3 Month IMMERSIVE TRAINING EXPERIENCE with Janelle Issis
New York
The JBelly Collective
2026 -2027 | REGISTRATION OPENS July 30th
Dearest Beauty Shaker,
This season, we are stepping into a more intentional and guided training structure designed to support each dancer’s growth, clarity, and stage readiness.
Instead of selecting individual programs upfront, all dancers will now begin by joining the
JBelly Collective—a foundational training experience that develops technique, strength, and artistic growth from the ground up.
From there, you will be personally guided through a 1:1 consultation with Janelle to determine your level placement, goals, and the performance opportunities best suited to your development.
You will then select 1–3 performance productions to train, refine, and prepare for our professional showcase.
Please read through all details before proceeding to registration—this is where our magic begins.
JBelly School of RAQ: Bellydance Collective
YOUR 3-STEP JOURNEY!!
STEP 1: Join the JBelly Collective
Your training schedule, program access, foundational development track & pricing.
A foundational, high-level training program designed to develop technique, strength, artistry, and performance readiness through structured weekly training and guided choreography—with exclusive perks sprinkled in every step of the journey.
STEP 2: Meet with Janelle
A one-on-one conversation designed to set you up for success.
After registering, you'll receive your JBelly Collective Registration Email. Inside, you'll find instructions on how to schedule your one-on-one call with Janelle. Before your meeting, please review Step 3 (Performance Path Experiences) & Find Your Level Section so you can come prepared with your questions, interests, and goals. This conversation is an opportunity to get to know you, discuss which performance path/s are the best fit for your experience and aspirations, and ensure you feel confident moving forward.
FIND YOUR LEVEL
Every dancer enters at a different point in their journey. Find the level that best supports your growth, confidence, and performance readiness.
BEGINNER LEVEL
Rising Rubies
Many beginners worry about “not being good enough to perform,” I want to emphasize curiosity, joy, and the process over perfection. This program is perfect for those who are brand new or have only taken a few classes. You may already know some basics (like Shoulder Shimmies, Snake Arms, Camels, Step Touch, Grapevine, Hip Bumps, Drops, or Shimmies) but you’re still building consistency and confidence. You are eager to grow, open to learning, and excited to perform with a beautiful, supportive community. You’re ready to practice at home, bring your love for the art form into each class, and dive into bellydance with joy! No prior performance experience is required.
INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
Soaring Sapphires
Has trained consistently for at least 2 years in bellydance or related movement forms and holds a solid foundation of core technique. Confident with hip shimmies, figure 8s, isolations, layering movement, traveling steps, and intricate combination. Learns choreography with focus, repetition, and attention to detail.
An intermediate dancer is refining technique, building stamina, and developing musicality and personal expression. Comfortable performing and ready for more structured choreography and stage opportunities, they are prepared to move beyond the basics into more dynamic, expressive dancing with confidence and joy.
ADVANCE LEVEL
Alluring Amethysts
Has trained consistently for 5+ years with strong technical precision and control. Comfortable with advanced techniques including layered movement, complex isolations, traveling combinations, rhythm interpretation, and prop work such as veil, Isis wings, and Saidi cane. Able to quickly learn complex choreography with focus and discipline. Dances with strong technique, expression, and musicality while continuing to refine artistry and stage presence. Deeply respectful of Arab culture and the roots of the dance, and thrives on creative and technical challenge.
SPECIAL DATES & LOCATIONS
SHOW WEEK:
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March 2nd (Tuesday): Online Zoom Meeting with Janelle (EVERYONE)
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March 3rd (Wednesday) Various Rehearsals (6:30 - 9:00) Select Groups
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March 4th (Thursday) Various Rehearsals (6:30 - 9:00) Select Groups
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DRESS REHEARSAL (run of show): Friday March 5th, 2027 (TBD, 6:30PM - 9:30PM)
PERFORMANCE/ SHOW SCHEDULE:
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TECH REHEARSAL, PHOTO SHOOTS & EXTRA REHEARSALS (THEATER): Saturday March 6th, 2027 (ALL DAY)
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2 LIVE SHOWS: Sunday March 7th, 2027 (ALL DAY COMMITMENT)
THEATER LOCATION:
The Theater at City Tech
285 Jay St, BKLYN 11201
City Tech, CUNY
REHEARSAL LOCATIONS Don't worry about keeping track of everything—we've got you covered!
