Need Guidance?

I am here to help you grow and explore the beautiful art-form of Bellydance!

Not sure where to start or what classes might be best for you? Please contact me "Janelle" right here on the site via chat or email! Share your Raqs (dance) desires with me and together we can create the best class schedule to fit your personal needs to reach your goals!

No matter where you live I am accessible and have so much to share with you!!

Become a JBelly Jewel Loyalty Member before booking classes to earn rewards.

Let's Connect!

I’m on a mission to help women

feel confident, sexy, and captivating

in their own skin.

WHAT I DO

TRUST ME, YOU CAN BELLYDANCE!

my story is wild

hey there!

My story is wild

A talented, fun-loving, full-blooded Palestinian-American national touring artist, choreographer, performer, certified Yogini, nutritionist, and CESD signed Model and Dancer.

I am best known for my contagious laugh and my sultry elegance on the hit U.S. show “So You Think You Can Dance” Season 9 as the top 6th female finalist and the only classically & fusion trained bellydancer ever to hit the Fox stage!

Today I teach bold women like you how to encompass mental, physical, and emotional wellness through the art of dance!

My story

ALL ARE WELCOME!

belly dance class in new york with janelle Issis

I see this community as a tribe of people from all walks of life connecting through the art of bellydance. My vision is that no matter who you are or where you are that you can access my classes and begin to tap into your Goddess energy. I want you to find the confidence to face all of life’s obstacles, challenges and joys with an open heart! Whether you want to pursue a professional career or want to cultivate deep joy and self love - my classes are for you!

MY EXPERIENCE

I started my bellydancing journey at the age of 4 by studying the art of Classical Egyptian Bellydance as the protege to “Aziza of Birmingham.” After 17 years of Tap, Jazz, Contemporary and Musical Theater I went off to college and continued to train at the University of Alabama where I received a BA in Nutrition and in Dance Performance, learning under Cornelius Carter of Alvin Ailey! I had trained heavily in other dance styles that Raqs got left behind for a moment. It wasn't till my junior year of colleague did I realize that Arabic dance could be the genre I felt most connected to. This is when I began creating the "JBelly Style"! (8 YEAR OLD ME VIDEO)

8 year old belly dancer kid raqs dancer janelle issis short dark hair brown skin adorable red skirt

Janelle issis on so you think you can dance on stage with a crowd

SINCE GRADUATING, I'VE HAD A LOT OF OPPORTUNITIES TO BE GRATEFUL FOR!

Here are a few of my faves:

Currently traveling all over the United States and abroad teaching and performing with “Showstoppers On Tour” and on my own.
Featured in my first international T-Mobil commercial with artist J.Balvin
Made New York my home in 2018 and I enjoy connecting to my students of all ages and abilities at the world famous Broadway Dance Center, Alvin Ailey Extension & Ripley-Grier Studios, NYC.
Joined Raks Al Zahra "Egyptian Bellydance Company"
Choreographer to International Moroccan vocal artist Abir
Featured in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Season 3 working with renowned choreographer Marguerite Derricks
Featured on Good Morning America with Derek and Julianne Hough while working with the Tabitha and Napoleon
Featured in the video of the hit single “YOGA” with Janelle Monae
Gain my YTT200 HR Yoga Alliance Certification
Featured on The Wendy Show 2021 for BellydanceBURN!

THE COVID PIVOT

When Covid hit, we all had to pivot a bit! I saw it as a huge opportunity to create a virtual classroom so that we could continue to dance and create together while spreading joy and love! This was a dream of mine and COVID really gave me that push to just go for it! Now I am bringing the classes to YOU, beauty! Experience a class from around the globe, or in the comfort of your own home! Now that COVID seems to be settling a bit I am continuing my online classes and offering in-studio work as well!

black and white image Janelle issis curly dark hair

LET'S DANCE, BEAUTY!

Whether you want to pursue a professional career or simply want to cultivate deep joy and self love - my classes were made for YOU!

Meet the staff.

Layla Isis:

Layla Isis is a renowned NYC-based professional. She began her studies at the legendary Serena Studios (Classic American Cabaret style) over 2 decades ago & went on to become one of NYC's most popular & highly sought after bellydancers in the region and around the world across a wide array of platforms

CREDITS: Sex and the City 2, The Late Show with David Letterman, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Dr. Oz, and Martin Scorsese's HBO series "Vinyl.” The Bellydance Superstars, DVD "Temptation of Bellydance." Co-producer of The New York Oryantal Parti! & The Bellydance Spectacular concert series, Co-founder of Entelechy Dance and Infinity Bellydance troupes. Dalia Carella Dance Collective, Zikrayat, Tomoko Aoki Dance, Goddessdance, NYC Fringe Fest, NYGypsyfest, Town Hall, Lincoln Center, Irving Plaza and celebrities Akon, Ashanti, Gogol Bordello, Yerba Buena, Marc Jacobs, Rachel Ray, Phillip Glass.

Her style has been described by clients and colleagues as "sophisticated and elegant" and "natural, fluid, and dynamic." "A "total" artist all around.

@laylaisis

www.laylaisis.com

Gloria Mendoza:

Born in Venezuela and raised in Colombia, Gloria grew up dancing Colombian folk dances in Barranquilla. During her teenage years, she became acquainted with the belly dance world through workout videos from Neena and Veena, mesmerizing shows like Night of the Sultans, and performances by Didem Kinali at the Ibo Show.

Gloria began her belly dance journey in 2019, studying Egyptian-style belly dance with teachers like Kaeshi Chai and Gabriela Figueroa at the Bellyqueen School. In 2021, Gloria joined the international troupe Raks Al Zahra under the direction of Natalie Nazario. Since 2022, Gloria has continued to train in Egyptian style with Janelle Isis in New York City and has performed in both group and private events. Gloria has also taken workshops with legendary dancers such as Sahar Samara and Mohammed Shannin.