f36f04851815/1920Irina202604B.jpg Home - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/e123dbe7-b6ce-43ec-b946-941db8711331/2512Showcase.jpg Home - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/472cb165-5287-4251-90e7-fba4c51dbc68/HD251012RachelWorkshopOct2025.jpg Home - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/1efb166a-e788-41fb-b2e1-7883eeabbbc9/BellyQueen_12092023_956_GroupLR.jpg Home - Make it stand out 25th Anniversary Celebration Show. Photo by Curtis Pan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/1754f436-7886-45e5-a632-2ff6afd22493/EB260215ElAsdiqaa.jpg Home - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/our-instructors daily 0.75 2021-11-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c5a514d65019f01a2cb2be5/1554919226465-10GBNZ6JOH0Y4BD3RIVR/team1.jpeg Our Instructors - First Name Last name Tobias Keene, D.D.S. Hailing from Richmond, Virginia, Dr. Tobias Keene brings a bit of unabashed Southern hospitality to all his patients. He moved to Washington, D.C. over thirty years ago as a freshman at Ivy College. Right after graduation, he attended World University’s School of Dentistry. Before opening Keene Dental in 1994, he worked for free clinics and some of the finest practices in the District. He is part of the 123 Dental Association and stays up-to-date on the latest dental discoveries. When not striving to keep his patients happy and healthy, he’s enjoys hiking with his family in Rock Creek Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ce592c8732098000152407a/1562799612660-24TM95COB0O3E0OQGAXA/Madeleine.jpg Our Instructors - First Name Last name Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. 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Ut enim ad minim veniam. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. Photography by Aro Ha https://bellyqueen.com/classes daily 0.75 2026-03-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/c07e7212-76ef-416c-9b89-7ec8dbec983c/HD2603Schedule.jpg Schedule - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/courses-1 daily 0.75 2022-06-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/1b495fc6-af6c-4773-84b2-9f9c2cea0b11/700MakiBeginner2022June.jpg Courses (Copy) https://bellyqueen.com/courses daily 0.75 2022-06-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/1b495fc6-af6c-4773-84b2-9f9c2cea0b11/700MakiBeginner2022June.jpg Courses https://bellyqueen.com/rates daily 0.75 2024-10-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/b6fa48fb-b337-4a64-99d6-f8ac3ede7a5c/2023Prices.jpg Rates - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/freedom-flow daily 0.75 2022-07-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/3e9241ac-3405-4699-87d1-12d23311c7b6/1920FreedomFlow.jpg July 7-10 Freedom Flow https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/be193959-25e5-4dcc-8cbc-71aa5953aa39/Wells-Falls.jpeg July 7-10 Freedom Flow https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/778d5e8c-2d6c-4788-b227-6143524dabe5/1920_1005_2022-07-08-DjamIthaca2.jpg July 7-10 Freedom Flow - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/085cfffe-0154-4fbc-9fc5-6ba05a2bc59b/1920_1005_2022-07-10-DjamNYC2.jpg July 7-10 Freedom Flow - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/03c97c2d-8969-44be-b05c-97ceb43ecc09/JillParker.jpg July 7-10 Freedom Flow - Make it stand out Jill Parker performs and teaches 7/9 in Ithaca https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/d40b767e-f629-4e9b-96c6-23a433123ecb/Belladonna.jpg July 7-10 Freedom Flow - Make it stand out Belladonna performs and teaches 7/10 in NYC https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/0e258932-8d37-4bbc-aa41-c486557f4874/MyraManton.jpg July 7-10 Freedom Flow - Make it stand out Myra Krien teaches and performs 7/9-7/10 in Ithaca + NYC https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/81247b28-9fc5-46b9-8e3f-612e2ea4a70a/Ole.jpg July 7-10 Freedom Flow - Make it stand out Kaeshi Chai performs and teaches 7/9-7/10 in Ithaca + NYC https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/933044d9-fff6-446e-877d-b5345f5a6fd9/Kazuma.jpg July 7-10 Freedom Flow - Make it stand out Nature Dancer will perform and teach in Ithaca + NYC https://bellyqueen.com/djam-nyc daily 0.75 2026-02-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/1754f436-7886-45e5-a632-2ff6afd22493/EB260215ElAsdiqaa.jpg Djam NYC - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/fb4ce2c8-59b3-479b-bba6-e870e39bf459/Secret-Room-Menu.jpg Djam NYC - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/eecadb1c-782f-4b50-a69f-79cd5e7701bc/SecretRoomDrinks.jpg Djam NYC - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/964622d1-d05c-4711-8a7e-8eed82a16f2f/EB251116ElAsdiqaa2.jpg Djam NYC - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/f389e3a8-3a56-4f83-a636-aea40cede289/EB250817ElAsdiqaa.jpg Djam NYC - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/cc4dcfd4-594b-4f07-be78-93559ad92c4b/EB2506ElAsdiqaa.jpg Djam NYC - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/42e5ff46-4608-430a-846f-fcb2b6124564/EBStarWars2025.jpg Djam NYC - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/dde05f47-95a3-49bf-9be8-8c42509370c6/EBDjam250223-Manish.jpg Djam NYC - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/f89b2a55-19f4-423f-b4d1-262de8b37cc0/EB-241208-ElAsdiqaa.jpg Djam NYC - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/19426d6f-22c6-4e20-9750-792a2ddeda6c/EBDjam240804.jpg Djam NYC - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/fb5a25c5-fab0-4154-8150-c52185a532cd/EBDjam20240630.jpg Djam NYC - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/ffa6bdd1-5c54-4593-ae6d-80f21eee54fa/EBPersianNight2.jpg Djam NYC - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/5090d908-7c31-4a79-870b-fc21bf261f60/EBStarWars.jpg Djam NYC - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/8ac344eb-5d67-41ff-b753-4e3009f2cfc5/EBElAsdiqaa20240407Final.jpg Djam NYC - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/890fd7a3-41e3-4ec5-8715-d807b7c55105/EBMixedMovementMusicFinal.jpg Djam NYC - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/24080ed2-1f1e-4e34-8839-8e5b206466e1/EBFollowYourBliss.jpg Djam NYC - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/042402a1-2143-4939-8ed5-1562c899e417/EBElAsdiqaa20230107.jpg Djam NYC - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/b5032e63-98d2-4e29-afc3-520590323429/EBMetamorphosis.jpg Djam NYC - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/b6e3b38e-6fcf-484e-bc19-5dc7f7159548/EBSoloists.jpg Djam NYC - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/6a35213e-57fb-4351-8994-e699e92ac8b0/EBDjamNYCOldSchool.jpg Djam NYC - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/f1adb909-2be7-485b-b018-2aaaada40aaf/2160_2023-04-16-DjamNYC.jpg Djam NYC - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/6bc0410e-780e-4903-a09b-812c8da61c55/1920-20230108-DjamNYC.jpg Djam NYC - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/a1374107-af2f-4ad5-abd6-025a9b943c68/2160_2022WinterShowcase.jpg Djam NYC - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/dae26e34-6a7c-49f8-91a5-87e14bad9b3b/1920x1005-ElAsdiqaa-20221002.jpg Djam NYC - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/ae2136c9-0ff4-4145-8f95-f6c151df60c9/CasaDellaPace6.jpg Djam NYC - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/1e49f633-4b2a-4e53-91a5-fe43a70d20c4/2160_2022-08-21-DjamNYC.jpg Djam NYC - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/6df5b504-f1fd-4ae7-b942-92b428d947ba/1920_1005_2022-07-10-DjamNYC2.jpg Djam NYC - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/c9211954-d107-40c9-b126-4d238a9d7270/1920_1005_2022-07-08-DjamIthaca2.jpg Djam NYC https://bellyqueen.com/defrost daily 0.75 2022-06-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/8de8afa6-9685-415f-a8c2-8e0556dd1137/1920RamiIntDefrost.jpg June 21 - July 19 Defrost Drum Course WHAT: Now that we have an idea of the split hand method, it’s time to put all that drilling into playing a piece. The new composition, “Defrost” features many of the split hand techniques we have been working on in the past. In this 4-5 week course we will break down each section of the piece, as well as continuing our ongoing practice of the split hand drumming technique. Pre-requisites: Familiarity with split hand techniques and main Middle Eastern drum hits and rhythms. WHEN: Tuesdays June 21-July 19 5.15-6.15pm ET A Zoom link will be sent out 10 minutes before the workshop begins. COST: $50, $75, $100 Sliding scale pay what you can SIGN UP NOW! WHO: Rami ‘Tabla’ El-Aasser has a MS from NYU (2010) and BS from Northwestern University (1997). He plays darbuka and sings worldwide with groups including Alsarah & the Nubatones, Raquy Düm, and Zikrayat. Based in New York & the Berkshires, he is a regular at NYC's taraab and dance parties with traditional musicians from across the mideast. With roots in Egypt, his repertoire includes classical and folk traditions from the Arab World, Greece, Balkans, Turkey, East and North Africa, by way of Brooklyn. Rami's grooves also can be found on many recordings, soundtracks, and live theatre productions, most recently on Broadway at The Band’s Visit. http://ramitabla.com https://bellyqueen.com/time-travel daily 0.75 2022-06-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/13e1b252-724e-49f9-bae6-1b4b18e980ad/1920_1005_BrennaTimeTravel.jpg July 7-28 Time Travel Dance Drills WHAT: This 4 week Open Level course is all about keeping you movin’ and groovin’ with dance drills to a different throwback music playlist each week! Feel free to send in your song requests! This course is appropriate for all levels and modifications will be given to beginners as well as challenges for more seasoned dancers. WHEN: Thursdays 7.45-8.45pm July 7-28 July 7 - 2010s & 2000s July 14 - 1990s & 1980s July 21 - 1970s & 1960s July 28 - Your song requests from any decade! WHERE: Bellyqueen School of Dance @Playwrights Downtown, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4D, New York, NY 10003 Vaccinations are required to enter the building. COST: Sliding scale pay what you can afford 4 Wk Course $80, $90, $100 Drop-In $25 Limited to 10 students SIGN UP NOW! WHO: Brenna Crowley is an eclectic belly dance artist, choreographer and instructor in NYC, performing and teaching locally and across the country in many theatrical dance productions, belly dance festivals and other events each year since 2007. She has performed as a featured soloist as well as a member of Sera Solstice’s Solstice Ensemble, Solstice Project, and Solar Tribe, Altagracia’s Caribbean Rose Dance Company, Ayshe’s Cult of Isis Ensemble and many others. She is the director of her troupe Zilla Dance Ensemble, which was formed in 2009. Since its inception, they have performed in numerous theatrical shows, belly dance festivals and other dance events each year. The dancers that make up this ensemble come from all walks of life and various belly dance disciplines; together they celebrate the exuberance of movement and music. http://brennadance.com https://bellyqueen.com/raqs-2022-07 daily 0.75 2022-06-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/6c8fb443-bb83-41c4-899f-762e9f7121b3/1920_1005_KaeshiGabrielaRaqs2022July.jpg July 11-25 Raqs Sharqi WHAT: WHAT: Join Kaeshi Chai and Gabriela Figueroa for a fun and dynamic course that is easy to follow and open to all levels. Learn Egyptian flavor combos to popular Middle Eastern songs where we will work on creative transitions, hip and arm moves, undulations and circles drills. WHEN: Mondays 7.30-8.30pm July 11-25 WHERE: In-Person: Bellyqueen School of Dance @Playwrights Downtown, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4D, New York, NY 10003 Vaccinations are required to enter the building. COST: Sliding scale pay what you can afford 3 Wk Course $60 $70, $80 $25 Drop-In Limited to 10 students SIGN UP NOW! WHO: KAESHI CHAI is a bicoastal (NYC + Bay Area) based performer, theatrical director, teacher trainer, and award winning designer. She co-founded the professional dance company and school, Bellyqueen, and PURE (Public Urban Ritual Experiment), a global community focused on healing and social change through dance and music. Kaeshi has extensive training in contemporary dance, physical theatre and Silk Road dances spanning the Middle East to China. She has taught or performed in 47 states and 39 countries. She is an alumni member of the Bellydance Superstars, Jillina’s Bellydance Evolution and Kenji William’s Bella Gaia and curates the Djam NYC event for dancers and musicians to create and play together. Current projects include Ocean Stories, a performance integrating art and science to create more environmental awareness, and Creative Labs in which participants conceptualize, choreograph and mount full-length theatrical dance shows in 3-4 days. www.kaeshi.com www.pureglobe.org www.bellyqueen.com …………………………………………………. GABRIELA FIGUEROA’s passionate journey with Middle Eastern dance first began in 2011. She studied with Natalie El-Ghoul, a Middle Eastern and contemporary choreographer at La Fábrica in Guayaquil, Ecuador and also with certified somatic teacher Carolina Cruz, from Quito, Ecuador at Frente de Danza Independiente. In 2015 Gabriela became a member of Natalia Nazario's multiple award-winning troupe Raks Al Zahra troupe and in 2018, she completed the Bellyqueen Teacher Training Course led by Kaeshi Chai. Gabriela continues to grow each day by studying different styles such as Middle Eastern folklore, Romani, Flamenco and other modalities contributing to her versatility as both a performer and choreographer. As a proud member of the Bellyqueen school faculty, Gabriela's teaching focuses on history and culture, creating community and integration of mind and body through dance. https://bellyqueen.com/abs-beginner-mon-2022-07 daily 0.75 2022-06-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/1cb738b7-58f5-4e55-8f92-3c363d58c479/1920KaeshiGabrielaAbsBeg.jpg July 11-25 Absolute Beginner Belly Dance WHAT: Learn belly dance step-by-step with other absolute beginner adults in a nurturing environment with Kaeshi and Gabriela. This course runs for 4 consecutive weeks and will build on from the week before. You will learn foundation belly dance vocabulary and moves! No previous dance experience necessary. WHEN: Mondays 6.30-7.30pm July 11-25 July 11 Ma’at Curriculum with Kaeshi Chai July 18 + 25 Ma’at Curriculum with Gabriela Figueroa WHERE: In-Person: Bellyqueen School of Dance @Playwrights Downtown, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4D, New York, NY 10003 Vaccinations are required to enter the building. COST: Sliding scale pay what you can afford (Limited to 10 students) 3 Wk Course $60 $70, $80 $25 Drop-In SIGN UP NOW! WHO: KAESHI CHAI is a bicoastal (NYC + Bay Area) based performer, theatrical director, teacher trainer, and award winning designer. She co-founded the professional dance company and school, Bellyqueen, and PURE (Public Urban Ritual Experiment), a global community focused on healing and social change through dance and music. Kaeshi has extensive training in contemporary dance, physical theatre and Silk Road dances spanning the Middle East to China. She has taught or performed in 47 states and 39 countries. She is an alumni member of the Bellydance Superstars, Jillina’s Bellydance Evolution and Kenji William’s Bella Gaia and curates the Djam NYC event for dancers and musicians to create and play together. Current projects include Ocean Stories, a performance integrating art and science to create more environmental awareness, and Creative Labs in which participants conceptualize, choreograph and mount full-length theatrical dance shows in 3-4 days. www.kaeshi.com www.pureglobe.org www.bellyqueen.com …………………………………………………. GABRIELA FIGUEROA’s passionate journey with Middle Eastern dance first began in 2011. She studied with Natalie El-Ghoul, a Middle Eastern and contemporary choreographer at La Fábrica in Guayaquil, Ecuador and also with certified somatic teacher Carolina Cruz, from Quito, Ecuador at Frente de Danza Independiente. In 2015 Gabriela became a member of Natalia Nazario's multiple award-winning troupe Raks Al Zahra troupe and in 2018, she completed the Bellyqueen Teacher Training Course led by Kaeshi Chai. Gabriela continues to grow each day by studying different styles such as Middle Eastern folklore, Romani, Flamenco and other modalities contributing to her versatility as both a performer and choreographer. As a proud member of the Bellyqueen school faculty, Gabriela's teaching focuses on history and culture, creating community and integration of mind and body through dance. https://bellyqueen.com/beginner-brenna-2022-07 daily 0.75 2022-06-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/939483f7-49f7-4229-bacb-f31a68c33f36/1920_1005_BrennaBeginner202207.jpg July 7-28 Beginner Belly Dance Beginner Technique & Combos Course WHAT: This 4 week Beginner course is appropriate for absolute beginners as well as seasoned beginner dancers or anyone who’s looking for some good technique breakdown and practice or a gentler re-entry to in-person classes! This course runs for 4 weeks and will build on from the week before. WHEN: Thursdays 6.30-7.30pm July 7-28 WHERE: In-Person: Bellyqueen School of Dance @Playwrights Downtown, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4D, New York, NY 10003 Vaccinations are required to enter the building. COST: Sliding scale pay what you can afford (Limited to 10 students) 4 Wk Course $80 $90, $100 $25 Drop-In SIGN UP NOW! WHO: Brenna Crowley is an eclectic belly dance artist, choreographer and instructor in NYC, performing and teaching locally and across the country in many theatrical dance productions, belly dance festivals and other events each year since 2007. She has performed as a featured soloist as well as a member of Sera Solstice’s Solstice Ensemble, Solstice Project, and Solar Tribe, Altagracia’s Caribbean Rose Dance Company, Ayshe’s Cult of Isis Ensemble and many others. She is the director of her troupe Zilla Dance Ensemble, which was formed in 2009. Since its inception, they have performed in numerous theatrical shows, belly dance festivals and other dance events each year. The dancers that make up this ensemble come from all walks of life and various belly dance disciplines; together they celebrate the exuberance of movement and music. http://brennadance.com https://bellyqueen.com/beginner-maki-2022-07 daily 0.75 2022-06-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/e7f7739f-65d4-4e2e-af93-5f69ebdf5b7b/1920_1005_BeginnerMakiLexi202207.jpg July 5-26 Beginner Belly Dance Beginner Technique & Combos Course WHAT: This 4 week Beginner course is appropriate for absolute beginners as well as seasoned beginner dancers or anyone who’s looking for some good technique breakdown and practice or a gentler re-entry to in-person classes! This course runs for 4 weeks and will build on from the week before. WHEN: Tuesdays 6.30-7.30pm July 5-26 WHERE: In-Person: Bellyqueen School of Dance @Playwrights Downtown, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4D, New York, NY 10003 Vaccinations are required to enter the building. COST: Sliding scale pay what you can afford (Limited to 10 students) 4 Wk Course $80 $90, $100 $25 Drop-In SIGN UP NOW! WHO: Maki Moves is a dancer and performing artist who relocated to New York city in 2012 from Nagoya, Japan. She has a background in hip hop, Cuban Salsa, Reggaeton, Egyptian belly dance and Tribal Fusion. She is one of the principal dancers and instructors of Sahara Layla from the Hermes Dance Company and has trained in the Bellyqueen style since 2005. Maki Moves has performed in NYC, Japan, Australia and Thailand and has taken respected Teacher Training programs led by Tamalyn Dallal and Bellyqueen. She was a competition winner with Bellydance Evolution in Sydney, Australia and was selected as the very first belly dance choreographer to be showcased at the prestigious 2014 7th Annual Choreographer's Canvas in NYC. Lexi Linds is a New York based performer who took a leap into belly dance classes, fell in love, and never turned back. Her journey as a dance instructor and introduction to empowerment through movement began in 2013 when she taught intro to pole dancing classes in Los Angeles. Lexi completed the Bellyqueen Teacher Training course in 2019 and the Kane Comprehensive Pilates Mat training in 2021. She performs regularly at the Casa La Femme Egyptian restaurant in the west village, and has been featured in Elsten Torres’ music video for his song "Girl". Lexi performed on a vampire cruise of the Hudson River and in mixed media shows at the Ace Hotel in New York. Her love for dance, body positivity and movement awareness manifests in her work. She believes in the healing power of dance and enjoys the opportunity for physical expression that bellydance provides. https://bellyqueen.com/july-10-freedom-flow-nyc daily 0.75 2022-07-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/fd40d0ad-9af8-4abc-94cc-c4f02d90a6f6/FreedomFlowNYC.jpg July 10 Freedom Flow NYC https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/be193959-25e5-4dcc-8cbc-71aa5953aa39/Wells-Falls.jpeg July 10 Freedom Flow NYC https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/778d5e8c-2d6c-4788-b227-6143524dabe5/1920_1005_2022-07-08-DjamIthaca2.jpg July 10 Freedom Flow NYC - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/085cfffe-0154-4fbc-9fc5-6ba05a2bc59b/1920_1005_2022-07-10-DjamNYC2.jpg July 10 Freedom Flow NYC - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/03c97c2d-8969-44be-b05c-97ceb43ecc09/JillParker.jpg July 10 Freedom Flow NYC - Make it stand out Jill Parker performs and teaches 7/9 in Ithaca https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/d40b767e-f629-4e9b-96c6-23a433123ecb/Belladonna.jpg July 10 Freedom Flow NYC - Make it stand out Belladonna performs and teaches 7/10 in NYC https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/0e258932-8d37-4bbc-aa41-c486557f4874/MyraManton.jpg July 10 Freedom Flow NYC - Make it stand out Myra Krien teaches and performs 7/9-7/10 in Ithaca + NYC https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/81247b28-9fc5-46b9-8e3f-612e2ea4a70a/Ole.jpg July 10 Freedom Flow NYC - Make it stand out Kaeshi Chai performs and teaches 7/9-7/10 in Ithaca + NYC https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/933044d9-fff6-446e-877d-b5345f5a6fd9/Kazuma.jpg July 10 Freedom Flow NYC - Make it stand out Nature Dancer will perform and teach in Ithaca + NYC https://bellyqueen.com/freedom-flow-ithaca daily 0.75 2022-07-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/7491fc56-e6ca-4bae-a898-0302865e687c/FreedomFlowIthaca.jpg July 8-9 Freedom Flow Ithaca https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/be193959-25e5-4dcc-8cbc-71aa5953aa39/Wells-Falls.jpeg July 8-9 Freedom Flow Ithaca https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/778d5e8c-2d6c-4788-b227-6143524dabe5/1920_1005_2022-07-08-DjamIthaca2.jpg July 8-9 Freedom Flow Ithaca - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/085cfffe-0154-4fbc-9fc5-6ba05a2bc59b/1920_1005_2022-07-10-DjamNYC2.jpg July 8-9 Freedom Flow Ithaca - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/03c97c2d-8969-44be-b05c-97ceb43ecc09/JillParker.jpg July 8-9 Freedom Flow Ithaca - Make it stand out Jill Parker performs and teaches 7/9 in Ithaca https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/d40b767e-f629-4e9b-96c6-23a433123ecb/Belladonna.jpg July 8-9 Freedom Flow Ithaca - Make it stand out Belladonna performs and teaches 7/10 in NYC https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/0e258932-8d37-4bbc-aa41-c486557f4874/MyraManton.jpg July 8-9 Freedom Flow Ithaca - Make it stand out Myra Krien teaches and performs 7/9-7/10 in Ithaca + NYC https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/81247b28-9fc5-46b9-8e3f-612e2ea4a70a/Ole.jpg July 8-9 Freedom Flow Ithaca - Make it stand out Kaeshi Chai performs and teaches 7/9-7/10 in Ithaca + NYC https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/933044d9-fff6-446e-877d-b5345f5a6fd9/Kazuma.jpg July 8-9 Freedom Flow Ithaca - Make it stand out Nature Dancer will perform and teach in Ithaca + NYC https://bellyqueen.com/beginner-belly-dance-kaeshi-lexi daily 0.75 