A shared Google Calendar will be provided with every rehearsal date, time, location, Zoom link when applicable, and program updates to help keep you organized throughout the season.
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RGS = Ripley-Grier Studios | 520 8th Ave, Manhattan NY
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LNY = Loft New York | 16 Pell Street, 3rd floor, New York, NY 10013
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GD = Gibney Dance 280 Broadway | 53A Chambers St 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10007
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Zoom = Online Zoom at Home
Payment Plan Customization
Learning Only Track
AND
We believe every dancer should have the opportunity to train, grow, and be part of the JBelly Collective.
The JBelly Collective is the required foundation for all dancers wishing to perform in our professional showcase. Dancers must be enrolled in the Collective before registering for any Performance Experience as a performer. The Collective provides the training, coaching, and support that prepare you for the stage.
Prefer to train without performing? You may register for any of our Performance Experiences through the Learning-Only Track. This option allows you to enjoy the choreography, training, and full learning experience at a reduced cost, without the additional expenses and commitments associated with performing.
Learning-Only dancers will not participate in Show Week, theater rehearsals, or the final showcase performance, and a performance costume is not required unless you choose to purchase one for your own use.
If the standard payment plans don't fit your budget, please don't hesitate to reach out. Janelle is happy to work with you one-on-one to create a customized payment schedule that better meets your needs. Our goal is to make this experience as accessible as possible while ensuring every dancer can confidently commit to their training journey—whether you choose to perform or simply learn and grow with us.
WHAT WE ASK OF YOU
To get the most from your JBelly Collective experience, we ask each dancer to bring:
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A desire to train and grow — Come ready to learn, refine technique, and develop your performance skills.
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Respect for Arab culture — Appreciate Arab culture, music, dance, art, and traditions.
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Consistency & punctuality — Arrive on time and communicate scheduling conflicts early.
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A commitment to personal practice — Practice outside of rehearsals using the provided video library.
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Openness to feedback — Be willing to receive corrections, refine details, and grow.
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Team awareness — Practice spatial discipline, formations, and awareness of those around you.
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Professionalism & kindness — Bring a positive attitude and contribute to a respectful, supportive environment.
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Healthy communication — Bring concerns or conflicts directly to Janelle so they can be addressed promptly and respectfully.
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Artistic intention — Go beyond the steps and explore musical storytelling, emotional expression, and performance intention.
The JBelly Collective Performance Repertoire
SHE REMEMBERED...
The Wild One → She Remembered Her Confidence
The Warrior → She Remembered Her Power
The Mystic → She Remembered Her Magic
The Queen → She Remembered Her Worth
The Keeper → She Remembered Her Roots
Explore each routine, style, and level opportunity to find the performances that inspire you most.
Beginner Level Drum Solo Performance Routine
Rising Rubies
"The Wild One" — She Remembered Her Confidence
Ready to step into the world of bellydance—or bring your first skills to the stage? This performance experience was created for Beginner Level Dancers who are ready to build technique, discover their artistry, and experience the magic of performing.
Whether you’re brand new to bellydance or continuing to build your foundation, this journey will guide you through essential movements, musicality, and choreography while helping you grow as a confident performer.
More than learning a routine, The Wild One is a celebration of courage, growth, and the joy of discovering what you’re capable of when you step into the spotlight.
General Schedule:
Monday's 6:30pm & some Weekends
What to Expect:
✨ Foundational Technique — Build a strong bellydance foundation through focused drills, movement refinement, and personalized feedback designed to support your growth.
