Bellydancer Blue Sparkly costume Silver sparkles long curly dark hair brown akin brown eyes girl janelle issis

About Me

hey there!

I'm Janelle.

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! 

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Palestinian Girl Bellydancer Janelle Jalila Issis long dark curly hair brown eyes big bright white smile
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ALL ARE WELCOME!

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)

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

Here are a few of my faves: 

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  • Traveled 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 and I enjoy connecting to my students of all ages and abilities at the world famous Broadway Dance Center and Alvin Ailey Extension, NYC

  • 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

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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!  

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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! 

Currently with the worldwide pandemic in-person classes are limited but please join me in NYC. Virtual Zoom, On-Demand Classes, Courses and Unlimited Class Plans are accessible for anyone anywhere. Check out my class offerings, workshops merchandise and more! 

Let's Be Friends!

@jbellyburn

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AS SEEN ON

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