2022-07-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/04bc7487-b320-4159-867f-bb189368d492/1920_1005_BeginnerKaeshiLexi202207.jpg July 13-27 Beginner Belly Dance WHAT: This 3 week Beginner course is appropriate for absolute beginners as well as seasoned beginner dancers or anyone who’s looking for some good technique breakdown and practice or a gentler re-entry to in-person classes! WHEN: Wednesdays 7.30-8.30pm July 13-27 WHERE: In-Person: Bellyqueen School of Dance @Playwrights Downtown, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4D, New York, NY 10003 Vaccinations are required to enter the building. COST: Sliding scale pay what you can afford (Limited to 10 students) 3 Wk Course $60 $70, $80 $25 Drop-In SIGN UP NOW! WHO: Kaeshi Chai is a dancer, teacher, artist, designer, and percussionist based in NYC and the Bay area. She co-founded Bellyqueen - a professional dance company and school - and PURE (Public Urban Ritual Experiment), a global community focused on healing and social change through dance and music. She is trained in many modalities spanning fitness, pilates, yoga to physical theatre and dance. She developed the Bellyqueen teacher trainer curriculum and is a proud member of Evolutionary Leaders, a circle of innovative thinkers (including Deepak Chopra) who have dedicated their lives and work to human and social transformation. Kaeshi has taught / performed in 47 states and 39 countries, performs with Spector Dance - a contemporary dance company based in Monterey - and is an alumni member of the Bellydance Superstars, Jillina’s Bellydance Evolution and Kenji William’s Bella Gaia. Kaeshi curates the Djam NYC event for dancers and musicians to create and play together. Current projects include the Becoming - Exploring Identity show, Nature Stories, integrating art and science to create more environmental awareness, and Creative Labs in which participants conceptualize, choreograph and mount full-length theatrical dance shows in 3-4 day. www.kaeshi.com www.pureglobe.org www.bellyqueen.com Lexi Linds is a New York based performer who took a leap into belly dance classes, fell in love, and never turned back. Her journey as a dance instructor and introduction to empowerment through movement began in 2013 when she taught intro to pole dancing classes in Los Angeles. Lexi completed the Bellyqueen Teacher Training course in 2019 and the Kane Comprehensive Pilates Mat training in 2021. She performs regularly at the Casa La Femme Egyptian restaurant in the west village, and has been featured in Elsten Torres’ music video for his song "Girl". Lexi performed on a vampire cruise of the Hudson River and in mixed media shows at the Ace Hotel in New York. Her love for dance, body positivity and movement awareness manifests in her work. She believes in the healing power of dance and enjoys the opportunity for physical expression that bellydance provides. https://bellyqueen.com/bellydance-kaeshi-lexi daily 0.75 2022-07-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/164848eb-9cca-49bc-b2e1-eccb29298d01/1920_1005_KaeshiLexi202207.jpg July 13-27 Belly Dance WHAT: This 3 week all levels belly dance course begins with tuning into your breath, a thorough warmup, technique drills that culminate into sequences you can use in your improvisations and choreographies. WHEN: Wednesdays 6.30-7.30pm July 13-27 WHERE: In-Person: Bellyqueen School of Dance @Playwrights Downtown, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4D, New York, NY 10003 Vaccinations are required to enter the building. COST: Sliding scale pay what you can afford (Limited to 10 students) 3 Wk Course $60 $70, $80 $25 Drop-In SIGN UP NOW! WHO: Kaeshi Chai is a dancer, teacher, artist, designer, and percussionist based in NYC and the Bay area. She co-founded Bellyqueen - a professional dance company and school - and PURE (Public Urban Ritual Experiment), a global community focused on healing and social change through dance and music. She is trained in many modalities spanning fitness, pilates, yoga to physical theatre and dance. She developed the Bellyqueen teacher trainer curriculum and is a proud member of Evolutionary Leaders, a circle of innovative thinkers (including Deepak Chopra) who have dedicated their lives and work to human and social transformation. Kaeshi has taught / performed in 47 states and 39 countries, performs with Spector Dance - a contemporary dance company based in Monterey - and is an alumni member of the Bellydance Superstars, Jillina’s Bellydance Evolution and Kenji William’s Bella Gaia. Kaeshi curates the Djam NYC event for dancers and musicians to create and play together. Current projects include the Becoming - Exploring Identity show, Nature Stories, integrating art and science to create more environmental awareness, and Creative Labs in which participants conceptualize, choreograph and mount full-length theatrical dance shows in 3-4 day. www.kaeshi.com www.pureglobe.org www.bellyqueen.com Lexi Linds is a New York based performer who took a leap into belly dance classes, fell in love, and never turned back. Her journey as a dance instructor and introduction to empowerment through movement began in 2013 when she taught intro to pole dancing classes in Los Angeles. Lexi completed the Bellyqueen Teacher Training course in 2019 and the Kane Comprehensive Pilates Mat training in 2021. She performs regularly at the Casa La Femme Egyptian restaurant in the west village, and has been featured in Elsten Torres’ music video for his song "Girl". Lexi performed on a vampire cruise of the Hudson River and in mixed media shows at the Ace Hotel in New York. Her love for dance, body positivity and movement awareness manifests in her work. She believes in the healing power of dance and enjoys the opportunity for physical expression that bellydance provides. https://bellyqueen.com/pure-rome daily 0.75 2022-07-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/a7053864-61f0-4c9a-8d44-cee65da7abc0/2160PUREProcessionRome.jpg Sept 24-25 PURE Procession in Rome https://bellyqueen.com/july-31-dance-w-nature daily 0.75 2022-07-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/7cf7b2b4-ae55-4642-adee-f30ec3a93973/1920_1005_Kazuma0731.jpg July 31 Dance with Nature w/ Kazuma WHAT: DANCE WITH NATURE Workshop Drawing inspiration from the design of nature, we apply the concepts to the body, since we are made of nature. We try to awaken forgotten senses and to make sense of the chaos that we live in. WHEN: Sunday July 31st 4-6pm WHERE: Field south west of Cherry Hill Fountain, Central Park, New York, NY Text or call workshop assistant Anja (917) 371-0188 if you need help locating the group. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/f69c4435-22d3-4180-beb5-32f483b04021/CentralParkMap.jpg July 31 Dance with Nature w/ Kazuma - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/rates-copy daily 0.75 2022-07-23 https://bellyqueen.com/july-23-dance-with-nature-w-kazuma-copy daily 0.75 2022-07-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/9f2509fb-ef97-4dac-b4fa-ac9ed0a3c08c/1920_1005_KazumaNature.jpg July 23 Dance with Nature w/ Kazuma (Copy) WHAT: DANCE WITH NATURE Workshop Drawing inspiration from the design of nature, we apply the concepts to the body, since we are made of nature. We try to awaken forgotten senses and to make sense of the chaos that we live in. WHEN: Saturday July 23 4-6pm WHERE: Field west of Bethesda Fountain, Central Park, New York, NY Text or call workshop assistant Luana (347) 404-0888 if you need help locating the group. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/9b6882d4-aefb-484b-8e49-4420fd30e7ef/1920CentralParkMap.jpg July 23 Dance with Nature w/ Kazuma (Copy) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/2022-11-cleopatra-irina daily 0.75 2022-10-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/6ef10a61-15ec-42b8-89c2-460fcda2ef4a/1920IrinaCleopatra.jpg Nov 8-Dec 6 Cleopatra in New York WHAT: “Cleopatra in New York" (during Christmas) is an intermediate level, fusion bellydance choreography taught by Irina Akulenko, focused on fun, unusual and expressive ways of utilizing a SKIRT in dance (at least 1 year of belly dance required - we will focus on the skirt, and you’ll be expected to be comfortable with your belly dance basics). Aside from usual flourishes, we will play with combinations that step outside of traditional techniques, and make this prop really sing! Grab a skirt - ideally one where you can comfortably extend your arms away from you and stay covered and let's dance (25 yard skirt would be ideal)! In this series, you will learn Irina's favorite combinations, which will be threaded together into a cheeky and technical choreography to the track "Cleopatra in New York" . This workshop can also potentially become a performance project for the Bellyqueen Winter showcase on Saturday December 10th. * Includes video of the performance. WHEN: Course: Tuesdays 7.30-8.30pm November 8, 15, 22, 29, December 6 Show Tech: Saturday December 10 5-8pm Show: Saturday December 10 8-9.30pm WHERE: Course: Bellyqueen @ Playwrights 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4D, New York, NY 10003 Vaccinations are required to enter the building. *Masks are mandatory in all Irina's in-person classes. Show: Speyer Hall, University Settlement, 184 Eldridge St, New York, NY 10001 COST: Sliding scale pay what you can 5 Weeks: $125, $135, $145 Drop-In: $25 Limited to 15 students. * Sell (at least) one ticket * Cover own costume and sword * Additional rehearsals and fees may apply SIGN UP NOW! 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 https://bellyqueen.com/2022-11-raqs-sharqi daily 0.75 2022-10-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/269797ab-fdf1-4426-9fb4-7a4c67fee098/1920GabrielaRaqs2022-11.jpg Nov 7-28 Raqs Sharqi WHAT: Join Gabriela Figueroa and Ti Gi for a fun and dynamic course that is open to intermediate belly dancers. Learn Egyptian flavored combos to popular Middle Eastern songs where you will work on creative transitions, hip and arm moves, undulation, circle, figure 8 and shimmy drills. WHERE: Bellyqueen School @ Playwrights 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4D New York, NY 10003 Proof of vaccination required to enter the building WHEN: Mondays 7.30-8.30pm November 7, 14, 21, 28 COST: Sliding scale pay what you can 4 Week Course: $80, $90, $100 Drop-In: $25 Limited to 10 students SIGN UP NOW! WHO: GABRIELA FIGUEROA’s passionate journey with Middle Eastern dance first began in 2011. She studied with Natalie El-Ghoul, a Middle Eastern and contemporary choreographer at La Fábrica in Guayaquil, Ecuador and also with certified somatic teacher Carolina Cruz, from Quito, Ecuador at Frente de Danza Independiente. In 2015 Gabriela became a member of Natalia Nazario's multiple award-winning troupe Raks Al Zahra troupe and in 2018, she completed the Bellyqueen Teacher Training Course led by Kaeshi Chai. Gabriela continues to grow each day by studying different styles such as Middle Eastern folklore, Romani, Flamenco and other modalities contributing to her versatility as both a performer and choreographer. As a proud member of the Bellyqueen school faculty, Gabriela's teaching focuses on history and culture, creating community and integration of mind and body through dance. ................................................. Ti Gi is a bellydance performer, choreographer and certified instructor based in New York City. She has been dancing for 5 years and specializes in various Egyptian styles, incorporating elements of other African dances into her pieces. https://bellyqueen.com/2022-11-beginner-belly-dance-brenna daily 0.75 2022-10-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/70b77530-9210-4087-b814-ae05abd026b3/1920x1005-Brenna-Beginner-2022-11.jpg Nov 3-Dec 8 Beginner Belly Dance Beginner Technique & Combos Course WHAT: This 5 week Beginner course is appropriate for absolute beginners as well as seasoned beginner dancers or anyone who’s looking for some good technique breakdown and practice or a gentler re-entry to in-person classes! This course runs for 5 weeks and will build on from the week before. WHEN: Thursdays 6.30-7.30pm November 3, 10, 17, December 1, 8 No Class Thursday November 24th (Thanksgiving) WHERE: Bellyqueen @ Playwrights 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4D New York, NY 10003 Vaccinations are required to enter the building COST: Sliding scale pay what you can 5 Wk Course: $95, $105, $115 Drop-In: $25 Limited to 10 students SIGN UP NOW! WHO: Brenna Crowley is an artist, dancer choreographer, instructor and producer based in NYC, and has performed and taught locally and across the country since first walking into her first dance class in 2004. She has performed as a featured soloist, as a member of Sera Solstice's Solstice Ensemble, as part of many collaborations as well as her own collective, Zilla Dance Ensemble. Currently teaching classes at Bellyqueen School, she has taught for Serena Studios, Solstice Studio and at Ailey Extension. Partnering with founder Giselle BellydanceNYC, they co-produce the theatrical dance events, the Witching Hour Boo-tique and Baile Noir. She also partnered with founder Danielle Hutton on Love Letters 2 and 3. She is also a proud ambassador for the dance clothing company D. Webb Designs. When she’s not dancing, Brenna is crafting wreaths and home decor, listening to too many spooky and true crime podcasts, dabbling in SFX makeup, pretending to work for QVC and wrangling her four turtles and 40 houseplants. https://msha.ke/brennzilla/ https://bellyqueen.com/2022-11-frozen-sword-brenna daily 0.75 2022-10-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/bf3f0a10-4df7-4bec-93c1-9765be1b0d17/1920BrennaFrozenSword.jpg Nov 3-Dec 10 Frozen Sword Performance Project Frozen Sword Performance Project WHAT: In this 5 week open level course you will learn a fusion belly dance choreography that will include a sword for portions of the choreography to the song “Frozen” by Madonna. Open to all, recommended for students that have a working knowledge of beginner/advanced beginner level technique and have some experience with sword/other balancing props. This course will prepare students to perform at the December 10th Bellyqueen School Showcase. * Includes video of the performance. WHEN: Course: Thursday 7.30-8.30pm November 3, 10, 17, December 1, 8 No Class Thursday November 24th (Thanksgiving) Show Tech: Saturday December 10 5-8pm Show: Saturday December 10 8-9.30pm WHERE: Course: Bellyqueen @ Playwrights 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4D, New York, NY 10003 Show: Speyer Hall, University Settlement, 184 Eldridge St, New York, NY 10001 Vaccinations are required to enter the Playwrights building. COST: Sliding scale pay what you can 4 Week Course: $80, $90, $100 Drop-In: $25 Limited to 10 students SIGN UP NOW! WHO: Brenna Crowley is an artist, dancer choreographer, instructor and producer based in NYC, and has performed and taught locally and across the country since first walking into her first dance class in 2004. She has performed as a featured soloist, as a member of Sera Solstice's Solstice Ensemble, as part of many collaborations as well as her own collective, Zilla Dance Ensemble. Currently teaching classes at Bellyqueen School, she has taught for Serena Studios, Solstice Studio and at Ailey Extension. Partnering with founder Giselle BellydanceNYC, they co-produce the theatrical dance events, the Witching Hour Boo-tique and Baile Noir. She also partnered with founder Danielle Hutton on Love Letters 2 and 3. She is also a proud ambassador for the dance clothing company D. Webb Designs. When she’s not dancing, Brenna is crafting wreaths and home decor, listening to too many spooky and true crime podcasts, dabbling in SFX makeup, pretending to work for QVC and wrangling her four turtles and 40 houseplants. https://msha.ke/brennzilla/ https://bellyqueen.com/2022-11-absolute-beginner daily 0.75 2022-10-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/0936ec97-830f-4708-b11c-0071c121dcb9/1920x1005-Gabriela-Abs-Beginner-2022-11.jpg Nov 2-30 Absolute Beginner Belly Dance WHAT: Learn belly dance step-by-step with other absolute beginner adults in a nurturing environment with Gabriela Figueroa, Ti Gi and Han Chen. This course runs for 4 consecutive weeks and will build on from the week before. You will learn foundation belly dance vocabulary and moves! No previous dance experience necessary. WHERE: Bellyqueen School @ Playwrights 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4D, New York, NY 10003 Vaccinations are required to enter the building. WHEN: Wednesdays 7.30-8.30pm Nov 2, 9, 16, 30 (No class Nov 23) Hathor Curriculum Mondays 6.30-7.30pm Nov 7, 14, 21, 28 Ma'at Curriculum COST: Sliding scale pay what you can 4 Week Course: $80, $90, $100 Drop-In: $25 Limited to 10 students SIGN UP FOR MONDAYS NOW! SIGN UP FOR WEDNESDAYS NOW! WHO: GABRIELA FIGUEROA’s passionate journey with Middle Eastern dance first began in 2011. She studied with Natalie El-Ghoul, a Middle Eastern and contemporary choreographer at La Fábrica in Guayaquil, Ecuador and also with certified somatic teacher Carolina Cruz, from Quito, Ecuador at Frente de Danza Independiente. In 2015 Gabriela became a member of Natalia Nazario's multiple award-winning troupe Raks Al Zahra troupe and in 2018, she completed the Bellyqueen Teacher Training Course led by Kaeshi Chai. Gabriela continues to grow each day by studying different styles such as Middle Eastern folklore, Romani, Flamenco and other modalities contributing to her versatility as both a performer and choreographer. As a proud member of the Bellyqueen school faculty, Gabriela's teaching focuses on history and culture, creating community and integration of mind and body through dance. .............................................. Fluent in Spanish, Chinese and English, Han Chen hails from Argentina and now calls NYC home. She has trained primarily at the Bellyqueen School of Dance and undertook the 2017 Bellyqueen 40 Hour Teacher Training led by Kaeshi Chai. She has performed in Milan, Italy with Bellyqueen's "Journey Along the Silk Road" as well at Djam NYC, Rakkasah East and Art of the Belly in Maryland. She danced with Irina Akulenko's, "Kiaroscuro" and has appeared in Irina's instructional DVD "Sculpted Blossom". .............................................. Ti Gi is a bellydance performer, choreographer and certified instructor based in New York City. She has been dancing for 5 years and specializes in various Egyptian styles, incorporating elements of other African dances into her pieces. https://bellyqueen.com/gabriela daily 0.75 2026-01-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/1637721063980-Y3LW1OQRN05IMXR6LBK1/200Gabriela.jpg Gabriela Figueroa - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/2b566539-b968-4269-bad4-5914f507d053/GabrielaKhaleeji.jpg Gabriela Figueroa - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/2022-09-rami-sept-spice daily 0.75 2022-09-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/45c588ba-a365-4507-adbf-5175f7d4c8c1/1920x1005-Rami-Spice.jpg Sept 6-27 Rami's September Spice WHAT: Drill intermediate drum technique and learn a spicy bite-sized composition each week. Pre-requisites: Familiarity with split hand techniques and main Middle Eastern drum hits and rhythms. When: Tuesdays September 6th-27th 5.15-6.15pm ET via Zoom Recordings available A Zoom link will be sent out 10 minutes before the workshop begins. INVESTMENT: Sliding scale pay what you can 4 Week Course: $40, $60, $80 Drop-In: $20 SIGN UP NOW! WHO: Rami ‘Tabla’ El-Aasser has a MS from NYU (2010) and BS from Northwestern University (1997). He plays darbuka and sings worldwide with groups including Alsarah & the Nubatones, Raquy Düm, and Zikrayat. Based in New York & the Berkshires, he is a regular at NYC's taraab and dance parties with traditional musicians from across the mideast. With roots in Egypt, his repertoire includes classical and folk traditions from the Arab World, Greece, Balkans, Turkey, East and North Africa, by way of Brooklyn. Rami's grooves also can be found on many recordings, soundtracks, and live theatre productions, most recently on Broadway at The Band’s Visit. http://ramitabla.com https://bellyqueen.com/2022-11-beginner-belly-dance-irina daily 0.75 2022-10-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/8b684e44-ca5a-46f9-849b-399a4018ac11/1920x1005-Irina-Beginner-2022-11.jpg Nov 8-Dec 6 Beginner Belly Dance Beginner Technique & Combos Course WHAT: This 5 week beginner belly dance course is appropriate for absolute beginners as well as seasoned beginner dancers or anyone who’s looking for some good technique breakdown and practice or a gentler re-entry to in-person classes! This course runs for 5 weeks and will build on from the week before. WHEN: Tuesdays 6.30-7.30pm November 8, 15, 22, 29, December 6 WHERE: In-Person: Bellyqueen School of Dance @Playwrights, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4D, New York, NY 10003 Vaccinations are required to enter the building. Masks are mandatory in Irina’s classes. COST: Sliding scale pay what you can 4 Wk Course: $80 $90, $100 Drop-In: $25 Limited to 10 students SIGN UP NOW! 