✨ Egyptian Drum Solo Choreography — Learn an energetic, beginner-friendly drum solo created to develop musicality, coordination, and performance skills.
✨ Musicality & Expression — Explore rhythm, accents, and the details that help bring choreography to life with personality and intention.
✨ Performance Preparation — Develop the skills needed to feel prepared, polished, and proud as you take the stage.
Tuition Options:
→ Pay in Full: $300 (Save $30)
→ 3-Payment Plan: $330 (Registration: $110, Dec. 15th: $110, & Jan. 15th: $110)
→ Learning Track (No Showcase): $250
Train alongside the cast without performing in the theater production. Includes all rehearsals and instruction, but excludes costume purchase, theater week, and showcase participation.
Additional Details:
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No prior bellydance experience required.
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Costume Fee: Up to $50 (due in full by December 3rd).
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Registration closes November 16th – spots are limited!
📅 View the calendar images above for your full training schedule.
Intermediate Level Raqs Assaya Saidi/Sha'abi
Soaring Sapphires
"The Warrior" — She Remembered Her Power
Already have a solid foundation and ready to push your artistry further? This performance experience is designed for Intermediate Level Dancers who are ready to refine their technique, expand their expression, and step into a more dynamic level of performance.
Inspired by the bold energy of Hakim’s Sha’abi, this powerful Raqs Assaya (cane) piece celebrates joyful feminine strength through cheeky confidence, playful attitude, and commanding presence. You’ll be guided to bring your personality to the choreography while developing the precision, musicality, and performance skills needed to truly own the stage.
More than choreography, The Warrior is an opportunity to embody strength, sass, and the undeniable confidence that comes from remembering your power.
General Schedule:
Monday's 7:30pm + Some Weekends
What to Expect:
✨ Refined Technique & Cane Work — Build upon your foundation with sharper accents, cleaner transitions, layered movements, and detailed Raqs Assaya technique.
✨ Dynamic Sha’abi Choreography — Learn and embody a high-energy performance piece inspired by Hakim’s signature style, designed to challenge your musicality, personality, and expression.
✨ Musicality & Character Development — Explore rhythm, accents, and the playful attitude needed to bring Sha’abi style to life.
✨ Performance Preparation — Refine the details that elevate your dancing, from execution and clarity to confidence and stage readiness.
Assaya (Cane) Requirement:
Raqs Assaya is a traditional cane dance style where the cane becomes an extension of the dancer’s movement, adding strength, playfulness, and personality to the performance.
If you have a JBelly Assaya Cane from a previous season, you may use it for this performance.
If you need a cane, please add one to your registration for $20 and Janelle will prepare one for you.
Tuition Options:
→ Pay in Full: $315 (Save $30)
→ 3-Payment Plan: $345 (Registration: $115, Dec. 15th: $115, & Jan. 15th: $115)
→ Learning Track (No Showcase): $275
Train alongside the cast without performing in the theater production. Includes all rehearsals and instruction, but excludes costume purchase, theater week, and showcase participation.
Additional Details:
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For dancers with prior bellydance training and very strong basics in place. Can pick up choreography w/ practice and execute clearly. Has intermediate level technique skills.
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Costume Fee: Up to $60 (due in full by December 3rd).
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Registration closes November 16th – spots are limited!
📅 View the calendar images above for your full training schedule.
Intermediate/Advanced Level Candle Tray & Floor Work
Soaring Sapphires
"The Mystic" — She Remembered Her Magic
This captivating performance experience is designed for Intermediate to Advanced Level Dancers who are ready to deepen their technique, refine their artistry, and explore a more elevated level of performance.
Through intricate choreography, focused training, and detailed coaching, dancers will develop greater control, musical interpretation, and expressive storytelling. The Mystic invites dancers into a world of elegance and strength, blending the beauty of candle tray work with dynamic movement, floor transitions, and intentional performance quality.