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 https://bellyqueen.com/2022-10-saidi-cane daily 0.75 2022-10-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/a50d70a3-aff3-4ece-be5e-fd974e5df0c0/1920x1005-GabrielaSaidi2022.jpg Oct 14 Saidi Cane Photo by Amma Rhea WHAT: Dive into the Saidi Cane dance and learn folkloric movements from Sa'id, a rural area in Southern or Upper Egypt. Develop your musicality, learn folkloric dance moves from the Reda troupe as well as modern cane tricks. An "Assaya" (Arabic for stick) will be used. Contact Gabriela if you need to borrow a stick. A recording is available for those who cannot attend the workshop live. WHEN: Friday October 14th 7.00-8.30pm ET WHERE: In-Person: Bellyqueen School of Dance @Playwrights Downtown, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4C, New York, NY 10003 Online: Via Zoom COST: Sliding scale pay what you can afford In-Person: $30, $35, $40 (Limited to 10 students.) Online: $15, $20, $25 Recordings available for those who cannot make it live. Sign Up Now! www.bellyqueen.com/classes (Navigate to October 14) Registration closes 15 minutes beforehand. A Zoom link will be sent out 10 minutes beforehand to online students. WHO: GABRIELA FIGUEROA’s passionate journey with Middle Eastern dance first began in 2011. She studied with Natalie El-Ghoul, a Middle Eastern and contemporary choreographer at La Fábrica in Guayaquil, Ecuador and also with certified somatic teacher Carolina Cruz, from Quito, Ecuador at Frente de Danza Independiente. In 2015 Gabriela became a member of Natalia Nazario's multiple award-winning troupe Raks Al Zahra troupe and in 2018, she completed the Bellyqueen Teacher Training Course led by Kaeshi Chai. Gabriela continues to grow each day by studying different styles such as Middle Eastern folklore, Romani, Flamenco and other modalities contributing to her versatility as both a performer and choreographer. As a proud member of the Bellyqueen school faculty, Gabriela's teaching focuses on history and culture, creating community and integration of mind and body through dance. https://bellyqueen.com/2022-thriller daily 0.75 2022-10-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/b94bb491-43db-4310-aeef-32a43681beac/1920x1005-BrennaThriller2022.jpg Oct 22-23 Thriller Dance Thriller Performance Project “It’s close to midnight and something evil’s lurking in the dark…” Come learn the dance of the most famous and influential music video of all time! Thriller has delighted and chilled audiences in all its undead glory since 1983 and now you can join in too! Whether you’re looking to bust out some moves for Halloween, perform the choreography or just have fun, this dance guarantees a zombie good time. **Note this will NOT be a fusion belly dance choreography, this is the choreography from the music video** Recordings will be made available to those unable to attend the workshop live. WHEN: Workshop: Sat Oct 22nd 2.30-5pm Rehearsal: Sun Oct 23rd 12-1.30pm Show: Sun Oct 23rd 2.30-5pm WHERE: Workshop: Bellyqueen @ Playwrights 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4D, New York, NY 10003 Rehearsal: Ripley-Grier, 939 8th Ave, New York, NY Show: Ripley-Grier, 939 8th Ave, 4th Fl, New York, NY Vaccinations are required to enter the building. COST: Sliding scale pay what you can Sat In-Person Workshop: $45, $55, $65 Sat Online Workshop: $25, $30, $35 Performance Package (Workshop, Rehearsal + Show) $75, $85, $95 Limited to 10 students Sign Up Now! In-Person https://www.mindbodyonline.com/explore/fitness/classes/in-person-thriller-dance-10-22-workshop-bellyqueen#200159985-2022-10-22 Online https://www.mindbodyonline.com/explore/fitness/classes-online/online-thriller-dance-10-22-workshop-bellyqueen#200159987-2022-10-22 In-Person Performance with Rehearsal/Show https://www.mindbodyonline.com/explore/fitness/classes/in-person-thriller-dance-10-23-rehearsal-show-bellyqueen#200159988-2022-10-23 ABOUT: Brenna Crowley is an artist, dancer choreographer, instructor and producer based in NYC, and has performed and taught locally and across the country since first walking into her first dance class in 2004. She has performed as a featured soloist, as a member of Sera Solstice's Solstice Ensemble, as part of many collaborations as well as her own collective, Zilla Dance Ensemble. Currently teaching classes at Bellyqueen School, she has taught for Serena Studios, Solstice Studio and at Ailey Extension. Partnering with founder Giselle BellydanceNYC, they co-produce the theatrical dance events, the Witching Hour Boo-tique and Baile Noir. She also partnered with founder Danielle Hutton on Love Letters 2 and 3. She is also a proud ambassador for the dance clothing company D. Webb Designs. When she’s not dancing, Brenna is crafting wreaths and home decor, listening to too many spooky and true crime podcasts, dabbling in SFX makeup, pretending to work for QVC and wrangling her four turtles and 40 houseplants. https://msha.ke/brennzilla/ https://bellyqueen.com/bqtt-sydney daily 0.75 2022-10-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/e5f82444-8d88-48d3-8a7e-fe219bd3801e/BQTTSydney.jpg Nov 18-21 BQ Teacher Training Sydney Exclusive to Sydney......first time offered in Australia! WHAT: Deepen your belly dance practice and understanding of teaching tools, anatomy, history, culture, music, business, marketing and more with the 19th Bellyqueen Teacher Training. This course is ideal for serious students, current and aspiring teachers. Includes a teacher training manual. Students present for all sessions will receive a certificate of attendance. Students who pass the written and practical exam and practice teach 20 hours will be awarded a Bellyqueen Teacher Training certificate of completion. Limited to 20 spots. Testimonials Cara Griffin https://youtu.be/rvOA24FWXV0 Yame Abdo https://youtu.be/6v9jrzd__Gw Ayla Almee https://youtu.be/SmWTOjt4sQc Anna https://youtu.be/v3i-FM72LWo WHEN: Friday 18 November: 10am-6pm Saturday 19 November: 10am-6pm Sunday 20 November: 10am-6pm Monday 21 November: 10am-4pm WHERE: Amera's Palace Belly Dance Boutique, Level 2, 314 Marrickville Road, Marrickville, NSW, 2193, Australia INVESTMENT: 795 AUD | 525 USD Payment Plan: 875 AUD | 575 USD Total October 2022: 250 AUD | 165 USD Deposit November 2022: 225 AUD | 150 USD Payment 2 December 2022: 200 AUD | 130 USD Payment 3 January 2023: 200 AUD | 130 USD Payment 4 Please note the amount taken out of the bank will be approximate because currency conversion fluctuates Sign Up Now! WHO: Kaeshi Chai is a dancer, teacher, artist, designer, and percussionist based in San Francisco and NYC. She co-founded Bellyqueen - a professional dance company and school - and PURE (Public Urban Ritual Experiment), a global community focused on healing and social change through dance and music. She is trained in many modalities spanning fitness, pilates, yoga to physical theatre and dance. She developed the Bellyqueen teacher trainer curriculum and is a proud member of Evolutionary Leaders, a circle of innovative thinkers (including Deepak Chopra) who have dedicated their lives and work to human and social transformation. Kaeshi has taught / performed in 47 states and 39 countries, performs with Spector Dance - a contemporary dance company based in Monterey - and is an alumni member of the Bellydance Superstars, Jillina’s Bellydance Evolution and Kenji William’s Bella Gaia. Kaeshi curates the Djam NYC event for dancers and musicians to create and play together. Current projects include the Becoming - Exploring Identity show, Nature Stories, integrating art and science to create more environmental awareness, and Creative Labs in which participants conceptualize, choreograph and mount full-length theatrical dance shows in 3-4 day. Kaeshi has a degree in Visual Communication Design from UTS and is thrilled to return to her old stomping grounds to connect with dancers down under. www.kaeshi.com | www.pureglobe.org | www.bellyqueen.com https://bellyqueen.com/oct-2-nov-21-seductive-fusion daily 0.75 2022-10-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/c88d1a6d-84d6-4bb5-b643-faebf9bf617b/1920MakiSeductive.jpg Oct 24-Nov 21 Seductive Fusion Performance Project WHAT: Learn an intermediate level seductive fusion choreography to the song "Billie Jean" by The Civil War over 5 weeks. This will led by Maki Moves. You will have an option to participate in a collaborative performance video. Recordings of the class will be available for dancers that are unable to make it to the live session. WHEN: Mondays 8.50-9.50pm ET Oct 24, Nov 7, 14, 21 (No class on Halloween October 31) Sunday Oct 30 6-7pm ET COST: Sliding scale pay what you can $95, $105, $115 Includes a complimentary ticket to see the show, the cost of video editing the performance video and personal feedback of a progress video submitted half-way through the course. If you want to attend and not perform, please contact us for a different rate. Sign Up Now! Registration ends 15 minutes before the first class. A Zoom link will be sent out 10 minutes beforehand. WHO: Maki Moves is a dancer and performing artist who relocated to New York city in 2012 from Nagoya, Japan. She has a background in hip hop, Cuban Salsa, Reggaeton, Egyptian belly dance and Tribal Fusion. She is one of the principal dancers and instructors of Sahara Layla from the Hermes Dance Company and has trained in the Bellyqueen style since 2005. Maki Moves has performed in NYC, Japan, Australia and Thailand and has taken respected Teacher Training programs led by Tamalyn Dallal and Bellyqueen. She was a competition winner with Bellydance Evolution in Sydney, Australia and was selected as the very first belly dance choreographer to be showcased at the prestigious 2014 7th Annual Choreographer's Canvas in NYC. https://bellyqueen.com/oct-627-american-cabaret-belly-dance-copy daily 0.75 2022-10-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/c9699ac8-c51a-4b42-a3d0-9f0286da1cfb/1920x1005-Brenna-AmCab-2022-10.jpg Oct 6-27 American Cabaret Belly Dance (Copy) In-Person Adv Beg/Int American Cabaret Belly Dance WHAT: This class will be focused on technique and elements of the style including veil work, playing zills, reviewing Middle Eastern rhythms and floor work. We will also practice layering shimmies, traveling and turns. Please bring finger cymbals and a veil to each class. Recommended for students that have a working knowledge of beginner/advanced beginner level technique. Modifications will be provided for beginner students and more challenging options will be provided for more advanced students. WHEN: Thursdays 7.30-8.30pm October 6, 13, 20, 27 WHERE: Bellyqueen @ Playwrights 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4D, New York, NY 10003 Vaccinations are required to enter the building. COST: Sliding scale pay what you can 4 Week Course: $80, $90, $100 Drop-In: $25 Limited to 10 students SIGN UP NOW! WHO: Brenna Crowley is an artist, dancer choreographer, instructor and producer based in NYC, and has performed and taught locally and across the country since first walking into her first dance class in 2004. She has performed as a featured soloist, as a member of Sera Solstice's Solstice Ensemble, as part of many collaborations as well as her own collective, Zilla Dance Ensemble. Currently teaching classes at Bellyqueen School, she has taught for Serena Studios, Solstice Studio and at Ailey Extension. Partnering with founder Giselle BellydanceNYC, they co-produce the theatrical dance events, the Witching Hour Boo-tique and Baile Noir. She also partnered with founder Danielle Hutton on Love Letters 2 and 3. She is also a proud ambassador for the dance clothing company D. Webb Designs. When she’s not dancing, Brenna is crafting wreaths and home decor, listening to too many spooky and true crime podcasts, dabbling in SFX makeup, pretending to work for QVC and wrangling her four turtles and 40 houseplants. https://msha.ke/brennzilla/ https://bellyqueen.com/2022-11-cleopatra-in-ny-irina daily 0.75 2022-10-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/6ef10a61-15ec-42b8-89c2-460fcda2ef4a/1920IrinaCleopatra.jpg Nov 8-Dec 6 Cleopatra in New York WHAT: “Cleopatra in New York" (during Christmas) is an intermediate level, fusion bellydance choreography taught by Irina Akulenko, focused on fun, unusual and expressive ways of utilizing a SKIRT in dance (at least 1 year of belly dance required - we will focus on the skirt, and you’ll be expected to be comfortable with your belly dance basics). Aside from usual flourishes, we will play with combinations that step outside of traditional techniques, and make this prop really sing! Grab a skirt - ideally one where you can comfortably extend your arms away from you and stay covered and let's dance (25 yard skirt would be ideal)! In this series, you will learn Irina's favorite combinations, which will be threaded together into a cheeky and technical choreography to the track "Cleopatra in New York" . This workshop can also potentially become a performance project for the Bellyqueen Winter showcase on Saturday December 10th. Additional rehearsals and fees may apply. WHEN: Course: Tuesdays 7.30-8.30pm November 8, 15, 22, 29, December 6 Show Tech: Saturday December 10 5-8pm Show: Saturday December 10 8-9.30pm WHERE: Course: Bellyqueen @ Playwrights 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4A, New York, NY 10003 Vaccinations are required to enter the building. * Masks are mandatory in all Irina's in-person classes. Show: Speyer Hall, University Settlement, 184 Eldridge St, New York, NY 10001 COST: Sliding scale pay what you can 5 Weeks: $125, $135, $145 Drop-In: $25 Limited to 15 students. * Sell (at least) one ticket * Cover own costume and sword * If additional rehearsals are required, it is an additional cost SIGN UP NOW! 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 https://bellyqueen.com/finger-dance-kazuma-bodypoet daily 0.75 2022-10-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/57546310-4ac8-4ccc-8cc6-812d101c96e1/1920KazumaFinger202211.jpg Nov 1-29 Finger Dance w/ Kazuma Bodypoet WHAT: One of Kazuma's signature styles is finger dancing. From finger tuts, liquid fingers to the comical finger man character YUBI, Kazuma will not only expand the delicate flavors your fingers can offer, he will show how they can assist and affect the rest of the body through dance. Recordings of the class will be available for dancers that are unable to make it to the live session. WHEN: Tuesday November 1 10am-11am NY Time, 3-4pm Berlin Time 11pm-12am Tokyo Time Tuesdays November 8, 15, 22, 29 10am-11am NY Time, 4-5pm Berlin Time Wednesdays November 9, 16, 23, 30 12am-1am Tokyo Time COST: Sliding scale pay what you can $95, $105, $115 Covers the cost of video editing the performance video and personal feedback of a progress video submitted half-way through the course. If you want to attend and not perform, please contact us for a different rate. SIGN UP NOW! Registration ends 15 minutes before the first class. A Zoom link will be sent out 10 minutes beforehand. WHO: Half-Japanese half-Zimbabwean/South African, fully human. Trained in martial arts, street dance and contemporary dance theater, he seeks to communicate beyond culture and form(ality). Kazuma works in a versatile wide spectrum; performing in close collaboration with political and environmental activists, touring with internationally renowned choreographers, creating in cutting edge film/commercial work, interactive performance in events, teaching, and dancing alone in nature... In dance, Kazuma has worked with Richard Siegal (Forsythe Company) in a site specific project in Egypt after the revolution ; Tsuyoshi Shirai + Takayuki Fujimoto in 'NODE~Old man in the desert~' touring Aichi Triennalle, Hong Kong, Yokohama ; Perrine Valli (FR/CH) in 'Deproduction' touring France, Switzerland, Germany and Singapore among others. In acting, Kazuma played the main part in ‘Exodus’, a post apocalyptic film shot in Morocco by Yassine El Idrissi; played Romeo in a martial arts version of Romeo and Juliet in Holland, and has been an actor / martial artist in Spinnin Ronin in both NY and Japan. In poetry, Kazuma collaborated with electronic music duo Deekro in Garbicz Festival 2019 to perform his poetry 'Lost tribe/ Last Tribe'. While living in NY he has performed his bodypoetry in Nuyorican Poest Cafe and Bowery Poetry Club. In teaching martial arts and many dance styles, Kazuma started developing his own movement philosophy called Bodypoet method to connect divers movement disciplines to the imagery of nature embodying the repeating patterns of this universe often referencing Japanese calligraphy. He has been invited to Shamanic Festivals in Siberia to teach his method of dancing with natural waters in lakes. www.bodypoet.info https://bellyqueen.com/brenna daily 0.75 2026-03-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/33c3d5f1-e43e-41a0-b0a1-e47a410c7091/BrennaVogue.jpeg Brenna Crowley - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/8218a87d-11c5-4fe3-a699-384c725a6a91/HDBrennaKraken.jpg Brenna Crowley - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/6fab746f-59fc-4579-955b-24616528c805/HDBrennaFierceFanology.jpg Brenna Crowley - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/kaeshi daily 0.75 2026-03-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/99df35da-2ab1-4296-bb5c-a9735519cc6a/2018RedCostume01.jpeg Kaeshi Chai - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/1c624fa4-59a8-4861-9f2e-2d835be9058c/KaeshiMonsterBeat.jpg Kaeshi Chai - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/maki daily 0.75 2026-02-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/974b5575-43a0-4866-a8da-89144342539f/_VLJ3357LR.jpg Maki Moves - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/levels daily 0.75 2023-11-19 https://bellyqueen.com/irina daily 0.75 2026-03-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/1ee77588-8046-48ba-be8f-3edec0768c58/IrinaMonzeeki.jpg Irina Akulenko - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/2ce0ef6a-31a1-45df-b49d-5fc2dc702943/1920Irina202602.jpg Irina Akulenko - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/c2dc1e3a-0c61-4b2e-a6ad-f36f04851815/1920Irina202604B.jpg Irina Akulenko - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/kazuma daily 0.75 2023-02-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/1af7d64a-4ca2-4a80-95b4-6645c5eef584/1920KazumaClouds.jpg Kazuma Bodypoet - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/group-privates daily 0.75 2025-10-22 https://bellyqueen.com/momentum-drum daily 0.75 2023-02-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/2eb6fe7a-89ed-41f6-9a96-1beeded83b4c/1920GabrielaMomentumDrumSolo.jpg Feb 25 Drum Solo w/ Gabriela Photos by Michael Ortiz WHAT: Learn Gabriela's "Momentum" drum solo choreography, featured at the Bellyqueen School winter showcase. This drum solo also includes some veil work. Please bring your own. We also have a couple available to borrow. Key Takeaways * Veil Tricks * Shimmy Boss Drills * Accents & Isolations * Flutters * Choreography Breakdown WHEN: Saturday February 25th 4-5.30pm EST WHERE: In-Person: Bellyqueen School of Dance @Playwrights Downtown, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4G, New York, NY 10003 Online: Via Zoom COST: Sliding scale pay what you can afford In-Person: $30, $35, $40 (Limited to 15 students.) Online: $15, $20, $25 Recordings available for those who cannot make it live. Registration closes 15 minutes beforehand. A Zoom link will be sent out 10 minutes beforehand to online students. SIGN UP FOR IN-PERSON SIGN UP FOR ONLINE GABRIELA FIGUEROA’s passionate journey with Middle Eastern dance first began in 2011. She studied with Natalie El-Ghoul, a Middle Eastern and contemporary choreographer at La Fábrica in Guayaquil, Ecuador and also with certified somatic teacher Carolina Cruz, from Quito, Ecuador at Frente de Danza Independiente. In 2015 Gabriela became a member of Natalia Nazario's multiple award-winning troupe Raks Al Zahra troupe and in 2018, she completed the Bellyqueen Teacher Training Course led by Kaeshi Chai. Gabriela continues to grow each day by studying different styles such as Middle Eastern folklore, Romani, Flamenco and other modalities contributing to her versatility as both a performer and choreographer. As a proud member of the Bellyqueen school faculty, Gabriela's teaching focuses on history and culture, creating community and integration of mind and body through dance. https://bellyqueen.com/finger-dance-kazuma-bodypoet-1 daily 0.75 2023-02-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/57546310-4ac8-4ccc-8cc6-812d101c96e1/1920KazumaFinger202211.jpg Nov 1-29 Finger Dance w/ Kazuma Bodypoet (Copy) WHAT: One of Kazuma's signature styles is finger dancing. From finger tuts, liquid fingers to the comical finger man character YUBI, Kazuma will not only expand the delicate flavors your fingers can offer, he will show how they can assist and affect the rest of the body through dance. Recordings of the class will be available for dancers that are unable to make it to the live session. WHEN: Tuesday November 1 10am-11am NY Time, 3-4pm Berlin Time 11pm-12am Tokyo Time Tuesdays November 8, 15, 22, 29 10am-11am NY Time, 4-5pm Berlin Time Wednesdays November 9, 16, 23, 30 12am-1am Tokyo Time COST: Sliding scale pay what you can $95, $105, $115 Covers the cost of video editing the performance video and personal feedback of a progress video submitted half-way through the course. If you want to attend and not perform, please contact us for a different rate. SIGN UP NOW! Registration ends 15 minutes before the first class. A Zoom link will be sent out 10 minutes beforehand. WHO: Half-Japanese half-Zimbabwean/South African, fully human. Trained in martial arts, street dance and contemporary dance theater, he seeks to communicate beyond culture and form(ality). Kazuma works in a versatile wide spectrum; performing in close collaboration with political and environmental activists, touring with internationally renowned choreographers, creating in cutting edge film/commercial work, interactive performance in events, teaching, and dancing alone in nature... In dance, Kazuma has worked with Richard Siegal (Forsythe Company) in a site specific project in Egypt after the revolution ; Tsuyoshi Shirai + Takayuki Fujimoto in 'NODE~Old man in the desert~' touring Aichi Triennalle, Hong Kong, Yokohama ; Perrine Valli (FR/CH) in 'Deproduction' touring France, Switzerland, Germany and Singapore among others. In acting, Kazuma played the main part in ‘Exodus’, a post apocalyptic film shot in Morocco by Yassine El Idrissi; played Romeo in a martial arts version of Romeo and Juliet in Holland, and has been an actor / martial artist in Spinnin Ronin in both NY and Japan. In poetry, Kazuma collaborated with electronic music duo Deekro in Garbicz Festival 2019 to perform his poetry 'Lost tribe/ Last Tribe'. While living in NY he has performed his bodypoetry in Nuyorican Poest Cafe and Bowery Poetry Club. In teaching martial arts and many dance styles, Kazuma started developing his own movement philosophy called Bodypoet method to connect divers movement disciplines to the imagery of nature embodying the repeating patterns of this universe often referencing Japanese calligraphy. He has been invited to Shamanic Festivals in Siberia to teach his method of dancing with natural waters in lakes. www.bodypoet.info https://bellyqueen.com/yame daily 0.75 2023-02-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/32212d6f-ea9f-46ec-b101-ba56e47a5b09/1920YameShimmyLab.jpg Yame - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/leona daily 0.75 2026-02-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/b9013565-75d5-4bf3-b7a2-39596ae328c1/LeonaRed.jpg Leona from Kelowna - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/lexi daily 0.75 2023-04-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/2531490a-e600-49b8-8c44-3dc47bf4d312/1920LexiFusion.jpg Lexi Linds - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/rami daily 0.75 2023-11-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/1637763348664-UJRY2F9NRAK7XPLCJ5FU/SquareRami.jpg Rami El Aasser - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/36340c42-ae58-47be-bc25-584ca98622ed/HD-Rami-Spicy-Bites.jpg Rami El Aasser - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/sonia daily 0.75 2023-04-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/73917b51-2f37-4d6d-a18e-d3402a3463bc/1920Sonia.jpg April 14-16 Sonia Ochoa in NYC It's been 9 long years since the exquisite Sonia Ochoa last visited NYC. Seize this valuable opportunity to study from a highly respected and world-renown artist to take your dance to the next level. WHAT: Flamenco Essentials for Fusion Dancers Workshop: Learn some of the essential flamenco techniques and stylizations, and how to seamlessly weave them through a variety of dance styles. Find how to adapt your movements to the typical rhythms heard in flamenco music. This is a unique opportunity to experience Sonia’s approach as a fusion artist and how she draws from various styles to create one harmonious dance. No flamenco shoes required. Feel free to wear a skirt if you would like to get in the mood. Elegant Raqs Sharqi Workshop: Renown for her elegance and grace, Sonia will share her approach to Raqs Sharqi technique and combos to add to your repertoire. WHEN: Friday April 14th 6.30-8.30pm: Flamenco Essentials for Fusion Dancers Workshop Saturday April 15th 12.30-3pm: Elegant Raqs Sharqi Workshop Sunday April 16th 7-9.30pm: Djam NYC Flower Power Show WHERE: In-Person Workshops: Bellyqueen @Playwrights, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4A, New York, NY 10003 Online Workshops: Via Zoom In-Person Show: Djam NYC @Secret Room, 707 8th Ave, New York, NY 10036 COST: In-Person: Flamenco Essentials: $55 Elegant Raqs Sharqi: $65 Sonia Ochoa Package Deal: $95 (Sign up for Flamenco Essentials and select the package deal during check out) Online: Flamenco Essentials: $28 Elegant Raqs Sharqi: $35 Sonia Ochoa Package Deal: $49 (Sign up for Flamenco Essentials and select the package deal during check out) Recordings available for those who cannot make it live. A Zoom link will be sent out 10 minutes beforehand to online students. SIGN UP NOW (Navigate to April 14 and 15) SONIA OCHOA Her love of music and dance has led her on a lifelong journey, exploring a vast collection of artistic movement, expression, and language. With a career spanning almost 25 years, Sonia Ochoa has toured with companies of various genres featuring her as a principal dancer and contributing choreographer, most notably with the Bellydance Superstars (2002-2010). Managed by music mogul Miles Copeland, she was catapulted into the world of raqs sharqi, performing in some of the most prestigious theaters and popular television shows across the globe. Yet, her passion did not come to a standstill with one dance form. A dedicated and ardent student, Sonia circles the globe to undergo intensive dance training. She has travelled extensively through India, Egypt and Spain to study Odissi Indian classical dance, Egyptian folk dances, flamenco and classical Spanish dance. Drawing from a vast background, she has developed a signature style of her own and has been presented with opportunities to collaborate with fellow artists worldwide. Whilst residing in her native city of Los Angeles, she collaborates with local artists, conducting workshops and directing the Sonia Ochoa Dance Co., among other projects. Always seeking to enrich her artistic voice, Sonia hopes to make a small contribution to our global dance communities, bridging cultural gaps and uplifting audiences through the knowledge and beauty of music and dance. https://bellyqueen.com/han daily 0.75 2025-12-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/49f7f147-26f2-4742-8d38-51240b29366a/HanChenVeil.jpeg Han Luckybee - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/43b4d1ad-3504-4315-862d-0cc3eb6212fa/HanChenVeil.JPG Han Luckybee - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/179c6906-68b4-4b95-b459-c508dd9b3862/HanChenSofaSquare.jpg Han Luckybee - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/sonia-2 daily 0.75 2023-05-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/73917b51-2f37-4d6d-a18e-d3402a3463bc/1920Sonia.jpg April 14-16 Sonia Ochoa in NYC (Copy) It's been 9 long years since the exquisite Sonia Ochoa last visited NYC. Seize this valuable opportunity to study from a highly respected and world-renown artist to take your dance to the next level. WHAT: Flamenco Essentials for Fusion Dancers Workshop: Learn some of the essential flamenco techniques and stylizations, and how to seamlessly weave them through a variety of dance styles. Find how to adapt your movements to the typical rhythms heard in flamenco music. This is a unique opportunity to experience Sonia’s approach as a fusion artist and how she draws from various styles to create one harmonious dance. No flamenco shoes required. Feel free to wear a skirt if you would like to get in the mood. Elegant Raqs Sharqi Workshop: Renown for her elegance and grace, Sonia will share her approach to Raqs Sharqi technique and combos to add to your repertoire. WHEN: Friday April 14th 6.30-8.30pm: Flamenco Essentials for Fusion Dancers Workshop Saturday April 15th 12.30-3pm: Elegant Raqs Sharqi Workshop Sunday April 16th 7-9.30pm: Djam NYC Flower Power Show WHERE: In-Person Workshops: Bellyqueen @Playwrights, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4A, New York, NY 10003 Online Workshops: Via Zoom In-Person Show: Djam NYC @Secret Room, 707 8th Ave, New York, NY 10036 COST: In-Person: Flamenco Essentials: $55 Elegant Raqs Sharqi: $65 Sonia Ochoa Package Deal: $95 (Sign up for Flamenco Essentials and select the package deal during check out) Online: Flamenco Essentials: $28 Elegant Raqs Sharqi: $35 Sonia Ochoa Package Deal: $49 (Sign up for Flamenco Essentials and select the package deal during check out) Recordings available for those who cannot make it live. A Zoom link will be sent out 10 minutes beforehand to online students. SIGN UP NOW (Navigate to April 14 and 15) SONIA OCHOA Her love of music and dance has led her on a lifelong journey, exploring a vast collection of artistic movement, expression, and language. With a career spanning almost 25 years, Sonia Ochoa has toured with companies of various genres featuring her as a principal dancer and contributing choreographer, most notably with the Bellydance Superstars (2002-2010). Managed by music mogul Miles Copeland, she was catapulted into the world of raqs sharqi, performing in some of the most prestigious theaters and popular television shows across the globe. Yet, her passion did not come to a standstill with one dance form. A dedicated and ardent student, Sonia circles the globe to undergo intensive dance training. She has travelled extensively through India, Egypt and Spain to study Odissi Indian classical dance, Egyptian folk dances, flamenco and classical Spanish dance. Drawing from a vast background, she has developed a signature style of her own and has been presented with opportunities to collaborate with fellow artists worldwide. Whilst residing in her native city of Los Angeles, she collaborates with local artists, conducting workshops and directing the Sonia Ochoa Dance Co., among other projects. Always seeking to enrich her artistic voice, Sonia hopes to make a small contribution to our global dance communities, bridging cultural gaps and uplifting audiences through the knowledge and beauty of music and dance. https://bellyqueen.com/bqtt-graduates daily 0.75 2023-11-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/01fd552c-5c41-4957-a631-2d80d08e92d3/BQTT-Ellie.jpg BQTT Graduates https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/ae229d52-4c46-402b-bd05-885364a3b877/IGYame.jpg BQTT Graduates https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/a0372f5d-b6a8-4f77-b3cd-057f1bc1e8d5/IG-Kirah.jpg BQTT Graduates https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/08abb547-2660-4053-a8e6-1a28b09c6f09/IG-Cara.jpg BQTT Graduates https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/b132800f-49cd-4d5c-b6be-71b67e604c5a/IG-Bogdana.jpg BQTT Graduates https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/ffe910c3-2ab5-4644-9735-2dd10b938444/IG-Names.jpg BQTT Graduates https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/b5dfd0b0-3d0e-42d9-a993-75ca057dcf2a/IG-Izdihar.jpg BQTT Graduates https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/b79d65df-426c-4cb6-86c3-713c0dfa0222/IG-Laska.jpg BQTT Graduates https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/bd5ed923-06f8-4aab-ad31-67e9e59d1bd8/IG-Shlomit.jpg BQTT Graduates https://bellyqueen.com/bqtt-2023 daily 0.75 2025-08-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/ce6025fe-08dd-47f6-9aa3-dc1c3765088a/BQTTAug2017.jpeg 8/9-8/18 Teacher Training https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/acb35596-066a-42be-ae72-dc4e2d903fae/1526221_10151782614767470_1582174442_n.jpeg 8/9-8/18 Teacher Training https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/0e05fc3f-244f-416b-9241-d8176b723070/10425105_10152330580962470_5660689653276519452_n.jpeg 8/9-8/18 Teacher Training https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/d79b1c51-3c47-480e-8e17-4d27154f4cf4/manual.jpeg 8/9-8/18 Teacher Training https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/026bb342-1e05-44df-8a7d-d7c9c3616285/HD-BQTT-2024.jpg 8/9-8/18 Teacher Training - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/4c7a6953-147c-4fd1-a32d-4a85443e40a7/IMG_8263.jpeg 8/9-8/18 Teacher Training - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/myra-saidi daily 0.75 2023-05-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/f3647931-198b-46e5-926a-a304fa81faa8/HDMyraSaidi.jpg June 4 Saidi Cane w/ Myra Krien WHAT: Learn a Saidi Cane choreography using lively, earthy steps from Upper Egypt. This dance will be featured in her Radiant Tarot show that will be performed at the Soho Playhouse, NYC on October 1st.You can bring your own cane or borrow one for the workshop. WHEN: Sun June 4th 12.15-1.45pm WHERE: Bellyqueen School @ Playwrights, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4E, New York, NY 10003 INVESTMENT: Pay what you can afford $35, $40, $45 Sign Up Now MYRA KRIEN, recipient of the 2019 Mayor's Award for Excellence in the Arts and the 2018 and 2019 Best of Santa Fe, Performing Arts, is an award-winning Middle Eastern dance artist, professional dance mentor, and international performer, choreographer and teacher of belly dance. Krien has performed on some of America's most prestigious stages, toured internationally, performed for PBS and Japanese television and been reviewed by national publications such as Dance Magazine. https://bellyqueen.com/fans-kaeshi daily 0.75 2023-05-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/d92852f6-67a1-4a3b-9ace-631d001b34d2/FB-Kaeshi-Fans-20230611.jpg June 11 Fantastic Fans w/ Kaeshi Chai WHAT: Fascinated by fans but don’t know how to use them? Then come and discover how the beauty of fan dancing can enhance your ability to mesmerize an audience. Kaeshi will teach you different hand holds, dramatic accents, poses you can strike, travel steps, plus a myriad of bellydance movements that work well with traditional Chinese fan technique. Please bring your own fans to the workshop. Don't own fans? Then check out the following links: https://a.co/d/9EVcg5s and https://a.co/d/9enFlkK Some fans will also be available to borrow. WHEN: Sun June 11th, 7-8.30pm WHERE: Anahid Sofian Studio, 29 W 15th St, New York, NY 10011 INVESTMENT: Sliding scale pay what you can $35, $40, $45 Sign Up Now Want more? Then check out Brenna's Fierce Fan course at the Bellyqueen School on Thursdays 7.30-8.30pm June 8, 15, 22, 29. WHERE: In-Person Workshop: Anahid Sofian Studios, COST: Sliding scale pay what you can afford $35, $40, $45 KAESHI CHAI is a bi-coastal (NYC + CA) dancer, choreographer, designer, producer and director. Her life mission is to serve our precious planet and empower others through the vehicle of art. She co-founded PURE Globe, an international community focused on healing and social change, the Bellyqueen company and school, as well as Djam NYC shows featuring live music and dance. She has taught / performed in 48 states and 39 countries and is an alumni member of the Bellydance Superstars, Bellydance Evolution, Bella Gaia (Beautiful Earth) and Spector Dance. As a producer, Kaeshi has organized over 600 events (shows, tours, conferences). Kaeshi holds multiple certifications in movement (dance, fitness, pilates, yoga), created the Bellyqueen Teacher Training program and graduated with honors in a degree in Design from the University of Technology, Sydney. She meditates daily and practices NVC (Non Violent Communication). Current projects include "Ocean Stories" integrating art and science for environmental awareness, and "Becoming - Exploring Identity". Kaeshi contributes dance and movement meditations to events organized by Unity Earth, Purpose Earth, and the Global Peace Tribe. Kaeshi performed in "Wildfires" by Spector Dance, at the opening night of "Plantasticas" by the Exploratorium Museum, and has been commissioned to create a dance piece about the Wood Wide Web for the Exploratorium "After Dark: Roots" event on May 4th. Instagram: kaeshichai | pure.globe Web Sites: www.kaeshi.com | www.pureglobe.org | www.bellyqueen.com https://bellyqueen.com/classic-tamalyn daily 0.75 2023-06-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/258a6a91-14f0-4948-bc1a-1b54b8178b6e/HDTamalyn2023.jpg June 21 Classic Oriental w/ Tamalyn Dallal WHAT: Embark on a transformative journey through Tamalyn's signature approach to Classic Oriental dance, where grounded movements, relaxed shimmies, and precise isolations integrate harmoniously with the elegance of fluid arms and an open heart. WHEN: Wed June 21st 7.30-9pm WHERE: Bellyqueen School @ Playwrights, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4F, New York, NY 10003 INVESTMENT: Pay what you can afford $35, $40, $45 Sign Up Now TAMALYN DALLAL began her career in Middle Eastern dance 45 years ago. Through the non profit arts organization she founded in Miami and ran for 16 years, she has been the primary teacher of several internationally known dancers including Amar Garcia (MA) and Bozenka(Miami/Crete). She has danced and/or taught in 41 countries, and traveled extensively in the Middle East, North Africa and East Africa to spend time with women and learn about the cultures of the diaspora. Ms. Dallal spent many years dancing for Arabic weddings and other gatherings throughout the US, Latin America and the Caribbean, and has written four books related to dance and culture, as well as filming three documentary films, and produced two music CD's in Zanzibar. Ms. Dallal lives in New Orleans and teaches overseas part of the year. Her recent project is a children's book for all ages called "The Bellydancing Kitties of Constantinople" which she will have for sale (along with Bellydancing Kitties clothing) https://bellyqueen.com/irina-sword daily 0.75 2023-06-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/3aaaa726-575e-49be-bad3-b7696de5f927/HDIrina202307.jpg July 1 Fusion Sword w/ Irina Akulenko WHAT: "Karma” - A Fusion Sword Choreography excerpt In this fusion sword workshop, we will focus on unusual and dynamic techniques, meant to unite you with your prop as one through a series of elegant combinations, which will be put together into a choreography excerpt. We are going to focus on the creative movement possibilities that can be done before balancing the sword on the head as well as working to take the upper body off the central axis. This workshop will have very little floorwork (standing option will be provided as well). With lots of gentle drills and optional layers, we will work on deepening and strengthening our technique, creating clean lines in space and within our bodies and improving our isolation technique. If you don't have a sword, most of the choreography can be executed with a cane - only a few moments are sword-specific. This is a single sword choreography class. Extra canes will be on hand to borrow. Masks for this workshop are optional (Irina will be masked due to her extensive travel schedule just as a safety precaution and asks for anyone with any kind of symptoms to mask up as well). WHEN: Sat July 1st 1-3pm WHERE: Bellyqueen @Playwrights, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4A, New York, NY 10003 INVESTMENT: Sliding scale pay what you can $45, $50, $55 Sign Up Now! 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 https://bellyqueen.com/rami-essential daily 0.75 2023-08-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/ad88f296-6435-48b8-af86-f7f323dd66d8/HDRamiEssentialRhythms.jpg Aug 12 Essential Rhythms w/ Rami El Aasser WHAT: Learn essential drum rhythms from the Middle East such as Maqsoum, Baladi, Saidi, Malfouf, Ayoub, Chiftetelli and more... to help strengthen your musicality and ability to express yourself through belly dance. This offering is an ala carte workshop of the 20th Bellyqueen Teacher Training. WHEN: Saturday August 12th 2-4pm WHERE: Bellyqueen School @Playwrights, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4E, New York, NY 10003 INVESTMENT: $45 Sign Up Now WHO: Rami ‘Tabla’ El-Aasser has a MS from NYU (2010) and BS from Northwestern University (1997). He plays darbuka and sings worldwide with groups including Alsarah & the Nubatones, Raquy Düm, and Zikrayat. Based in New York & the Berkshires, he is a regular at NYC's taraab and dance parties with traditional musicians from across the mideast. With roots in Egypt, his repertoire includes classical and folk traditions from the Arab World, Greece, Balkans, Turkey, East and North Africa, by way of Brooklyn. Rami's grooves also can be found on many recordings, soundtracks, and live theatre productions, most recently on Broadway at The Band’s Visit. www.ramitabla.com https://bellyqueen.com/lissa-anatomy daily 0.75 2023-08-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/d76368c1-b90b-4eb7-b973-72bacf27c88d/HDLissaAnatomy.jpg Aug 12 Anatomy for Belly Dancers w/ Lissa Michalak WHAT: Learn about anatomy so you are empowered to keep yourself and others (if you are a teacher) safe, healthy and prevent injury. This offering is an ala carte workshop of the 20th Bellyqueen Teacher Training. WHEN: Saturday August 12th 4-6pm WHERE: Bellyqueen School @Playwrights, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4E, New York, NY 10003 INVESTMENT: $45 Sign Up Now WHO: Lissa Michalak has been teaching movement for more than 23 years and has been a confirmed anatomy nerd through them all. Lissa has been a professional belly dancer, a sea and whitewater kayak instructor, a personal trainer, and a Pilates teacher at the Kane School of Core Integration. Lissa is currently a certified Dynamic Embodiment® practitioner and practicing Somatic Movement Therapist specializing in musculoskeletal injuries, and teaches anatomy at the Bellyqueen School of Dance. Lissa's favorite thing about teaching is teaching other teachers. Her teacher training resume includes training Pilates teachers for the Kane School of Core Integration, teaching anatomy to bellydance instructors for the Bellyqueen School of Dance, and teaching anatomy for Moving for Life © teachers. www.somaticanatomy.com https://bellyqueen.com/rami-summer daily 0.75 2023-08-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/3c8f28b1-668d-48c4-b5ff-a4b50d90701c/HDRamiSummerSolos202308.jpg July 5-26 Summer Solos w/ Rami El Aasser WHAT: This summer, learn short drum compositions for the tabla, that will integrate some techniques such as split hand, finger rolls, and other ornaments. Requirements: A drum (aka doumbek, darbuka, tabla). Prior study of rhythm, and darbuka technique is recommended to attend this class. WHEN: Wednesdays 7.45-8.45pm ET | 4.45-5.45pm PT 4 Wk Course 2: Aug 16, 23, 30, Sept 6 Recordings available for 2 months. INVESTMENT: Sliding scale pay what you can 4 Wk Course 1: $60, $80 Sign Up Now WHO: Rami ‘Tabla’ El-Aasser has a MS from NYU (2010) and BS from Northwestern University (1997). He plays darbuka and sings worldwide with groups including Alsarah & the Nubatones, Raquy Düm, and Zikrayat. Based in New York & the Berkshires, he is a regular at NYC's taraab and dance parties with traditional musicians from across the mideast. With roots in Egypt, his repertoire includes classical and folk traditions from the Arab World, Greece, Balkans, Turkey, East and North Africa, by way of Brooklyn. Rami's grooves also can be found on many recordings, soundtracks, and live theatre productions, most recently on Broadway at The Band’s Visit. www.ramitabla.com https://bellyqueen.com/lectures-nancy-phaedra daily 0.75 2023-08-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/39c179ba-e12d-4212-98a6-49621e5dce90/HD-Phaedra-Nancy.jpg Aug 19 Lectures w/ Nancy + Phaedra Enrich your knowledge of belly dance with these ala carte offerings from the sold out 20th Bellyqueen Teacher Training History of Belly Dance Get an overview of the history of belly dance to find out what special characteristics differentiate it from other dance forms, along with pivotal pioneers that have influenced it's evolution both in the US and in the Middle East. Culture and Ethics in Raqs Sharqi This lecture will offer helpful tips and guidelines on how non-native practitioners can navigate teaching the art of raqs sharqi with grace and respect. Phaedra will share her experiences in the world of Arab arts as an Arab-American, musician, teacher, and dancer. Discussion is encouraged, and there will be time allotted for questions from participants. Arabic Music for Belly Dancers This is a lecture-based workshop, focusing on what topics will serve a dancer best in practice and performance. Basic topics of understanding include: Who you should know as a dancer from classic to modern, Basic and most used rhythms in raqs sharqi, and an overview of Arabic music and its components and musical sections relative to the dance world WHEN: Sat Aug 19 2-3pm: History of Belly Dance w Nancy 3-4pm: Culture + Ethics of Raqs Sharqi w Phaedra 4-6pm: Arabic Music for Belly Dancers w Phaedra WHERE: Bellyqueen School @ Playwrights 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4G, New York, NY 10003 INVESTMENT: History of Belly Dance 1 hr: $25 Culture + Ethics of Raqs Sharqi 1 hr: $25 History + Culture 2 hrs: $45 Arabic Music for Belly Dancers 2 hrs: $45 Culture + Arabic Music 3 hrs: $65 History + Culture + Arabic Music 4 hrs: $80 Sign Up Now! NANCY EDER holds a B.A. from New York University, where she majored in the History of Fine Arts and minored in East Asian Studies. Her M.A. is from the Institute of Fine Arts, New York University, where she concentrated in Chinese Art History. She completed the course work for her Ph.D. at the Ohio State University, where she majored in South Asian Art History and minored in Buddhist Art and Contemporary Art/Theory and Criticism. Starting in August 2006, Ms. Eder is an Adjunct Instructor in the History of Art Department at the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she teaches East Asian Art and Civilization as well as the Art and Civilization of India. She also was an Adjunct Instructor at the City College of New York from August 1999 through December 2009, teaching Western Art History surveys, Indian and Southeast Asia art history as well as the Art of China and Japan. Starting in March 2000, Ms. Eder is a Contractual Lecturer in the Education Department of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where she gives tours for Adult Groups, presents Gallery Talks and also teaches for Family Programs. ..................... PHAEDRA DARWISH Coming from a background in instrumental and vocal music and musical theatre, Phaedra Darwish was mesmerized by belly dance and Arabic music after studying different types of dance from around the world. She feels that dance and music are beautiful ways to share the culture of her heritage. She regularly performs and teaches workshops and classes in Chicago and throughout the US, hoping to spread enthusiasm and respect for Middle Eastern dance as more and more people get acquainted with its health benefits and enchanted by its beauty. With its lively music and rich historic tradition, oriental dance, or raqs sharqi, brings with it more than just dance moves. By examining the music, regions, and cultural aspects behind the movement in her classes and performing Arabic dance at a professional level both inside and outside of its traditional environment, Phaedra seeks to fulfill her mission as an artist: to increase cultural awareness, appreciation, and understanding by sharing the dances of her heritage with as large a population as possible. https://bellyqueen.com/yuriko daily 0.75 2023-11-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/89e4eef2-20ef-4a6d-864f-e8a61cc8ddad/Yuriko+Nuria.jpeg Yuriko Nuria - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/7083dddd-b2be-43db-bf0f-7540fdf1c1a5/HDYuriko12pm.jpg Yuriko Nuria - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/dalia daily 0.75 2023-10-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/5f8b3a92-ee89-4f16-a289-6f0bb52af8c1/HDDaliaSlowSassy.jpg Dalia Carella - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/25-anniversary-workshops daily 0.75 2023-11-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/eca5e088-3b19-4f9c-bea7-2003b30eeab5/HDAmarKaeshiShoShannah.jpg Dec 10 25th Anniversary Workshops Workshop details Sunday December 10th 10.30am-12pm: Dance Flow w/ Amar Garcia Elevate your skills with Amar's dynamic Dance Flow workshop, designed to refine your transitions, master intricate pathways, and polish your technique. Join her to acquire valuable insights and proficiency using short combinations, to enhance your overall dance repertoire. 12.15-1.45pm: Dynamic Improvisation w/ Kaeshi Chai Embark on a transformative journey to discover and express your individual dance voice. Utilize the lens of 6 dynamic qualities: sustained, percussive, pendular, stillness, release, and vibratory to expand your expressive range through the art of improvisation. 