More than choreography, this journey is an opportunity to expand your artistry, challenge your abilities, and embody the magic that comes from fully trusting your movement.
General Schedule:
Tuesdays 7:30pm + Some Weekends
What to Expect:
✨ Technique & Control — Refine movement quality through isolations, layering, balance, precision, and clean transitions.
✨ Artistry & Musicality — Explore musical interpretation, emotional expression, and the details that create a captivating performance.
✨ Candle Tray Choreography — Learn a mesmerizing performance piece combining elegance, strength, floor work, and dynamic level changes while working with a candle tray prop.
✨ Performance Readiness — Develop the awareness, preparation, and refinement needed to deliver a polished showcase performance.
Candle Tray Requirement:
→ If you have a Candle Tray, you may use it for this performance. Please upload a photo or video link during registration so I can take a peek!
→ If you need a Candle Tray, please add one to your registration for $60 and Janelle will prepare one for you. Dripping Crystals and glue will be included in your purchase.
Tuition Options:
→ Pay in Full: $315 (Save $30) *available till Oct 1st
→ 3-Payment Plan: $345 (Registration: $115, Dec. 15th: $115, & Jan. 15th: $115)
→ Learning Track (No Showcase): $275
Train alongside the cast without performing in the theater production. Includes all rehearsals and instruction, but excludes costume purchase, theater week, and showcase participation.
Additional Details:
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Costume Fee/The Look: Your Mystic performance look will be created by pairing your JBelly Collective Training Dress with bold jewelry and carefully selected accessories. Our goal is to keep accessory costs under $50. Accessory fees are separate from tuition and due in full by January 10th.
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Registration closes November 16th – spots are limited!
📅 View the calendar images above for your full training schedule.
Advanced Level Mejance Performance Routine
Alluring Amethysts
"The Queen" — She Remembered Her Worth
The Queen is the signature performance experience of the JBelly Collective, designed for Advanced Dancers who are ready to refine their artistry and step into a more elevated level of performance.
Inspired by the grandeur and sophistication of a traditional Mejance, this production celebrates the elegance, musicality, and commanding presence of professional Raqs Sharqi. Through intentional coaching and detailed refinement, dancers will explore the artistry, expression, and emotional depth required to truly captivate an audience.
More than choreography, The Queen is an invitation to embody grace, confidence, and the quiet power of a dancer who knows her craft, trusts her artistry, and remembers her worth.
General Schedule:
Saturdays 10:00am + Some Alternative Weekend times
What to Expect:
✨ Refined Advanced Technique — Elevate execution through precision, control, clean lines, detailed layering, and intentional movement quality.
✨ Advanced Musical Interpretation — Deepen your understanding of musical phrasing, accents, and emotional storytelling to create a more dynamic performance.
✨ Mejance Choreography — Master an intricate, elegant performance piece designed to challenge your technique, artistry, and sophistication.
✨ Performance Mastery — Develop the details, confidence, and polish that transform strong technique into a captivating stage experience.
Tuition Options:
→ Pay in Full: $325 (Save $35)
→ 3-Payment Plan: $360 (Registration: $120, Dec. 15th: $120, & Jan. 15th: $120)
→ Learning Track (No Showcase): $275
Train alongside the cast without performing in the theater production. Includes all rehearsals and instruction, but excludes costume purchase, theater week, and showcase participation.
Additional Details:
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Costume Fee/The Look: Costumes are purchased separately from tuition. Our goal is to create a beautiful, stage-ready look while keeping the costume investment between $100 - $200 for this performance piece. We'll first explore styling with existing JBelly costume pieces (many of which you may already own) to help keep costs as low as possible. Additionally some props might need to be ordered. (I am still in creation process) Payment due January 10th
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Registration closes November 16th – spots are limited!
📅 View the calendar images above for your full training schedule.