2.00-3.30pm: Slinky Sho-Fusion w/ ShoShannah Estell Get slinky with ShoShannah Estell's signature Sho-Fusion style combining graceful elements of contemporary floor patterns with the isolations of Middle Eastern dance. WHERE: Bellyqueen School @ Playwrights, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4A, New York, NY 10003 COST: Single Workshop: $39 3 Workshop Package Deal: $95 https://bellyqueen.com/rates-1 daily 0.75 2023-11-19 https://bellyqueen.com/showcases daily 0.75 2026-03-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/0e1610b6-5bbe-448f-b5f4-462f98eaa092/ArchetypeShowcaseSOLDOUT.png Showcases - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/22715aa7-adf8-4bbc-a3c5-a9fae64abfb9/EBBQWinterSolstice.jpg Showcases - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/6916229f-c7bc-4ec6-b76d-dfa8909f244c/Summoning.jpg Showcases - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/3620885a-413b-490e-82ea-725e694eae9a/Invocation.jpg Showcases - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/48f7aebd-9ca5-4214-8371-003595b99e89/EB-Summer-Elixir-BQ-Showcase.png Showcases - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/a46542f2-8dab-40f4-9db0-9e6023857af8/HDBQ241214Showcase.png Showcases - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/b9081849-86c4-49d3-9df3-086c1d728845/HD25thAnniversary.jpg Showcases - Make it stand out Celebrate Bellyqueen's 25th Anniversary! Saturday, December 9, 2023 6:00 PM Show + 8:00 PM Show https://bellyqueen.com/contact daily 0.75 2023-11-19 https://bellyqueen.com/donate daily 0.75 2023-11-19 https://bellyqueen.com/history daily 0.75 2023-11-22 https://bellyqueen.com/shoshana daily 0.75 2024-01-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/807bb4bd-d3ad-4284-9a73-cf45462f46c2/HDShoshanaMagic202401.jpg 1/28 Magic Hips w/ Shoshana Embark on a magical journey into the world of hip movements with master dancer Shoshana! Join our exclusive workshops for: Anatomy of the Hips: Delve into the fundamentals of hip anatomy with Shoshana's expert guidance to enhance your control and awareness. Stretching and Strengthening: Unlock the potential of your hips through targeted exercises, conditioning muscles for awe-inspiring Magic Hip moves. Dynamic Drum Solo Choreography: Immerse yourself in a captivating choreography focusing on technique, exciting combos, and the wow factor! Full Cool Down: Conclude with a rejuvenating cool-down, promoting muscle recovery and overall well-being. Who Should Attend: Belly dancers of all levels Those seeking to add magic to their dance Enthusiasts exploring Shoshana's unique approach WHEN: Sunday January 28th 11am-12pm: Technique Tune-Up 12-1pm: Magic Hips Drum Solo Workshop WHERE: Bellyqueen @Playwrights, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4D, New York, NY 10003 INVESTMENT: Technique Tune-Up $25, class cards + passes apply Magic Hips Drum Solo Workshop: $25, $20 unlimited pass members Package Deal: $45 for 2 hours Sign Up Now! WHO: Shoshana Mizell started her dance training at the age of 5 in Modern dance class. At the age of 8, she was accepted into the Carnage Hall School of ballet in NYC. Shoshana went on to explore other genres of dance, such as; Tap, Jazz, African, and Flamenco. In 1979, Shoshana attended belly dance class at the Serena Wilson Dance Studio. She had finally found her calling; to be a belly dancer. Shoshana’s introduction to the professional world of Belly Dance was a fast world wind. She auditioned for Samiha Koura, owner of the legendary NY night club, El Sultan. Shoshana also performed at the Ibis, Cedars of Lebanon, Darwish, Town Hall and many more top venues of the 1980’s. Shoshana performed in Panama, Egypt, and Israel and was a featured artist on the Italian cruise ship lines around the Virgin Islands. She started teaching thereafter for Serena Studio’s and became a member of the Serena Dance Theater Company. In 1996, Shoshana started her own dance company, “Shoshana Dance Theater Company” performing at such venues as Cami Hall, Djoniba dance Studio, and the Queens public Library dance series. Shoshana is a graduate of the Swedish Institute with a Associates’ Degree in Applied Sciences. She is a NYS Licensed massage Therapist and a fine arts Artist (shomizart.com) She presently teaches dance class at the Jorday Rivera Dance Studio and is in school to become a Credentialed Substance Abuse Counselor. “From the moment my foot touched the stage in 1979, the magic has never left my spirit for the breath-taking art of Belly Dance”. - Shoshana Mizell https://bellyqueen.com/dalia-flamenco-araby daily 0.75 2024-02-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/b925d410-0d59-4412-bb12-96965aaa4a6c/HDDalia20240211.jpg 2/11 Flamenco Araby w/ Dalia Carella WHAT: Flamenco Araby Arabesque Dalia will be fusing her lyrical danse, Orientale movement while adding a Spanish dance flair with arms, hands and stylized posturing to add to your dance training repertoire. Bring a skirt (Oriental, Flamenco or wide). Bare feet or socks. No shoes allowed on the Marley floor in 4F. WHEN: Sunday February 11th 12-2pm WHERE: Bellyqueen @Playwrights, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4F, New York, NY 10003 INVESTMENT: $45, $40 unlimited pass members Sign Up Now! WHO: Dalia Carella is a renowned world fusion artist, choreographer and instructress that specializes in both Near/Middle Eastern and Contemporary Dance Theater. She is the Founder and Artistic Director of the Dalia Carella Carella Dance Collective. Audiences from around the world have applauded her mystical and innovative dances and choreographies that are taken from the tradition of the countries she is representing. Ms. Carella has delved deeply in the studies of dances from the Near and Middle East including Egypt, Turkey, Lebanon, as well as North Africa including Morocco and Algeria. Her dances are both traditional and contemporary with a spiritual and mystical essence behind each and every dance that she creates. Some of Ms. Carella’s new works represent both traditional and contemporary movement and range from sacred rituals to ethnic contemporary theater pieces as well as Cabaret Theater inspired by the 1920s and 30s. https://bellyqueen.com/ranya-breathwork daily 0.75 2024-02-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/c20abc63-e1b3-403a-b65d-ba72ffd94887/HDRanyaBreath202401.jpg 2/4 Breathwork w/ Ranya Renee WHAT: Breathwork Workshops with Ranya Renee WHEN: Sunday February 4 11am-12pm: Breathwork for Belly Dance Technique 12-2pm: Breathwork for Belly Dance Performance WHERE: Bellyqueen School @Playwrights, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4D, New York, NY 10003 INVESTMENT: Breathwork for Technique: $25, class cards + unlimited passes apply Breathwork for Performance: $45, $40 unlimited pass members Breathwork Package 3 hrs: $65 Sign Up Now! MORE INFORMATION: 11am-12pm: BREATHWORK FOR BELLY DANCE TECHNIQUE - Do you find yourself holding your breath when you work on your dance technique? - Are you just not sure how to breathe, while using your abdominal muscles for so many of the belly dance movements we do? - Maybe you see yourself on video and there is “resting bitch face,” or looking down too much, or a big fake smile… and it makes you cringe! Maybe your teacher has even told you to smile more, and you don’t want to look fake. - In this technique class with Ranya, you’ll learn the physical fundamentals of the Breath work for Performance method as they apply to common bellydance movements (including arm waves, undulations, accents, shimmies, and traveling steps). - The class will allow you to get into the habit of using your breathing in conjunction with your movements, to great effect. You’ll dance more smoothly and be able to manage your transitions and moods better as you dance. This Egyptian-style dance technique class will serve as a practical and fun warmup for all levels, leading into the performance skills-focused workshop at noon! ................................................. 12-2pm: BREATHWORK FOR BELLY DANCE PERFORMANCE Experience Ranya’s transformative Breathwork for Performance method, which has, since 1996, helped thousands of dance performers to build their stage presence and confidence, and better connect with their audiences. In this workshop, you’ll learn simple techniques to enhance your focus, get out of your head, push past your blocks and expand your impact… all by linking your breathing to your relationship with the audience. This method also helps you get sync with musicians, and with fellow dancers if you are in a company. You’ll learn how to claim a performance space for yourself, and how to cast a spell over an audience, bringing them into your world. The tools look invisible to the audience when done well, but the power they have is substantial: Your energy and passion will fill the performance space, and touch people’s emotions. Once you start working this way in performance, you’ll never go back to regular unconscious breathing again. Suitable for movers of all styles and experience levels. ................................................. WHO: Ranya Renee, of New York City, has been dancing since 1990, and teaching oriental dance and performance skills since 1996. Her approach has been shaped by coaching from Egyptian masters in classic oriental and awalem styling (especially Mona el Said, Nany, Nelly, Dandash, and Eman Zaki) and in modern and folklore styles (especially Mahmoud Reda and Yousry Sharif), as well as through her studies in alignment-focused yoga and Pilates (which she also teaches). Her method supports a healthy, centered, grounded way of dancing, to feel good, execute movements well, and protect the body from injury by using muscular support for the joints used in traditional movements. Ranya is known for her instructional DVDs (Bellydance Egyptian Style: The Baladi, Bellydance Egyptian Style: Modern Oriental, and Bellydance Taqasim: Improvisation Skills & Drills), international workshops, and online programs and performance coaching series (https://gingercity.com). She also gives free talks for dancers in her Facebook group (Ginger City Community). Ranya holds a bachelor's degree in theatre and linguistics, and a master's degree in cognitive psychology. https://bellyqueen.com/big-mike daily 0.75 2024-02-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/57759e29-34f3-472e-bf5d-3c8ba22bef3a/HDBigMike.jpg 2/18 Popping 101 w/ Big Mike WHAT: Be introduced to the core foundations of popping through precise muscle isolations, purposeful drills, and seamless waving techniques. Elevate your movement vocabulary to achieve more fluidity and dynamism. Embrace the journey of becoming not just a dancer but a captivating storyteller through the language of popping. Suitable for absolute beginners. WHEN: Sunday February 18th 12-1.30pm WHERE: Bellyqueen @Playwrights, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4D, New York, NY 10003 INVESTMENT: $30, $25 unlimited pass members Sign Up Now! WHO: Mike “Big Mike” Fields, is a performing artist and teacher, born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. Specializing in hitting, animation, waving and isolations, he combines storytelling and comedic elements in his dancing. He was a member of Hip-Hop Connections, a group that brings educational performances to schools around the tri-state area. He has worked with artists such as Chaka Khan and Busta Rhymes, and has performed at venues such as Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), Brooklyn Museum, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Galapagos Art Space, Hip-Hop Theater Festival, and Dance Theatre Workshop, among others. He is currently a performer and collaborator with Brooklyn Ballet. https://bellyqueen.com/shoshana-mizell daily 0.75 2024-02-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/4c23bb80-3610-4366-a2c5-dc2f2ba7af97/HDShoshanaMagic202402.jpg Shoshana Mizell WHAT: Study in-person with master instructor Shoshana Mizell at the Bellyqueen School and have the opportunity to perform! WHEN: Tuesdays February 27 to April 2 6.30-7.30pm: Technique Drills + Layers 7.30-8.30pm: Hot Drum Solo Choreography 8.30-9.00: Hot Drum Solo Rehearsal Drill your technique and layers plus learn a hot drum solo choreography to the song "1234 Dum Tek Tek Dum Tek" by Artem Uzunov focused on shimmies, fun travel patterns and spicy accents. Want to perform on Sun April 7th at Djam NYC, Secret Room, 707 8th Ave, between W 44th and W 45th St? Then join in rehearsals Tuesdays February 27 to April 2 8.30-9pm and Sunday April 7 from 3.30-4.30pm. It is mandatory for dancers who wish to perform to attend the 7.30-8.30pm Hot Drum Solo Choreo classes. WHERE: Tuesdays: Bellyqueen @Playwrights, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4A, New York, NY 10003 Sunday April 7 3.30-4.30pm Rehearsal location TBA INVESTMENT: Technique Drills + Layers: $25, class cards + passes apply Hot Drum Solo Choreo: $25, class cards + passes apply Hot Drum Solo Rehearsals 2/27-4/2 + 4/7: $95 * Costumes are an extra cost * Performers will invite at least one paying audience member to the Djam NYC show * A performance video will be included Sign Up Now! WHO: Shoshana Mizell started her dance training at the age of 5 in Modern dance class. At the age of 8, she was accepted into the Carnage Hall School of ballet in NYC. Shoshana went on to explore other genres of dance, such as; Tap, Jazz, African, and Flamenco. In 1979, Shoshana attended belly dance class at the Serena Wilson Dance Studio. She had finally found her calling; to be a belly dancer. Shoshana’s introduction to the professional world of Belly Dance was a fast world wind. She auditioned for Samiha Koura, owner of the legendary NY night club, El Sultan. Shoshana also performed at the Ibis, Cedars of Lebanon, Darwish, Town Hall and many more top venues of the 1980’s. Shoshana performed in Panama, Egypt, and Israel and was a featured artist on the Italian cruise ship lines around the Virgin Islands. She started teaching thereafter for Serena Studio’s and became a member of the Serena Dance Theater Company. In 1996, Shoshana started her own dance company, “Shoshana Dance Theater Company” performing at such venues as Cami Hall, Djoniba dance Studio, and the Queens public Library dance series. Shoshana is a graduate of the Swedish Institute with a Associates’ Degree in Applied Sciences. She is a NYS Licensed massage Therapist and a fine arts Artist (shomizart.com) She presently teaches dance class at the Jorday Rivera Dance Studio and is in school to become a Credentialed Substance Abuse Counselor. “From the moment my foot touched the stage in 1979, the magic has never left my spirit for the breath-taking art of Belly Dance”. - Shoshana Mizell https://bellyqueen.com/beauty-express daily 0.75 2024-02-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/d71040aa-7d6a-4e46-8d0d-befd518e0cb2/EBKaeshiMakeUp.jpg 3/3 Beauty Express w/ Kaeshi Chai Elevate your stage presence! Join us for a Stage Makeup 101 workshop with a seasoned performer and visual artist. WHAT: Explore basic stage makeup principles. Master techniques to define and enhance your features for the stage. Achieve maximum impact with minimal time investment. Learn the art of applying lashes and sweat-proofing your makeup. DETAILS: Kaeshi will demonstrate the first 30 minutes. Practice on your own with personalized feedback and guidance. No need to worry; you won't be alone in this creative journey! What to Bring: Mirror Skincare products (Makeup remover + moisturizer) Makeup brushes Primer Foundation Concealer Eye Shadow (Light, medium, dark) Eye liner (liquid or pencil) Mascara Blush Eyelashes (extras available if needed) Eyelash Glue Lip pencils Lipstick and gloss Note: Try to bring as much as you can from the above lists, however if you want to wait until you attend the workshop to be introduced to different products before you buy anything new, then it is fine if you don’t bring a specified item. WHEN: Sunday March 3rd 12-2pm WHERE: Bellyqueen @Playwrights, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4D, New York, NY 10003 Press "Playwrights" on the intercom to enter the building and activate the elevator. INVESTMENT: $45, $40 unlimited pass members Sign Up Now! WHO: KAESHI CHAI is a bicoastal (NYC + Bay Area) based performer, theatrical director, teacher trainer, and award winning designer. She co-founded the professional dance company and school, Bellyqueen, and PURE (Public Urban Ritual Experiment), a global community focused on healing and social change through dance and music. Kaeshi has extensive training in contemporary dance, physical theatre and Silk Road dances spanning the Middle East to China. She has taught or performed in 47 states and 39 countries. She is an alumni member of the Bellydance Superstars, Jillina’s Bellydance Evolution and Kenji William’s Bella Gaia and curates the Djam NYC event for dancers and musicians to create and play together. Current projects include Nature Stories, a performance integrating art and science to create more environmental awareness, and Creative Labs in which participants conceptualize, choreograph and mount full-length theatrical dance shows in 3-4 days. https://bellyqueen.com/patricia daily 0.75 2025-05-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/4f6f3d3d-90fa-4e17-b214-117a54cc9302/SquarePatricia.jpg Patricia Gonzalez - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/ddf93cea-1dc7-4fab-97e4-3ba12a2a8c9d/FBPatriciaArabicPop.jpg Patricia Gonzalez - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/pussycat-chair-dance daily 0.75 2024-03-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/a4c0bce1-04dd-4a2a-8865-758f070b073f/HDGabrielaChair202403.jpg 3/17 Pussycat Chair Dance w/ Gabriela Figueroa Photo by Amma Rhea WHAT: Pussycat Chair DanceEmbark on a journey of self-discovery as we delve into the realms of sensuality and freedom. Join Gabriela in exploring the art of belly dance, where we'll seamlessly integrate juicy and powerful movements, all enhanced by the dynamic use of a chair. WHEN: Sunday March 17, 12-2pm WHERE: Bellyqueen @Playwrights, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4D, New York, NY 10003 Press "Playwrights" on the intercom to enter the building and activate the elevator. INVESTMENT: $45, $40 unlimited pass members Sign Up Now! WHO: Gabriela Figueroa’s passionate journey with Middle Eastern dance first began in 2011. She studied with Natalie El-Ghoul, a Middle Eastern and contemporary choreographer at La Fábrica in Guayaquil, Ecuador and also with certified somatic teacher Carolina Cruz, from Quito, Ecuador at Frente de Danza Independiente. In 2015 Gabriela became a member of Natalia Nazario's multiple award-winning troupe Raks Al Zahra troupe and in 2018, she completed the Bellyqueen Teacher Training Course led by Kaeshi Chai. Gabriela continues to grow each day by studying different styles such as Middle Eastern folklore, Romani, Flamenco and other modalities contributing to her versatility as both a performer and choreographer. As a proud member of the Bellyqueen school faculty, Gabriela's teaching focuses on history and culture, creating community and integration of mind and body through dance. https://bellyqueen.com/ballet101 daily 0.75 2024-03-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/47bc3c8d-b1b2-409b-9d91-1b1d65a471dc/EBPatriciaBallet101.jpg 3/10 Ballet 101 w/ Patricia Gonzalez WHAT: Lengthen your lines and delve into the fundamental principles of ballet technique to improve your balance, feet articulation and grace. WHEN: Sunday March 10, 12-2pm WHERE: Bellyqueen @Playwrights, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4F, New York, NY 10003 Press "Playwrights" on the intercom to enter the building and activate the elevator. INVESTMENT: $45, $40 unlimited pass members Sign Up Now! WHO: Graduating from The National Ballet School of Cuba and the University of Arts of Cuba, Patricia Gonzalez had the opportunity to dance professionally with renowned companies such as The National Ballet of Cuba, the Contemporary Dance Company of Cuba, and AcostaDanza, among others. She has also developed a pedagogical role in imparting the Cuban Ballet Method at the Cuban National Ballet School Fernando Alonso, where she worked for over four years, training future generations of ballet professionals. Patricia is also on faculty at the Brooklyn Ballet and teaches weekly classes there. https://bellyqueen.com/ranya-breathwork-march daily 0.75 2024-03-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/48c89e07-26bb-439f-a4e4-c4342f1f00ca/HDRanyaBreath202403.jpg 3/24 Breathwork w/ Ranya Renee WHAT: Breathwork Workshops with Ranya Renee WHEN: Sunday March 24 12-2pm: Breathwork for Belly Dance Performance WHERE: Bellyqueen School @Playwrights, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4D, New York, NY 10003 INVESTMENT: Breathwork for Performance: $45, $40 unlimited pass members Sign Up Now! 12-2pm: BREATHWORK FOR BELLY DANCE PERFORMANCE After our popular February Breathwork workshop, Ranya returns to offer this continuation! Use your breathing as a tool for confidence and connection onstage. Ranya’s transformative Breathwork for Performance method, has, since 1996, helped thousands of dance performers to build their stage presence and confidence, and better connect with their audiences. This workshop will have new material for those who attended in February, and even if it's your first time, you will catch on quickly and be able to apply Breathwork for Performance techniques to your dance right away. In this workshop, you’ll learn simple techniques to enhance your focus, get out of your head, push past your blocks and expand your impact… all by linking your breathing to your relationship with the audience. This method also helps you get sync with musicians, and with fellow dancers if you are in a company. And you’ll learn how to claim a performance space for yourself, and how to cast a spell over an audience, bringing them into your world. The tools look invisible to the audience when done well, but the power they have is substantial: Your energy and passion will fill the performance space, and touch people’s emotions. You'll be more connected to your movements, and be able to slay those self-critical voices in your head. Once you start working this way in performance, you’ll never go back to regular unconscious breathing again. Suitable for movers of all styles and experience levels. ................................................. WHO: Ranya Renee, of New York City, has been dancing since 1990, and teaching oriental dance and performance skills since 1996. Her approach has been shaped by coaching from Egyptian masters in classic oriental and awalem styling (especially Mona el Said, Nany, Nelly, Dandash, and Eman Zaki) and in modern and folklore styles (especially Mahmoud Reda and Yousry Sharif), as well as through her studies in alignment-focused yoga and Pilates (which she also teaches). Her method supports a healthy, centered, grounded way of dancing, to feel good, execute movements well, and protect the body from injury by using muscular support for the joints used in traditional movements. Ranya is known for her instructional DVDs (Bellydance Egyptian Style: The Baladi, Bellydance Egyptian Style: Modern Oriental, and Bellydance Taqasim: Improvisation Skills & Drills), international workshops, and online programs and performance coaching series (https://gingercity.com). She also gives free talks for dancers in her Facebook group (Ginger City Community). Ranya holds a bachelor's degree in theatre and linguistics, and a master's degree in cognitive psychology. https://bellyqueen.com/persian-elena daily 0.75 2024-03-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/359b6b5c-333a-4681-86ad-e5be9cd7b34d/FBElenaPersian.jpg 3/31-4/21 Persian Performance Project w/ Elena Nayiri - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/debbie-cues-combos daily 0.75 2024-04-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/f3544a4f-fd34-47ea-946f-c762d639c621/HDDespinaCuesCombos2.jpg 4/21 Cues + Combos w/ Debbie Despina Join Despina for an invigorating workshop learning cues and combos in the Global Fusion / FCBD®Style that can be utilized in an improvisation setting or choreography. This workshop is great for soloists or groups. WHEN: Sunday April 21st 12-2pm WHERE: Bellyqueen School @Playwrights, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4D, New York, NY 10003 Press "Playwrights" on the intercom to open the front door and activate the elevator. INVESTMENT: $45, $40 unlimited members Sign Up Now! Some of the vocabulary and combos you will learn include: - Egyptian Basic (learn the secret to dynamic hips) & Egyptian Basic with turns - Chico 4 Corners - Arabic & Arabic with turns - Shoulder shimmy combo - Despina's signature fast barrel turn combo, "Sifounas" * Cues for improvisation * Group line design and guidance for soloists * Finger cymbals are optional and highly encouraged! WHO: Despina embarked on her journey in FCBD®Style in 2006 under the guidance of Mimi Fontana and as a founding member of Manhattan Tribal. By 2009, she achieved her FCBD®Style General Skills certification, followed by her FCBD®Style Teacher Training certification in 2015. Over the years, Despina has showcased her talent both in group performances and as a soloist, consistently pushing the boundaries of the style on stage. In 2014, she delved into training in the Salimpour School, immersing herself in the roots of Jamila Salimpour style. Drawing inspiration from Suhaila Salimpour's teachings, she began incorporating intricate finger cymbal patterns and a detailed method on breaking down movement. Despina's innovative approach has led her to craft exhilarating and distinctive dance combos, imbued with her unique flair and style. https://bellyqueen.com/melanie-stormtrooper daily 0.75 2024-04-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/c4bedaa3-c897-4458-aafc-30886677132e/HDMelanieStormtroopers.jpg 4/28 Stormtrooper Performance w/ Melanie Aguirre WHAT: Learn a fun stormtrooper dance in the style of hip hop belly dance fusion. Drill isolations, popping, waving, waacking, accents and shimmies and put it all together into a choreography with group stage patterns. There is an option to perform what you learn at the Djam NYC Star Wars Revenge of the Fifth show at the Secret Room in midtown Manhattan. WHEN: Sunday April 28, 12-2pm: Workshop Sunday May 5 4-5pm Rehearsal 6.30-7.30pm: Doors Open 7-9.30pm: Show WHERE: Workshop: Bellyqueen School, Playwrights, 440 Lafayette St 4th floor, New York, NY 10003 Rehearsal + Show: Secret Room, 707 8th Ave, New York, NY 10036 INVESTMENT: Workshop: $45, $40 unlimited pass members Workshop + Performance: $75, $65 members Includes rehearsal, ticket to the show, and video Costume is extra. (Budget friendly options available.) Invite at least one friend to buy a ticket to see you perform Sign Up Now! WHO: Melanie Aguirre is a native New Yorker and a young community leader. Melanie has provided the NYC Arts community with dance competitions, award events, community discussions, charity fundraisers, workshops, theatrical performances and job placement services. She teaches multiple dance styles within the tri-state area, nationally, and internationally. As well as a world renowned solo artist, commercial actress and storytelling educator for museum tours. She was selected in 2017 for a cultural exchange program in Paris, France, at La Place Hip Hop cultural center. In 2018 she was chosen as Hip Hop Ambassador through Next Level USA, traveling to Ankara, Turkey teaching a Hip Hop Cultural exchange program. With her years of experience teaching globally, coordinating events and leading healing circles she's evolved her expertise now into her passion of energetic alignments. With these different avenues of outreach and experience, she has been able to inspire healing through creativity as well as a living example through her own work. https://bellyqueen.com/dalia-seido-turkish daily 0.75 2025-06-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/fdd6f6aa-1596-4638-a9ad-f1a2c8cf1186/HDDaliaSeidoTurkish2025.jpg 6/8 Turkish Roman w/ Dalia + Seido WHAT: Step into the soul of Turkish Roman dance with the intoxicating rhythms of live music by master drummer Seido Salifoski and master dance teacher Dalia Carella. Dalia is considered one of the top Turkish Roman teachers in the U.S. and internationally and Seido has been playing all styles of music all over the world for decades with his unique musicalitty, style and skills. Dalia will be breaking down the rich and raw traditional 9/8 romani time signature, Intricate hand and arm gestures, hip and pelvic movements, and rhythmic footwork. Dalia's deep knowledge comes from decades of immersion in the culture, learning not only from Romani master teachers but also in intimate settings like Turkish living rooms to weddings, and birthday parties, where she absorbed the dance's cultural nuances. Seido will be playing traditional romani rhythms during the workshop focusing on Ugur Style (slow) and Havasi style (med to fast). This dynamic duo will be unstoppable and guaranteed a fun experience! Bring a large skirt, or orientale dance skirt without slits, hip scarf or shawl to wear on your pelvis. WHEN: Sunday June 8, 12-2pm WHERE: Bellyqueen @Playwrights, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4F, New York, NY 10003 INVESTMENT: In Advance: $60, $55 unlimited pass members At the Door: $70, $65 unlimited pass members https://bellyqueen.com/shahrzad-persian daily 0.75 2024-05-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/1c9377b5-4fc3-4f8c-a120-8981f52009df/HDShahrzad2024.jpg 6/2 Persian Dance w/ Shahrzad Khorsandi The incredible Shahrzad Khorsandi is making a special trip from California to NYC to share Persian dance. Seize this rare opportunity to learn directly from a celebrated master in the field. WHEN: Saturday June 1st 1-2pm: Intro to Persian Dance (at Bellyqueen) 2-3pm: Contemporary Persian Dance (at Bellyqueen) Sunday June 2nd 12.30-2.30pm: Classical + Social Styles (at Bellyqueen) 7-9.30pm: Djam NYC Show (at the Secret Room NYC) WHERE: Bellyqueen School @Playwrights 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10003 Press "Playwrights" on the intercom to be let into the building and to activate the elevator Secret Room NYC 707 8th Ave, New York, NY 10036 INVESTMENT: 1 Hr Workshop: $30, $25 unlimited members 2 Hr Workshop: $55, $50 unlimited members Full Package (Sat + Sun Workshops): $100, $90 unlimited members Sign Up Now https://bellyqueen.com/classes ............................................ * Intro to Persian Dance Persian (Iranian urban) dance is both fluid and rhythmic and emphasizes expression through the motion of hands and wrists, the relationship between the face and the hands, smooth transitions between movements, and the embodiment of subtle and dynamic nuances in Persian music. The line and positioning of the body reflect the rich and refined aesthetics of Iranian culture. In this workshop, dancers will learn basic movements and positioning of the hands, arms and feet. We will then layer these movements to form intricate patterns that are culturaly expressive and in harmony with Persian music. ............................................ * Contemporary Persian Dance This workshop explores the ancient beauty of Persian culture that can be seen and felt in the organic flow of the movement and the oneness of the body with music, and brings these elements into a contemporary expression through a dynamic movement combination. For intermediate / advanced level dancers. ............................................ * Persian Dance: Classical + Social Styles Delve into the elegance and grace of classical Persian dance, an Iranian Urban dance, and contrast it with the improvisation-based genre, Persian social dance. These dance styles are practiced in Iran and the diaspora and share similar aesthetics. These dance styles are fluid and rhythmic and emphasize expression through the motion of hands and wrists, the relationship between the face and the hands, smooth transitions between movements, and the embodiment of subtle and dynamic nuances in Persian music. The line and positioning of the body reflects the rich and refined aesthetics of Persian culture. In this workshop, dancers will explore the elements that define Classical Persian as well as Persian social dance through beautiful movement combinations. Movement vocabulary with Persian nomenclature from Shahrzad Technique will be used. ............................................ WHO: Born and raised in Iran, Shahrzad has been passionately involved in dance since childhood. She studied Dance and Performance Art at the California Institute of the Arts, and she holds a BA in Dance, as well as an MA in Creative Arts from San Francisco State University. Her dance training includes Modern, Jazz, Ballet, West African, Afro-Haitian, Congolese, and an introduction to Senegalese, Balinese and Flamenco. Drawing upon her deep familiarity of authentic Persian dance, her formal dance training, and her intrinsic knowledge of Persian aesthetics, Shahrzad is a pioneer in Persian dance and quite possibly the first to create a formalized dance vocabulary and structure for Persian dance, helping in the artistic development and dissemination of an art form that has been outlawed in Iran for the past three decades. Her system includes the introduction of fundamental Persian body positions and movement, categorization and designation of nomenclature to movements, assembly of movement into choreographed phrases, and composition of dance pieces woven intricately with Persian music. Her unique approach to creating Persian dance pieces has prompted Shahrzad to identify her dance style as Contemporary Persian Ballet. Shahrzad Dance Academy (SDA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded by Shahrzad Khorsandi in 1996. The academy is a cultural training ground, using a structured curriculum of traditional Persian movement as a cultural foundation, while providing the space to artistically explore choreography in contemporary Persian dance. SDA is based in Richmond, California, and often hosts classes and workshops in classical & contemporary Persian dance for serious dancers and dance scholars taught by Shahrzad, as well as performances by Shahrzad Dance Company. SDA also produces Persian dance instructional and performance DVDs and teaches online. https://www.shahrzadance.com https://bellyqueen.com/cocktails daily 0.75 2024-05-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/8ae670f4-ff55-437d-a994-acc888b00839/IGStarWarsCocktails.jpg Nar Shar ddaa Obi Wan Old Fashioned - Whiskey, Simple Syrup, Bitters $16 Galactic Punch - Vodka, chambord, peach schnapps, lemonade, pineapple juice $16 Lightspeed Margarita - Tequila, blue curacao, sweet and sour $16 Swamp Juice - Coconut rum, blue curacao, pineapple juice $16 https://bellyqueen.com/phaedra-baladi daily 0.75 2024-06-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/8c00f8af-3736-46ad-af8d-d2ddc466b6f5/FBPhaedraBaladi.jpg 6/16 Baladi w/ Phaedra Darwish WHAT: Based in Chicago, Phaedra Darwish is a Lebanese-American dancer, singer, and musician who is making a special trip to NYC to share her rich knowledge. Not only is she a phenomenal instructor who weaves valuable cultural knowledge into her teachings, she is super hilarious. You will experience joy and laughter while you dance! This workshop will explore the musical structure and embodiment of the baladi taqsim progression, an improvisatory style of movement and music that is such a distinct part Egyptian dance style repertoire. The physical exercises and practice methods contained herein are going to help the participants to be ready to engage in an authentic and musical way while maintaining the magic that exists while moving spontaneously in the moment. WHEN: Sunday June 16, 12.30-2.30pm BTW Rachel Bella is organizing a costume swap from 2.30-4.30pm in Studio 4E immediately following Phaedra's workshop. Please contact her directly at rachelbelladance @ gmail.com, or (718)710-8160 for more information. WHERE: Bellyqueen School @Playwrights 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4F, New York, NY 10003 Press "Playwrights" on the intercom to be let into the building and to activate the elevator INVESTMENT: $55, $50 unlimited members Sign Up Now! https://bellyqueen.com/classes WHO: Coming from a background in instrumental and vocal music and musical theatre, Phaedra Darwish was mesmerized by belly dance and Arabic music after studying different types of dance from around the world. She feels that dance and music are beautiful ways to share the culture of her heritage. She regularly performs and teaches workshops and classes in Chicago and throughout the US, hoping to spread enthusiasm and respect for Middle Eastern dance as more and more people get acquainted with its health benefits and enchanted by its beauty. With its lively music and rich historic tradition, oriental dance, or raqs sharqi, brings with it more than just dance moves. By examining the music, regions, and cultural aspects behind the movement in her classes and performing Arabic dance at a professional level both inside and outside of its traditional environment, Phaedra seeks to fulfill her mission as an artist: to increase cultural awareness, appreciation, and understanding by sharing the dances of her heritage with as large a population as possible. https://bellyqueen.com/kaeshi-seido daily 0.75 2024-06-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/94643160-d4f4-490b-b54e-cffbc2121301/HDKaeshiSeidoSOLDOUT.jpg 6/9 Dance to Live Music w/ Kaeshi + Seido WHAT: Learn the art of belly dancing to live music in a safe space. Develop your musicality, express your unique self and improvise with freedom and confidence. All levels welcome. WHEN: SOLD OUT Sunday June 9, 12.30-2.30pm * Sunday June 23, 12.30-2.30pm Dance to Live Music workshop just added! WHERE: Bellyqueen School @Playwrights 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4D, New York, NY 10003 Press "Playwrights" on the intercom to be let into the building and to activate the elevator INVESTMENT: $55, $50 unlimited pass members WHO: KAESHI CHAI is a bicoastal (NYC + San Francisco Bay Area) based performer, theatrical director, teacher trainer, and award winning designer. She co-founded the professional dance company and school, Bellyqueen, and PURE (Public Urban Ritual Experiment), a global community focused on healing and social change through dance and music. Kaeshi has extensive training in contemporary dance, physical theatre and Silk Road dances spanning the Middle East to China. She has taught or performed in 47 states and 39 countries. She is an alumni member of the Bellydance Superstars, Jillina’s Bellydance Evolution and Kenji William’s Bella Gaia and curates the Djam NYC event for dancers and musicians to create and play together. Current projects include Nature Stories, a performance integrating art and science to create more environmental awareness, and Creative Labs in which participants conceptualize, choreograph and mount full-length theatrical dance shows in 3-4 days. https://linktr.ee/kaeshichai SEIDO SALIFOSKI - A Macedonian Roma, Seido has played dumbek in Balkan and Middle Eastern style for thirty years. He is known for his unique virtuosity in the U.S., Canada and Europe, playing with notable musicians such as Tarkan, Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Ivan Milev, and Ivo Papazov. While exploring his roots in his own group Romski Boji, he is also a member of influential Balkan-jazz quarter Paradox Trio. http://www.seidoism.com/ https://bellyqueen.com/kaeshi-seido-2 daily 0.75 2024-06-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/4dbcf294-f58f-4928-be0e-bc96577d257e/HDKaeshiSeidoSoldOut0623.jpg 6/23 Dance to Live Music w/ Kaeshi + Seido WHAT: Learn the art of belly dancing to live music in a safe space. Develop your musicality, express your unique self and improvise with freedom and confidence. You will be introduced to the 5 rhythms: 2/4 Ayoub, 2/4 Khaleeji, 4/4 Saidi, 8/4 Masmoudi Kebir, 10/4 Semai. You will learn how to identify the skeleton and filled in version of each rhythm, and some steps to accompany them. All levels welcome. WHEN: Sunday June 23, 12.30-2.30pm WHERE: Bellyqueen School @Playwrights 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4D, New York, NY 10003 Press "Playwrights" on the intercom to be let into the building and to activate the elevator INVESTMENT: $55, $50 unlimited pass members This workshop is SOLD OUT with a waiting list. WHO: KAESHI CHAI is a bicoastal (NYC + San Francisco Bay Area) based performer, theatrical director, teacher trainer, and award winning designer. She co-founded the professional dance company and school, Bellyqueen, and PURE (Public Urban Ritual Experiment), a global community focused on healing and social change through dance and music. Kaeshi has extensive training in contemporary dance, physical theatre and Silk Road dances spanning the Middle East to China. She has taught or performed in 47 states and 39 countries. She is an alumni member of the Bellydance Superstars, Jillina’s Bellydance Evolution and Kenji William’s Bella Gaia and curates the Djam NYC event for dancers and musicians to create and play together. Current projects include Nature Stories, a performance integrating art and science to create more environmental awareness, and Creative Labs in which participants conceptualize, choreograph and mount full-length theatrical dance shows in 3-4 days. https://linktr.ee/kaeshichai SEIDO SALIFOSKI - A Macedonian Roma, Seido has played dumbek in Balkan and Middle Eastern style for thirty years. He is known for his unique virtuosity in the U.S., Canada and Europe, playing with notable musicians such as Tarkan, Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Ivan Milev, and Ivo Papazov. While exploring his roots in his own group Romski Boji, he is also a member of influential Balkan-jazz quarter Paradox Trio. http://www.seidoism.com/ https://bellyqueen.com/tamalyn-veil-bolero daily 0.75 2024-06-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/cfd84fec-6c49-411e-ad6f-b9b394f17852/HDTamaalyn2024C.jpg 6/30 Veil + Bolero w/ Tamalyn Dallal Master instructor Tamalyn Dallal is making a special trip from New Orleans to NYC to share her signature double veil techniques and approach to embodying music. Seize this rare opportunity to learn from a dancer who has dedicated her life to Middle Eastern dance. Tamalyn is also available for private lessons for individuals and small groups. WHEN: Sunday June 30th 12.30-2.30pm: Double Veil + Romantic Bolero Workshop (at Bellyqueen) 7-9.30pm: Djam NYC Show (at the Secret Room NYC) WHERE: Bellyqueen School @Playwrights 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4G, New York, NY 10003 Press "Playwrights" on the intercom to be let into the building and to activate the elevator Secret Room NYC 707 8th Ave, New York, NY 10036 INVESTMENT: $55, $50 unlimited members Sign Up Now (Navigate to June 30) ............................................ Double Veil to Gnossienne and Scheherazade: These beloved classical pieces have been incorporated into Middle Eastern music in many ways. We will explore this crossover through dance, incorporating double veil technique to enhance the experience. Romantic Bolero (Includes One Veil): Savor this romantic Cuban beat and musical style, which has become beloved in the Middle East and North Africa. We will explore this cultural intersection, as well as the crossover of the unrelated classical piece "Ravel's Bolero" into Middle Eastern music. We will dance with and without a veil, discovering how these distant cultures have merged and blended together beautifully. ............................................ WHO: Tamalyn Dallal began her career in Middle Eastern dance 45 years ago. Through the non profit arts organization she founded in Miami and ran for 16 years, she has been the primary teacher of several internationally known dancers including Amar Garcia (MA) and Bozenka(Miami/Crete). She has danced and/or taught in 41 countries, and traveled extensively in the Middle East, North Africa and East Africa to spend time with women and learn about the cultures of the diaspora. Ms. Dallal spent many years dancing for Arabic weddings and other gatherings throughout the US, Latin America and the Caribbean, and has written four books related to dance and culture, as well as filming three documentary films, and produced two music CD's in Zanzibar. Ms. Dallal lives in New Orleans and teaches overseas part of the year. Her recent project is a children's book for all ages called "The Bellydancing Kitties of Constantinople" which she will have for sale (along with Bellydancing Kitties clothing) https://bellyqueen.com/karess-flow-fans daily 0.75 2024-06-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/494b20f7-2114-4ea9-b65a-4ff96908a55f/HDKaressFlowFans.jpg 6/14 Flow Fans w/ Karess Douglas WHAT: Join this community class to learn how to flow with silk fan veils with a talented Bellyqueen Teacher Trainee. Extra fans will be available to borrow if you don't own your own pair. WHEN: Friday June 14th 7.30-8.30pm WHERE: Bellyqueen School @Playwrights 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4D, New York, NY 10003 Press "Playwrights" on the intercom to be let into the building and to activate the elevator SLIDING SCALE: $10, $15, $20, unlimited passes apply Sign Up Now! WHO: Hello, I’m Karess, a dedicated practitioner and teacher of the art of belly dance. With five years’ experience, I’ve had the privilege of completing the prestigious 20th Bellyqueen Teacher Training Program. I believe that dance is a powerful tool for self-discovery and healing – not just physically but also mentally and emotionally. It’s an avenue to explore and express your inner self while gaining strength, grace, and confidence. My dance revolves around the transformative aspect of dance, and I am committed to guiding my students on their unique dance journeys. Come shimmy, sway, and express yourself in a nurturing and vibrant community. Discover the magic of belly dance with me, and let's dance our way to empowerment and self-expression. https://bellyqueen.com/tarik daily 0.75 2026-03-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/200491d0-fb06-4730-ad94-24f05e8fab7a/WL-TarikSultan2.jpg Tarik Sultan - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/719a7c9e-9f39-4139-a385-12b503b5592e/HDTarikImprov260321.jpg Tarik Sultan - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/kaeshi-pa daily 0.75 2024-07-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/dcc12f4b-65f4-4f50-bb85-d96ef6902e4e/HDNYCPAAdventure.jpg 8/3 NYC / PA Adventure w/ Kaeshi WHAT: Escape NYC and embark on an adventure to Hatboro, PA to study with Bellyqueen director, Kaeshi Chai and watch an inspirational 3-hour hafla OR perform in it! You also have the option to perform at Djam NYC on Sun Aug 4th! Keep on reading! ………………………………………. Schedule * August 3rd Saturday 9:00-11:00am: Meet at CC Rentals (Chelsea Location). Drive to Brilliant DanceSport Studio, PA 12:00-1:30pm: Unleash Your Inner Beast and Goddess Workshop w/ Kaeshi at Brilliant DanceSport Studio 1:45-3:15pm: Innovative Veil Workshop w/ Kaeshi at Brilliant DanceSport Studio 4:30-5:30pm: Tech Rehearsal at the Village Players of Hatboro Theatre 5:00-6:00pm: Doors Open at the Village Players of Hatboro Theatre 6:00-9:00pm: Tribal Bellies Hafla at the Village Players of Hatboro Theatre 9:00-11:00pm: Drive back to CC Rentals (Chelsea Location) NYC * August 4th Sunday (Optional) 4:30-6:30pm: Tech Rehearsal 6:30-7:00pm: Doors Open 7:00-9:30pm: Perform at Djam NYC at the Secret Room NYC WHERE: - Bellyqueen School, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10003 Press "Playwrights" on the intercom to be let into the building and to activate the elevator - Brilliant DanceSport Studio, 4625 Street Road, Feasterville, Trevose, PA - CC Rentals (Chelsea Location), 100 W 17th St, at 6th Ave, New York, NY - Secret Room, 707 8th Ave, at W 45th St, New York, NY - The Village Players of Hatboro Theatre, 401 Jefferson Avenue, Hatboro, PA TRIP to PA INVESTMENT: Return Trip in Rental Van from NYC to PA: $50 - $75 each Single Workshop: $37, $42 after July 1st Both Workshops: $68, $75 after July 1st Tribal Bellies Student Level Performers: $5 Tribal Bellies Hafla Ticket: $18, $20 at the door Sign Up for PA Workshops and Show on the Tribal Bellies Web Site ………………………………………. All About That Bass Performance Project w/ Kaeshi Chai Learn a super cute, short choreography by Kaeshi Chai to the hit “All About That Bass” by Meghan Trainor Receive a recording of the choreography to study ahead of time and meet for two in-person rehearsals to stage and clean in NYC a few days beforehand. Costume: Red Polka Dot 50s Vintage Dress: $29.99 Black 50s Vintage Petticoat: $18.99 Black shoes with heel (Example 1 , 2 , 3, 4 ) Rehearsals + Choreography Recording: $95 ………………………………………. Sugar Plums + Spanish Rose Performance Project 7/12-8/2 4 Wk Course Patricia Gonzalez is teaching two choreographies with the option to perform on Fridays 7-8pm. Find out more here. ………………………………………. WHO: KAESHI CHAI is a bicoastal (NYC + San Francisco Bay Area) based performer, theatrical director, teacher trainer, and award winning designer. She co-founded the professional dance company and school, Bellyqueen, and PURE (Public Urban Ritual Experiment), a global community focused on healing and social change through dance and music. Kaeshi has extensive training in contemporary dance, physical theatre and Silk Road dances spanning the Middle East to China. She has taught or performed in 47 states and 39 countries. She is an alumni member of the Bellydance Superstars, Jillina’s Bellydance Evolution and Kenji William’s Bella Gaia and curates the Djam NYC event for dancers and musicians to create and play together. Current projects include Nature Stories, a performance integrating art and science to create more environmental awareness, and Creative Labs in which participants conceptualize, choreograph and mount full-length theatrical dance shows in 3-4 days. https://linktr.ee/kaeshichai https://bellyqueen.com/patricia-spanish-rose daily 0.75 2025-01-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/1b54b53a-cae6-403c-9b11-5feca414c38c/FB-Patricia-Spanish.jpg 1/12-2/2 Spanish Rose w/ Patricia Gonzalez Learn a beautiful Spanish Rose choreography by Patricia Gonzalez from Jan 12-Feb 2. Following this will be a second 4 week course covering staging and polishing to perform the same choreography at the New York Belly Dance Festival March 15-16. Also check out Patricia's Sunday 11am-12pm Belly Ballet drop-in classes for more grace and stronger turns. WHEN: Sundays 11am-12pm: Belly Ballet Drop-In Class Sundays 12-1pm: Spanish Rose Choreography 1/12-2/2 4 Week Course INVESTMENT: $80, $75 Unlimited Members https://bellyqueen.com/zoe-jakes daily 0.75 2024-10-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/27cc1bd4-23e5-42be-9ce0-ca02788bcff0/FBZoeNYC2024.jpg 10/18-10/20 Zoe Jakes in NYC - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/b343d89c-8fd0-42a8-85e3-26fbff5afa07/veil+of+midnight.jpg 10/18-10/20 Zoe Jakes in NYC - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/16491f30-dbfb-48fa-80bd-1287eb590c09/bewitched.jpg 10/18-10/20 Zoe Jakes in NYC - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/ghostly-shadows daily 0.75 2024-08-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/adb43b21-b5a0-459d-855c-6773087de07f/ghostly.jpg 9/5-10/17 Ghostly Shadows w/ Brenna In-Person Classes WHAT: Dive into the role of ghostly shadows in a hauntingly theatrical fusion dance during this six-week performance course. We'll be dancing to "Goodbye" by Apparat and Soap&Skin. This course is recommended for students with a solid understanding of advanced beginner to intermediate level techniques and beyond. WHEN: Performance Project: Thursdays September 5, 12, 19, 26, October 10, 17 7.30-9pm Zoe Jakes Intensive Theatrical Show: Saturday October 19th 8-10pm WHERE: Performance Project: Bellyqueen, Playwrights, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Fl, Studio 4D Zoe Jakes Intensive Theatrical Show: Speyer Hall, 184 Eldridge St, NYC INVESTMENT: $175, $155 unlimited pass members * Must also attend at least a single day of the Zoe Jakes Intensive in NYC * Includes a video of the performance * Costume is an extra cost Sign Up Now ABOUT: Brenna Crowley is an artist, dancer choreographer, instructor and producer based in NYC, and has performed and taught locally and across the country since first walking into her first dance class in 2004. She has performed as a featured soloist, as a member of Sera Solstice's Solstice Ensemble, as part of many collaborations as well as her own collective, Zilla Dance Ensemble. Currently teaching classes at Bellyqueen School, she has taught for Serena Studios, Solstice Studio and at Ailey Extension. Partnering with founder Giselle BellydanceNYC, they co-produce the theatrical dance events, the Witching Hour Boo-tique and Baile Noir. She also partnered with founder Danielle Hutton on Love Letters 2 and 3. She is also a proud ambassador for the dance clothing company D. Webb Designs. When she’s not dancing, Brenna is crafting wreaths and home decor, listening to too many spooky and true crime podcasts, dabbling in SFX makeup, pretending to work for QVC and wrangling her four turtles and 40 houseplants. https://msha.ke/brennzilla/ https://bellyqueen.com/tarik-basic-cymbals daily 0.75 2024-10-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/1944af39-6d0f-4988-a020-d40d9f1c593a/HDTarik202410.jpg 10/5-11/2 Basic Finger Cymbals Course w/ Tarik - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/gabriela-saidi daily 0.75 2024-10-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/97052e6a-cb7e-44b1-8fa0-a4baf7a422ff/HDGabriela241027Saidi.png 10/27 Saidi Cane w/ Gabriela Figueroa Photo by Amma Rhea WHAT: Immerse yourself in Saidi, a vibrant folkloric dance from Upper Egypt, also known as the Said. This dynamic style is rooted in Tahtib, an ancient martial art that has stood the test of time. Saidi dance is known for its lively, grounded movements, incorporating striking, spinning, rowing, flipping, and twirling motions. Traditionally, there are two types of Saidi stick dance: Raks Assaya, performed by women, and Tahtib, practiced primarily by men. Join Gabriela on an exciting journey into Saidi dance as we explore: - Cane techniques and drills - Traditional partner work inspired by the Banat group - Combinations from Reda Troupe - We’ll also dive into musicality and bring it all together with a fun choreography! WHEN: Sunday October 27th 12.30-2pm WHERE: In-Person: Bellyqueen School of Dance @Playwrights Downtown, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4F, New York, NY 10003 INVESTMENT: Sliding scale pay what you can afford In-Person: $35, $40 $30 Unlimited Members Sign Up Now! WHO: Gabriela Figueroa’s passionate journey with Middle Eastern dance first began in 2011. She studied with Natalie El-Ghoul, a Middle Eastern and contemporary choreographer at La Fábrica in Guayaquil, Ecuador and also with certified somatic teacher Carolina Cruz, from Quito, Ecuador at Frente de Danza Independiente. In 2015 Gabriela became a member of Natalia Nazario's multiple award-winning troupe Raks Al Zahra troupe and in 2018, she completed the Bellyqueen Teacher Training Course led by Kaeshi Chai. Gabriela continues to grow each day by studying different styles such as Middle Eastern folklore, Romani, Flamenco and other modalities contributing to her versatility as both a performer and choreographer. As a proud member of the Bellyqueen school faculty, Gabriela's teaching focuses on history and culture, creating community and integration of mind and body through dance. https://bellyqueen.com/anshu daily 0.75 2025-10-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/f0941796-0541-4ef6-b963-e410dc7cf403/ANSHU+TUKOL.jpg Anshu Tukol - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/1f1d7cee-bc12-4d42-9ed8-bceaf5ac43c4/FBAnshuSoftBollywood.jpg Anshu Tukol - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/live-music daily 0.75 2024-12-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/b2890dc1-d17a-4f14-b219-1264a42086f1/FB-Kaeshi-Rob-Brad-2501.png 1/9 + 1/16 Dance to Live Music w/ Kaeshi Rob Brad - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/gabriela-saidi-4-wks daily 0.75 2025-02-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/ab59d657-81f0-4231-9c55-2a652eb66b8b/HD+Gabriela+Saidi+4+Wk.jpg 2/21-3/14 Saidi Cane w/ Gabriela Figueroa Photo by Amma Rhea WHAT: Immerse yourself in Saidi, a vibrant folkloric dance from Upper Egypt, also known as the Said. This dynamic style is rooted in Tahtib, an ancient martial art that has stood the test of time. Saidi dance is known for its lively, grounded movements, incorporating striking, spinning, rowing, flipping, and twirling motions. Traditionally, there are two types of Saidi stick dance: Raks Assaya, performed by women, and Tahtib, practiced primarily by men. Join Gabriela on an exciting journey into Saidi dance as we explore: - Cane techniques and drills - Traditional partner work inspired by the Banat group - Combinations from Reda Troupe - We’ll also dive into musicality and bring it all together with a fun choreography! WHEN: February 21, 28 March 7, 14 Fridays 7.30-8.30pm WHERE: In-Person: Bellyqueen School of Dance @Playwrights Downtown, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4F, New York, NY 10003 INVESTMENT: Sliding scale pay what you can afford 4 Wk Course: $100, $92 $85 Unlimited Members Drop-In: $30. $28, $25 Members https://bellyqueen.com/irina-drama-queen daily 0.75 2024-12-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/b7130bac-ce7b-4e74-9c23-f5463b2c5848/FB-Irina-Drama-Queen.jpg 1/7 Drama Queen w/ Irina Akulenko 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. https://bellyqueen.com/tarik-huss daily 0.75 2025-10-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/fae6bb5a-1c8e-4c89-9ef1-f275cf235873/FBTarikHussNov25.jpg 11/1-12/13 Shaabi + Cymbals w/ Tarik Sultan - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/brenna-bir-demet daily 0.75 2025-01-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/237c7e7a-1024-4bdf-bef7-c1ef8a33ffb8/FB+Brenna+Bir+Demet.jpg 1/23-2/13 Bir Demet Veil w/ Brenna Crowley “Bir Demet Yasemen” American Cabaret Veil Thursdays 7:30pm - 8:30pm Jan. 23 - Feb. 13 - Learn the Choreography Feb. 20 - Mar. 13 - Staging and Rehearsals Recommended for students that have a working knowledge of advanced beginner/intermediate level technique and up. This course, divided into two 4-week sessions, will teach participants a romantic veil choreography in the American Cabaret Belly Dance style to the Turkish folk song “Bir Demet Yasemen.” Please bring a 3- or 4-yard silk veil. American Cabaret Belly Dance veil work is known for its dynamic, theatrical, and visually captivating movements that often emphasize grace, fluidity, and versatility. Session 1: January 23 – February 13 In the first session, you will learn the choreography, featuring graceful flowing movements, dramatic accents, spins, turns, and traditional belly dance techniques. Session 2: February 20 – March 13 (Performance Option) For those interested in performing this routine at the upcoming New York Belly Dance Festival (March 15-16), an additional session will focus on staging, costuming, and preparation. Performance Details: To perform at the festival, you must purchase either a 2-day or 1-day package, or pay a Performance Fee of $99 if you are unable to attend workshops. Bellyqueen students are eligible for discounted package rates, and payment plans are available. For more details, please email bellyqueenschool@gmail.com or newyorkbellydancefestival@gmail.com. Please note that the festival fee is separate from the cost of this course. Location of Festival: Manhattan Mirage 265 W 37th Street New York NY 10018 16FL https://www.newyorkbellydancefestival.com WHERE: Bellyqueen School @Playwrights Downtown 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4D, New York, NY 10003 https://bellyqueen.com/warrior-fan daily 0.75 2025-01-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/cd84beec-a62f-4507-b9cd-93eef59b7827/HDKaeshiLunarNewYearFan.png 2/9 Warrior Fan Dance w/ Kaeshi Chai WHAT: Unleash your inner warrior with this dynamic workshop! Explore the powerful and fluid movements of Tai Chi and Kung Fu fan techniques. Learn precision, control, and expressive sequences that expand your repertoire while enhancing grace and strength. Whether you're new to fan work or looking to refine your skills, this class will equip you with bold, stage-ready combinations to add drama and flair to your performances. Bring your own fan, or buy one here https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07R331HZL Let Kaeshi know if you would like to borrow one. WHEN: Sunday February 9th 1-2pm WHERE: In-Person: Bellyqueen School of Dance @Playwrights Downtown, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4D, New York, NY 10003 INVESTMENT: Sliding scale pay what you can afford In-Person: $25, $30 $20 Unlimited Members https://bellyqueen.com/gabriela-saidi-intensive-1 daily 0.75 2025-02-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/19b60532-3f47-45a1-9fe6-e3b5d46f74fb/FB-Gabriela-Saidi-2501.png 1/17-1/31 Saidi Cane w/ Gabriela Figueroa (Copy) Photo by Amma Rhea WHAT: Immerse yourself in Saidi, a vibrant folkloric dance from Upper Egypt, also known as the Said. This dynamic style is rooted in Tahtib, an ancient martial art that has stood the test of time. Saidi dance is known for its lively, grounded movements, incorporating striking, spinning, rowing, flipping, and twirling motions. Traditionally, there are two types of Saidi stick dance: Raks Assaya, performed by women, and Tahtib, practiced primarily by men. Join Gabriela on an exciting journey into Saidi dance as we explore: - Cane techniques and drills - Traditional partner work inspired by the Banat group - Combinations from Reda Troupe - We’ll also dive into musicality and bring it all together with a fun choreography! WHEN: January 17, 24, 31 Fridays 7.30-8.30pm WHERE: In-Person: Bellyqueen School of Dance @Playwrights Downtown, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4D, New York, NY 10003 INVESTMENT: Sliding scale pay what you can afford In-Person: $75, $70 $65 Unlimited Members https://bellyqueen.com/tarik-balancing daily 0.75 2025-02-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/a8beb6f6-41f7-4f93-9dac-dd3fe4d07e91/HDTarik2502.jpg 2/25-3/25 Art of Balancing w/ Tarik Sultan - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/cecilia-lighting daily 0.75 2025-02-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/1262b2cc-7a4a-4294-b6f4-3c42f51ab4fe/HD-Lighting-101.jpg 3/9 Lighting 101 for Dancers w/ Cecilia Durbin - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/festival daily 0.75 2025-02-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/7b3d7f8b-af3f-4f18-aefd-5fcb675f8aba/NYBellyDanceFestival25.jpg Festival - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/bfba951b-d43f-43ac-b478-c9d13f4b5454/NYBellyDanceFestivalSchedule.jpg Festival - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/rachel-brice daily 0.75 2025-10-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/50cc3239-e489-4c42-bc3f-df3fcfe1712c/HD-Rachel-Ultimate.jpg 10/10-10/12 Rachel Brice in NYC - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/6916229f-c7bc-4ec6-b76d-dfa8909f244c/Summoning.jpg 10/10-10/12 Rachel Brice in NYC - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/3620885a-413b-490e-82ea-725e694eae9a/Invocation.jpg 10/10-10/12 Rachel Brice in NYC - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/tarik-egyptian daily 0.75 2025-03-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/8d34850b-18c9-4f16-945d-e41632e837a7/HDTarik2503.jpg 3/15-4/12 Egyptian Spirit w/ Tarik Sultan - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/stormtrooper daily 0.75 2025-03-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/8903798c-687a-452d-a260-a211a83c82a3/HDMelanieBigMikeStormtroopers.jpg 3/27-5/4 StormTrooper w/ Melanie + Big Mike WHAT: Learn a fun stormtrooper dance in the style of hip hop belly dance fusion over 6 weeks. Drill isolations, popping, waving, waacking, accents and shimmies and put it all together into a choreography with group stage patterns. There is an option to perform what you learn at the Djam NYC Star Wars May the Fourth Be With You show at the Secret Room in midtown Manhattan. WHEN: 6 Week Course: Thursdays March 27th - May 1st, 6.30-8pm Sunday May 4th 4.30-5.30pm Tech Rehearsal 6.30-7.30pm: Doors Open 7-9.30pm: Show WHERE: 6 Wk Course: Ripley Grier, 520 8th Ave, 17th Floor, 17A, New York, NY Tech Rehearsal + Show: Secret Room, 707 8th Ave, New York, NY INVESTMENT: $195, $175 unlimited pass members - Includes tech rehearsal, ticket to the show, and video - Costume is extra - Invite at least 2 friends to see you perform https://bellyqueen.com/across-the-stars daily 0.75 2025-03-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/741c8cf7-0661-4332-871d-931eb3e9423f/BrennaStarWarsAcross2.jpg 3/25-4/29 Across the Stars w/ Brenna Crowley - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/cantina daily 0.75 2025-03-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/31fd9a93-bd93-4202-b57c-41a969f71fd6/HDBrennaCantina25.jpg 3/27-5/4 Cantina w/ Brenna Crowley WHAT: Star Wars Cantina Performance Project (In-Person) 7:30pm - 9pm (3/27-5/1) A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away… Embark on a 6-week performance journey to master a theatrical belly dance routine set to the legendary "Cantina Band" from Star Wars. Participants will showcase their skills at the Djam NYC Star Wars May the Fourth Be With You show on Sunday, May 4th, complete with themed costumes and makeup. This course is ideal for intermediate dancers and adventurous beginners ready to harness the force. Suitable for dancers of all levels, with a limit of 12 participants. WHEN: 6 Week Course: Thursdays 7:30 to 9pm March 27 - May 1 Sun May 4 4.30-6.30pm: Tech Rehearsal 6.30-7pm: Doors Open 7-9.30pm: Show The course will be conducted through six 1.5 hour sessions, over a 6 week period and students will have an opportunity to perform on Sunday May 4th in midtown Manhattan at the Djam NYC at the Secret Room NYC. Attendance of all sessions is mandatory for performance participation, unless special arrangements are made in advance. WHERE: 6 Week Course: Bellyqueen School @Playwrights Downtown 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4D, New York, NY 10003 Press "Playwrights" on the intercom to open the front door and activate the elevator Show: Secret Room NYC, 707 8th Ave, between W 44th and W 45th St, New York, NY 10036 INVESTMENT: $195, $175 unlimited pass members - Includes tech rehearsal, ticket to the show, and video - Costume is extra - Invite at least 2 friends to see you perform https://bellyqueen.com/persian-2025 daily 0.75 2025-03-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/8500e922-19ca-425a-8053-d3dbcd88823d/EBElenaPersian2025.jpg 4/6-4/20 Persian Performance Project w/ Elena Nayiri - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/tarik-vertical daily 0.75 2025-03-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/de2571d0-40ba-4be2-8393-f515522c4c18/HDTarik2504B.jpg 4/1-4/29 Vertical Balancing w/ Tarik Sultan - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/tarik-basic-finger-cymbals daily 0.75 2025-05-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/f6e5b52c-de20-44d9-ba6c-86d381eb5221/HDTarik2505.jpg 5/6-6/3 Basic Finger Cymbals w/ Tarik Sultan - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/dalia-rob daily 0.75 2025-04-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/478caf74-30eb-4019-8996-b2ef1cd8122b/HDDaliaFlamenco.jpg 5/30 Flamenco Araby w/ Dalia + Rob WHAT: Dalia will be offering a sensual and passionate Flamenco Araby dance workshop to the divine and fiery music of Rob Mastrianni, who is an amazing guitarist, composer, recording artist and performer. Flamenco Araby is an electrifying dance experience pioneered by Dalia, who has taught her innovative fusion style all over the world. Dalia fuses the rich traditions of Arabic dance (Raqs Sharqi), Flamenco, and Latin Caribbean styles. Decades in the making, Dalia's style embodies deep, expressive and percussive movements of Arabic dance, adding a Flamenco flair with dramatic and passionate arm/skirt work, complemented by vibrant Latin Caribbean and skirt techniques of both Bomba and Plena dance from Puerto Rico. Join Dalia and Rob for a passionate and fiery Friday nite event. Please bring a full skirt, or a veil if you do not have a skirt. WHEN: Friday May 30th, 6.30-8.30pm WHERE: Bellyqueen @Playwrights, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4F, New York, NY 10003 INVESTMENT: In Advance: $60, $55 unlimited pass members At the Door: $70, $65 unlimited pass members https://bellyqueen.com/anahid-veil daily 0.75 2025-05-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/9ca0c57d-a35d-4d7d-a8c3-6fef9ae91a23/250601-Anahid-Veil.jpg 6/1 Veil Imagery w/ Anahid Sofian - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/raquy-hi-album daily 0.75 2025-05-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/9fed7094-b85b-4821-9a3f-046e911ab690/Raquy+and+the+Cavemen.jpg 5/28 Raquy and the Cavemen - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/patricia-arabic-pop daily 0.75 2025-05-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/ddf93cea-1dc7-4fab-97e4-3ba12a2a8c9d/FBPatriciaArabicPop.jpg 5/8-6/12 Arabic Pop w/ Patricia Gonzalez Join the Show! 6-Week Arabic Pop Performance Project at Bellyqueen！ Ready to take the stage? This is your chance to learn a fun, upbeat Arabic pop choreography to the beloved classic “El Youm el Helw Dah”—set in motion by the fabulous Patricia Gonzalez! Thursdays, May 8 – June 12 7:30–9:00 PM Bellyqueen School, NYC Over six weeks, you’ll train with intention, sharpen your stage skills, and perform with a supportive cast at DJAM NYC: Arabic Night at The Secret Room on Sunday, June 15 (Show: 7–9:30 PM | Tech: 4:30–6:30 PM). This piece is joyful, expressive, and rich with classic pop styling—a great fit for dancers who want to shine in an upbeat group number with a feel-good vibe! Open to int/adv dancers Performance opportunity in a professional NYC venue Build confidence, polish, and community Spots are limited—secure yours now and dance the joy of this “beautiful day”! INVESTMENT: $195, $175 unlimited pass holders https://bellyqueen.com/book-a-class daily 0.75 2025-05-13 https://bellyqueen.com/anahid-veil-1 daily 0.75 2025-05-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/074324b1-cd7b-4a04-8f96-c4773a3bcf1f/HDAnahidVeil.jpg 5/4-5/18 Veil Imagery w/ Anahid Sofian (Copy) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/pirates daily 0.75 2025-06-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/f877a7d8-e372-4b6b-91e7-79570f02d062/Brenna-Pirate.png 6/10-7/15 Pirates of the Caribbean w/ Brenna Crowley - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/debbie-despina daily 0.75 2025-10-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/d8c20e42-62c5-46de-87be-67b84a861b9d/DebbieLookSide.jpg Debbie Despina - Guest - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/030ab423-30a7-4a03-9730-384d017e1c4b/FBDebbieSalimpourAssuit.jpg Debbie Despina - Guest - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/group-improv daily 0.75 2025-06-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/8988e2ce-5bb6-4ddc-bbd9-7051282e5fbd/Debbie-Group2.png 6/19-7/17 Group Improv w/ Debbie Despina - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/kaeshi-veil daily 0.75 2025-05-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/b3ea5b31-462f-48a8-95fd-16fb3605da3f/FBKaeshiVeilNYC-250601.jpg 6/1 Innovative Veil w/ Kaeshi Chai - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/tarik-basic-finger-cymbals-2 daily 0.75 2025-06-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/4413f5b8-8d67-44a8-bde6-0dc99c838018/HDTarik2506.jpg 6/10-7/8 Basic Finger Cymbals Part 2 w/ Tarik Sultan - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/tarik-baladi-bunch daily 0.75 2025-07-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/18d4a3dc-a4e0-49fa-bf8e-90be3b919568/HD-Tarik-Baladi-Bunch.png 7/15-8/12 The Baladi Bunch Performance Project - w/ Tarik Sultan - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/tarik-improvisation daily 0.75 2025-10-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/cc1fcc68-ce2d-42cb-a593-a777995c576c/FBTarikImprovisationOct.jpg 10/11-10/25 Egyptian Improvisation and Musicality - w/ Tarik Sultan - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/bqtt daily 0.75 2025-12-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/ce6025fe-08dd-47f6-9aa3-dc1c3765088a/BQTTAug2017.jpeg 8/12-8/16 Bellyqueen Teacher Training https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/acb35596-066a-42be-ae72-dc4e2d903fae/1526221_10151782614767470_1582174442_n.jpeg 8/12-8/16 Bellyqueen Teacher Training https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/0e05fc3f-244f-416b-9241-d8176b723070/10425105_10152330580962470_5660689653276519452_n.jpeg 8/12-8/16 Bellyqueen Teacher Training https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/d79b1c51-3c47-480e-8e17-4d27154f4cf4/manual.jpeg 8/12-8/16 Bellyqueen Teacher Training https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/4c7a6953-147c-4fd1-a32d-4a85443e40a7/IMG_8263.jpeg 8/12-8/16 Bellyqueen Teacher Training - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/zombieboy daily 0.75 2025-08-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/2df013c8-cc93-4319-9968-646ad2aff6d2/FBBrennaZombieBoy7.30pm.jpg 9/2-10/7 ZombieBoy w/ Brenna Crowley - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/tarik-building-blocks daily 0.75 2025-10-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/07f1a182-2fa5-4851-a7e5-504fc3745729/FBTarikBuildingBlocksNov25.jpg 11/11-12/16 Belly Dance Building Blocks w/ Tarik Sultan - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/the-return daily 0.75 2025-09-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/68abcd9f-290f-4225-9b5b-b921dfab4bf0/TheReturn.jpg The Return - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/fantastic-fans daily 0.75 2025-09-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/d7b7c40b-dc70-4940-a68b-628b8cb29825/HDKaeshiFantasticFans.jpg 10/1-10/29 Fantastic Fans w/ Kaeshi Chai WHAT: Fascinated by fans but don’t know how to use them? Then come and discover how the beauty of fan dancing can enhance your ability to mesmerize an audience. Kaeshi will teach you different hand holds, dramatic accents, poses you can strike, travel steps, plus a myriad of bellydance movements that work well with traditional Chinese fan technique. Wish to buy your own fans? Check out https://a.co/d/hvXDHFV (Select 120 x 90 cm) Some fans will also be available to borrow. WHEN: October 1-29, Wednesdays 7:30-8:30pm WHERE: Playwrights, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4D, New York, NY INVESTMENT: 5 Week Course: $100, $90 Members Drop-In: $25, $20 Members https://bellyqueen.com/gabriela-ah-w-noss daily 0.75 2025-09-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/af1cee5c-bff8-48cf-b29e-2dc964daed27/HDGabriela-AhWNoss.png 10/17-12/12 Ah W Noss w/ Gabriela Figueroa Join Gabriela Figueroa for an open level Raqs Sharqi Performance Project! In this series, you’ll learn an upbeat belly dance choreography to perform at the Bellyqueen School Winter Showcase at Speyer Hall on Saturday December 13th, 6pm + 8pm Shows. WHEN Course: Fridays 7.30-8.30pm Oct 17, Oct 24th Nov 7, 14, 21 Dec 5, 12 Friday Dec 5th (2 hours ) 6:30 to 8:30pm Show: Sat Dec 13, 3-10pm WHERE Course: Playwrights, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4C, NYC Show: Speyer Hall, 184 Eldridge St, New York, NY 10002 INVESTMENT: $195, $175 unlimited pass members - Includes tech rehearsal, photos and video - Costume is extra - Invite at least 2 friends to see you perform https://bellyqueen.com/2025-thriller daily 0.75 2025-10-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/13a54911-a64d-49f1-a0b3-6e2b88518298/HDThrillerBrenna251030.jpg 10/30 Thriller Dance w/ Brenna It’s close to midnight… Learn the iconic moves from the most legendary music video of all time—Thriller! Since 1983, this undead classic has thrilled and chilled audiences, and now it’s your turn to join the fun. Whether you want to light up the dance floor this Halloween, perform the full choreography, or just move like a zombie for a night, this workshop guarantees a frightfully good time. WHEN: Thursday October 30th 6.30-8.30pm WHERE: Workshop: Bellyqueen @ Playwrights 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4A, New York, NY 10003 INVESTMENT: Sliding scale pay what you can $40, $50 $35 Bellyqueen unlimited pass holders https://bellyqueen.com/jedi daily 0.75 2025-10-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/d7c29986-9543-4e6b-adeb-36d56c67deb2/FBBrennaJedi.jpg 10/21-12/9 Dance of the Jedi w/ Brenna Crowley - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/invocation daily 0.75 2025-10-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/3620885a-413b-490e-82ea-725e694eae9a/Invocation.jpg The Invocation Program - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/summoning daily 0.75 2025-10-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/6916229f-c7bc-4ec6-b76d-dfa8909f244c/Summoning.jpg https://bellyqueen.com/salimpour-legacy daily 0.75 2025-10-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/030ab423-30a7-4a03-9730-384d017e1c4b/FBDebbieSalimpourAssuit.jpg 11/6-12/13 Salimpour Legacy w/ Debbie Despina - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/dalia-workshop daily 0.75 2026-01-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/e7c180d9-9c3e-4b53-bd66-968c2639a8db/FBDaliaFlamencoAraby260111.jpg 1/11 Flamenco Araby w/ Dalia Carella WHAT: Flamenco Araby, pioneered by Dalia, is an electrifying fusion of Arabic dance, Flamenco, and Latin Caribbean skirt styles. Dalia's style incorporates seductive Afro-Cuban Rumba influences with fans (Abanico) and skirts. This lesson begins with a warm up and features a streamlined fan fingering technique that Dalia has developed over many decades, which allows dancers to quickly master the use of both fan and skirt work together into one sassy combolicious! The first hour Dalia will guide you through her unique fan technique and then we will proceed to the combination. Please bring a wide skirt and a small or large flamenco fan or a fan that opens and closes easily and will not break. (Please write to Dalia if you need assistance on what type of fan to use - info@daliacarella.com). WHEN: Sunday January 11th, 12-2pm WHERE: Playwrights, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4F, New York, NY 10003 Press “Playwrights” on the intercom to open the front door and activate the elevator. INVESTMENT: In Advance: $60, $55 unlimited pass members At the Door: $70, $65 unlimited pass members https://bellyqueen.com/phaedra-workshop daily 0.75 2025-10-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/b353d4cf-172c-4de0-888e-660ce41b34ae/FBPhaedraZayElHawa.jpg 11/16 Zay El Hawa w/ Phaedra Darwish WHAT: Based in Chicago, Phaedra Darwish is a Lebanese-American dancer, singer, and musician who is making a special trip to NYC to share her rich knowledge. Not only is she a phenomenal instructor who weaves valuable cultural knowledge into her teachings, she is super hilarious. You will experience joy and laughter while you dance! “Zay El Hawa", originally sung by Abdel Halim Hafez, is a famous Egyptian classic that every dancer must have in their musical tool belt. Join Phaedra Darwish from Chicago and take a deep dive into the rhythms, structure, and rich melodies of this piece by learning an upper intermediate/advanced choreography to a beautiful version with lush orchestrations. At the end of this 3-hour workshop, participants will have a very useful choreography to add to their repertoire, and more importantly, each dancer will walk away with a deep knowledge of this great song, body and soul. WHEN: Sunday November 16, 2-5pm WHERE: Ripley Grier, 305 W 38th St, #212, New York, NY INVESTMENT: $75, $65 unlimited members https://bellyqueen.com/djam-nyc-11-16-25 daily 0.75 2025-11-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/964622d1-d05c-4711-8a7e-8eed82a16f2f/EB251116ElAsdiqaa2.jpg https://bellyqueen.com/aldo daily 0.75 2025-12-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/b226d7b0-44ad-4e91-a550-26833859fe1e/FBAldoFlamenco.jpg 12/14 Flamenco Arms + Lines w/ Aldo Ruiz WHAT: Flamenco Arms and Lines with Aldo Ruiz 2-Hour Special Workshop • Visiting Artist from San Francisco Join us for an inspiring and dynamic flamenco workshop with Aldo Ruiz, a celebrated San Francisco–based dancer, educator, and creative producer with more than 30 years of experience in Spanish dance and flamenco. In this two-hour intensive, Aldo will guide you through the fundamentals that give flamenco its unmistakable power and elegance. You’ll learn: Signature flamenco arm pathways that create drama, expressiveness, and fluidity Posture and body alignment to cultivate presence, strength, and clean lines Movement dynamics and shaping to refine your technique and elevate your stagecraft Comparisons between flamenco and Middle Eastern dance, highlighting shared roots, distinct aesthetics, and how dancers can draw from both traditions in fusion work Whether you are a belly dancer, fusion artist, or flamenco-curious mover, this workshop offers tools to expand your expression, sharpen your technique, and deepen your cultural understanding. Open-level. All styles welcome. Come ready to move, sweat, and be inspired by one of the West Coast’s brightest flamenco artists. INVESTMENT: $55, $50 unlimited pass holders WHEN: Sunday December 14th, 12-2pm WHERE: Playwrights, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4D, New York, NY Press “Playwrights” on the intercom to open the front door and activate the elevator. https://bellyqueen.com/winter-solstice daily 0.75 2025-12-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/22715aa7-adf8-4bbc-a3c5-a9fae64abfb9/EBBQWinterSolstice.jpg Winter Solstice Program - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/irina-turns-odissi daily 0.75 2025-12-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/c2d0600e-e5be-443d-a25c-f7fff93deed7/1920Irina202601.jpg 1/8-2/12 Turns + Odissi w/ Irina Akulenko 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 Thursdays 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. https://bellyqueen.com/archetype daily 0.75 2026-01-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/9a3bb10b-7e50-4694-8c20-a25939f8ffe9/HDArchetype.jpg 1/20-3/14 Archetype w/ Brenna + Kaeshi ARCHETYPE: Solo Performance Showcase 8 Week Course This 8-week course is designed to support dancers in creating an original solo rooted in an archetype—an embodied character, force, or essence that shapes movement, emotion, and presence. Through structured improvisation, movement exploration, compositional tools, and reflective practices, dancers will be guided step-by-step from discovery to performance. Each week builds upon the last, offering both creative freedom and clear frameworks to help dancers deepen their personal voice while crafting a compelling solo. Participants will explore archetypes drawn from myth, nature, emotion, motion, and persona, using them as a lens to develop movement quality, intention, and storytelling. The process emphasizes curiosity, embodiment, and authenticity rather than perfection. This series culminates in an informal showcase where dancers present their completed solos in a supportive performance setting. What to Expect Guided improvisation exercises to discover and embody an archetype Movement prompts to develop unique physical vocabulary Tools for solo structure, pacing, and transitions Supportive feedback and reflection circles Space to explore confidence, stage presence, and intention A final performance opportunity to share your work Who This Is For This workshop is open to dancers of all styles who are interested in creative exploration and solo work. A basic movement foundation is recommended, but choreography experience is not required. Dancers are encouraged to work at their own level and bring their full selves into the process. Outcome By the end of the series, each dancer will have: A completed solo inspired by an archetype Greater confidence in improvisation and creative decision-making Tools to continue creating solo work beyond the workshop Experience performing original work in a supportive environment WHEN: Choose a track Track 1: Tuesdays 7.30-9pm 1/20-3/10 w/ Brenna Crowley in Studio 4A Track 2: Wednesdays 7.30-9pm 1/21-3/11 w/ Kaeshi Chai in Studio 4D Performance: Saturday March 14th 5pm: Tech Rehearsal 7.45pm: Doors Open 8-9.30pm: Show WHERE: 8 Wk Course: Bellyqueen @ Playwrights 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studios 4A + 4D, New York, NY 10003 Show: The Sonnet Theater, Producers Club, 358 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036 INVESTMENT: $250, $225 Unlimited Pass Holders * Includes a video and photos of the performance. * Participants are expected to invite at least two paying audience members * Costume is an extra cost https://bellyqueen.com/tarik-egyptian-improv daily 0.75 2026-03-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/719a7c9e-9f39-4139-a385-12b503b5592e/HDTarikImprov260321.jpg 3/21-4/11 Egyptian Improvisation w/ Tarik Sultan - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/kaeshi-dance daily 0.75 2026-01-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/2551737c-9f43-4e9a-9d7d-c60e76a45239/HDKaeshiDance.jpg 1/14 Dance w/ Kaeshi Chai - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/kaeshi-warrior-fan daily 0.75 2026-01-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/ec3e4fb1-c6e7-40ee-81bc-8e7bd8e2d5ce/HDKaeshiWarriorFan2601.jpg 1/30 Warrior Fan w/ Kaeshi Chai - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/sonia-2026 daily 0.75 2026-01-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/cca040b0-ee5d-40d0-a896-01adc82db0d3/HDSonia2026.jpg 6/12-6/14 Sonia Ochoa in NYC It's been 3 years since the exquisite Sonia Ochoa last visited NYC. Seize this valuable opportunity to study from a highly respected and world-renown artist to take your dance to the next level. WHAT: Workshop Information coming! WHEN: Friday June 12th: Times coming Saturday June 13th: Times coming Sunday June 14th 7-9.30pm: Djam NYC Arabic Night Show WHERE: In-Person Workshops: Bellyqueen @Playwrights, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10003 In-Person Show: Djam NYC @Secret Room, 707 8th Ave, New York, NY 10036 INVESTMENT: SONIA OCHOA Her love of music and dance has led her on a lifelong journey, exploring a vast collection of artistic movement, expression, and language. With a career spanning almost 25 years, Sonia Ochoa has toured with companies of various genres featuring her as a principal dancer and contributing choreographer, most notably with the Bellydance Superstars (2002-2010). Managed by music mogul Miles Copeland, she was catapulted into the world of raqs sharqi, performing in some of the most prestigious theaters and popular television shows across the globe. Yet, her passion did not come to a standstill with one dance form. A dedicated and ardent student, Sonia circles the globe to undergo intensive dance training. She has travelled extensively through India, Egypt and Spain to study Odissi Indian classical dance, Egyptian folk dances, flamenco and classical Spanish dance. Drawing from a vast background, she has developed a signature style of her own and has been presented with opportunities to collaborate with fellow artists worldwide. Whilst residing in her native city of Los Angeles, she collaborates with local artists, conducting workshops and directing the Sonia Ochoa Dance Co., among other projects. Always seeking to enrich her artistic voice, Sonia hopes to make a small contribution to our global dance communities, bridging cultural gaps and uplifting audiences through the knowledge and beauty of music and dance. https://bellyqueen.com/gabriela-khaleeji daily 0.75 2026-01-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/2b566539-b968-4269-bad4-5914f507d053/GabrielaKhaleeji.jpg 2/13-2/27 Khaleeji w/ Gabriela Figueroa WHAT: Dive into the world of "Khaleeji", a dance of elegance, softness, and strength, characterized by grounded movement, refined upper-body expression, rhythmic footwork and beautiful hair tricks. In this 3-week course, students will learn the fundamental techniques of Khaleeji dance, The class is open to beginners and open-level dancers, and will culminate in a short choreography to the song "Ya Omre Ana" by the Miami Band. WHEN: February 13, 20, 27, Fridays 7.30-8.30pm Want to dance for 2 hours? Join Gabriela from 6:30-7:30 pm for Basic Belly Dance (3 weeks only) WHERE: In-Person: Bellyqueen School of Dance @Playwrights Downtown, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4A, New York, NY 10003 INVESTMENT: Khaleeji 3 Week Course: $75, $65 Unlimited Members Khaleeji Drop-In: $28 Basic Belly Dance Drop-in: $25, class packages and passes apply https://bellyqueen.com/tarik-shimmies-isolations daily 0.75 2026-02-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/14c2236b-7a51-485b-9f21-86e47ddba59d/FBTarikShimmiesIsolations.jpg 2/10-3/10 Shimmies + Isolations w/ Tarik Sultan - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/irina-turns-fans daily 0.75 2026-02-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/2ce0ef6a-31a1-45df-b49d-5fc2dc702943/1920Irina202602.jpg 2/19-3/19 Turns + Fans w/ Irina Akulenko In-Person 2026 Schedule “Turns, Spins and Progressions: Oh My! II " Open Level, 5 Week Course Dates: Feb 19, 26, March 5, 12 and 19 Thursdays 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 hr 15 mins!), 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. https://bellyqueen.com/brenna-fanology daily 0.75 2026-03-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/6fab746f-59fc-4579-955b-24616528c805/HDBrennaFierceFanology.jpg 3/27 Fierce Fanology w/ Brenna In this workshop we’ll explore and play in the fierce and flowing energies that come along with a fan in hand! After a brief lecture of the fascinating history of the fan, we’ll practice various handling techniques and put them together in a short choreography; the choreography will be based in belly dance movement and have a fusion flair to complement the fan. Fused elements for the fan will be inspired by Flamenco, Ball Culture & Drag, and Victorian Fan Language. **Please bring any foldable hand fan. Open to all levels WHEN: Friday March 27th, 6.30-8.30pm WHERE: Bellyqueen @ Playwrights 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio TBA, New York, NY 10003 INVESTMENT: Sliding scale pay what you can $45, $35 Bellyqueen unlimited pass holders https://bellyqueen.com/irina-femme-fatale daily 0.75 2026-02-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/38173657-25da-4555-82a8-b8439b4bc141/IrinaMarch15.jpg 3/15 Femme Fatale w/ Irina Akulenko WHAT: "Femme Fatale" is a serpentine and sensual cross-cultural fusion choreography workshop taught by Irina Akulenko. This is a serpentine and focused dance that will explore your range of motion, control over isolations, and allow you to feel more in tune with your body. We will be dancing to a relaxed-paced trance-like track, exploring our ability to express without really traveling off a small footprint. While this is an intermediate level choreography, dancers or all levels are welcome and will be offered simplified versions of the combinations. WHEN: Sunday March 15th, 11.30am-1.30pm WHERE: Bellyqueen @Playwrights, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Fl, Studio 4D, New York, NY 10003 Press “Playwrights” on the intercom to open the front door and activate the elevator INVESTMENT: $45, $35 Unlimited Pass Holders https://bellyqueen.com/nybdfestival2026 daily 0.75 2026-02-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/902e7afb-e9b1-4b01-acd0-4e5df9e8feb4/New-York-Belly-Dance-Festival-2026.jpg 3/20-3/22 New York Belly Dance Festival - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/f1825e96-f3d3-4052-a806-1478f18699ce/NYBDF26+FLYER.JPG 3/20-3/22 New York Belly Dance Festival - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/570fd9bb-0018-4433-9f4b-f6df949e2fca/HORARIO+2026.JPEG 3/20-3/22 New York Belly Dance Festival - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/djam-nyc-2-15-26 daily 0.75 2026-02-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/1754f436-7886-45e5-a632-2ff6afd22493/EB260215ElAsdiqaa.jpg https://bellyqueen.com/amaria-cairo-style daily 0.75 2026-03-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/57e0f0e0-0683-4754-a824-dccb4bf9f93f/HDAmariaCairoStyle.jpg 3/8 Cairo Style Shaabi + Mejance w/ Amaria Selene WHAT: Step into today’s Cairo dance floors with Amaria Selene, direct from Egypt’s club scene. In this 2 hour workshop, you’ll learn the most current shaabi moves. We’ll then shift into a classic mejance entrance combination designed to be customizable: learn the structure, transitions, and performance dynamics so you can adapt it to your own personality. You’ll leave with: Latest shaabi vocabulary and styling from Cairo A versatile mejance entrance combo you can personalize Performance tips used by working dancers in Egypt today Open to dancers who want real-world technique, and inspiration they can immediately bring to the stage. WHEN: Sunday March 8th, 12-2pm WHERE: Bellyqueen @Playwrights, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Fl, Studio 4G, New York, NY 10003 Press “Playwrights” on the intercom to open the front door and activate the elevator INVESTMENT: $55, $45 Unlimited Pass Holders https://bellyqueen.com/brenna-kraken daily 0.75 2026-03-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/8218a87d-11c5-4fe3-a699-384c725a6a91/HDBrennaKraken.jpg 3/24-5/12 Kraken w/ Brenna Kraken with Brenna Crowley - 8 Week Performance Project Over the course of 8 weeks, dancers will dive into a fusion belly dance performance project centered on channeling the formidable power and presence of one of the most iconic monsters of all time — the Kraken. This project is designed for dancers at an advanced beginner and intermediate level or above. Prior fusion experience is a plus (but not required). Attendance: You’ll receive weekly video tutorials to support your practice at home, but these are meant to complement—not replace—class time. To be part of the performance, please plan to attend all sessions, unless we’ve made special arrangements in advance. If you miss two or more classes, it may affect your ability to participate in the show. Students will have the opportunity to perform this choreography at the Djam NYC Monster Mash Show on Sunday, May 17th, 7pm at the Secret Room. WHEN: 8 Week Course: Tuesdays 7.30-9pm 3/24-5/12 Performance: Sunday May 17 4.30pm: Tech Rehearsal 6.30pm: Doors Open 7-9.30pm: Show WHERE: 8 Wk Course: Bellyqueen @ Playwrights 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studios 4A, New York, NY 10003 Show: The Secret Room NYC, 707 8th Ave, New York, NY 10036 INVESTMENT: $250, $225 Unlimited Pass Holders * Includes a video and photos of the performance. * Participants are expected to invite at least two paying audience members * Costume is an extra cost https://bellyqueen.com/alura-foundation-cairo-style daily 0.75 2026-03-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/c8381b4b-67ed-4cd6-bb8d-46e85fa078dc/HDAlura260314.jpg 3/14 Foundations + Cairo Style Dance w/ Alura Study with Alura, a talented and knowledgeable professional dancer at the Bellyqueen School! WHEN: Saturday March 14 (One day only!) 11:00am–12:00pm | Belly Dance Foundations Build a strong foundation in Egyptian-style belly dance with a focus on essential technique and drills. This class will cover posture, core movements and isolations to help dancers develop clarity, control, and confidence in their movement. Perfect for dancers looking to refine their basics and deepen their understanding of Egyptian style. 12:00–1:00pm | Cairo Stage Dance: Mejance & Veil Entrances Step into the world of Cairo’s stage tradition. In this class, Alura will explore veil entrances for Mejance, the differences between social dancing and stage performance (including framing, projection, and stage presence), and dynamic combinations to the classic “Alf Leyla wi Leyla.” Dancers will learn how to translate authentic movement vocabulary into something that reads while performing. WHERE: Playwrights, 440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studi 4D, New York, NY 10003 Press "Playwrights" on the intercom to open the front door and activate the elevator. INVESTMENT: $25 drop-in, Class Packages and Unlimited Passes Apply https://bellyqueen.com/archetype-program daily 0.75 2026-03-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/0e1610b6-5bbe-448f-b5f4-462f98eaa092/ArchetypeShowcaseSOLDOUT.png https://bellyqueen.com/irina-turns-performance daily 0.75 2026-03-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/c2dc1e3a-0c61-4b2e-a6ad-f36f04851815/1920Irina202604B.jpg 4/2-5/14 Turns + Toxic Performance Project w/ Irina Akulenko WHAT: "Turns, Progressions, and Performance Preparation: Oh My! " - Open Level (7 Wk Course, Drop-In’s Permitted) WHEN: Thursdays 6:30-7:45pm, April 2 - May 14 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 hr 15 mins!), 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. In addition to the class material, Irina will utilize different techniques to help you prepare for the stage! We will work on your spacial awareness, stage presence and many other details that will help you feel more comfortable when stepping into the limelight! Drop-In's permitted INVESTMENT: 7 Wk Course: $175, $160 Unlimited Pass Holders Drop-In: $30 https://bellyqueen.com/gotham daily 0.75 2026-03-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/8c48d850-5fbd-4e3f-8221-fd8a46b53d53/GothamFusionFestHD.jpg 10/16-10/18 Gothem Fusion Fest - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://bellyqueen.com/kaeshi-drum-solo daily 0.75 2026-03-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619d3941d4d03b75cfe98954/1c624fa4-59a8-4861-9f2e-2d835be9058c/KaeshiMonsterBeat.jpg 4/1-5/17 Drum Solo Performance Project w/ Kaeshi Chai - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.