BEYOND BELLYDANCE EVENTS ARCHIVE from 2007 -- >

2009

Winter Break for weekly Bellydance Classes in Los Angeles
Happy Holidays! Jenna's group belly dance classes for all levels are on break starting December 21st. Those and all other classes at DanceGardenLA studio will resume January 4th. See Classes Page for details and schedule of belly dance classes, including Jenna's popular "Intro to Bellydance" course starting January 7th!

PLEASE NOTE: Jenna's new Advanced/Professional Bellydance class on Sundays is CANCELLED until Jan 10, 2010 due to holiday scheduling conflicts. See the class schedule here.

EVENTS

Fahtiem's Annual Christmas Potluck with John Bilezikjian
Jenna will be dancing with Mr. Bilezikjian's live music along with Fahtiem and other special guest bellydance artists! Please bring a dish and call for reservations: 626 810 9470

When: Monday Dec. 14, 2009
Where:Long Beach California
How Much: FREE -- but please bring a dish to share.

Saturday November 21st, 9pm "Incarnations of Mata Hari”
Extraordinary performers carry the torch of Matahari, artists of intrigue, elegance & passion
in a presentation of International Surrealism, French/German Cabaret, and American Gothic, a Celebration of Feminine Extravagance...
10% of all proceeds from the night’s events will be donated to "Code Pink" Women for Peace, an anti-war group with offices worldwide.
“Mata Hari Absinthe” debuts at “Home” in recipes of mixology, expertly executed by the staff at “Home”. Cocktail specials featured throughout the night.

--The evening begins with a poetic reading on the life story of “Mata Hari” read by acclaimed Latina poetess, “Carmen Vega”. Accompanying her story is acclaimed belly dancer extraordinaire, "Jenna". Matahari Music artist, “Juliet Annerino”, performs with many of the musicians who appeared on “Scenes from a Life on Fire”.
-- “Silver Phial” plays “witch music for elves”, casting a 60’s style lounge, acoustic spell...
--Soulful award-winning singer-pianist, “Amy Clarke (www.amyclarke.com) performs dramatic & imaginative solo alt-pop music with compelling lyrics of unusual depth, reflecting the diverse classical, electronic & world influences in her enchanting song craft.
--Beautifully vibrant, feminine-themed paintings by fine artist Helena Rose
will also be shown on this special night at “Home”.
--Our MC is Hollywood's own mistress of comedy & improv , the multi-talented, accordion-wielding "Tammy Tomahawk".

The first 25 guests to arrive will receive a free copy of Juliet Annerino’s new record, “Scenes from a Life on Fire”.

When: Evening begins at 9pm
Where: "HOME" 2500 Riverside Dr. at Fletcher (in Silver Lake), Los Angeles, California 90039
How Much: $5 for advance purchase at www.julietannerino.com or $10 at the door.

Thanksgiving Charity Belly-thon! Saturday November 28, 2009
DanceGarden hosts its first "Work off the Turk'" Bellydance Class marathon the Saturday after Thanksgiving with non-stop bellydance classes with Jenna and the other amazing teachers of DG offering $10 classes all day, culminating in a live-drumming dance party at the end of the day. More than half of the proceeds will be donated to Children of the Night shelter in Van Nuys. Jenna's class will be at 2pm, like her usual Saturday class. Come out and dance the day away for a wonderful, wonderful cause. More info on the Thanksgiving Charity Bellython here!

When: 9am to 5pm -- Drumming for open dancing at 5:30pm!
Where:DanceGarden Studio -
3407 Glendale Blvd., Atwater Village, Los Angeles, CA 90039
How Much: $10 per class, Open Dance is FREE -- but please visit www.childreofthenight.org for a list of items you may bring to donate.

HALLOWEEN -- Class is only $8 with a costume!
Saturday October 31st, 2pm. Jenna's bellydance class is only $8 today (cash only please!) if you show your Halloween spirit and arrive in costume. Same goes for all the classes at DanceGarden that day! Only Samba at 3:05 is cancelled for the holiday. Here's the DG schedule!

Friday November 6, 2009: t a X i m
taXim is back! taXim is a bellydance showcase in Eagle Rock featuring live music and different dancers with special guest stars that happens on the first Friday of every other month. More info on future taXim events and photos of past events here!

Jenna, Jayson, Amar, Richy, Jennelah, Zeyna
SPECIAL GUEST: KAMALA!

When: 7:30 pm doors, 8:00pm show PLEASE do not expect to come in before 7:30 - but do arrive on the early side if you want to be sure to get a seat.
Where: Studio Iqaat, 3515 Eagle Rock Blvd.;Los Angeles CA, 90065
Parking on street or dirt lot adjacent to studio
How Much: 15$ admission includes light refreshments & snacks - 1$ discount if you bring your own reusable cup or mug!

Saturday July 11, 2009 Relay for Life
Bloom Bellydance Company performs at this annual fundraiser for the fight against cancer.One day. One night. One community. One Fight. Relay For Life is a life-changing event that brings together more than 3.5 million people- to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer; remember loved ones lost to the disease; and fight back against a disease that takes too much. By participating, you honor cancer survivors, pay tribute to the lives we've lost to the disease, and raise money to help fight cancer here in your community.

Where: San Fernando Recreation Park, San Fernando
When: 10pm - Bloom Bellydance Performance (after Luminaria Ceremony)
Opening Ceremony: 9am Saturday
Survivors Lap: 2pm Saturday
Luminaria Ceremony: 9pm Saturday
Fight Back / Closing Ceremony: 9am Sunday
Contact: Veronica Casillas, sfrelay09@gmail.com

Saturday July 18, 2009: California Gift Show
Jenna's professional bellydance performance company, Bloom Bellydance, will perform a half-hour set of choreographies, including a dance with veil and finger cymbals; Raqs al Assaya, or bellydance with a cane; a sizzling samba number choreographed by Irani da Silva; a sword dance, an exciting drum solo choreography (Jenna's drum solo choreography from her DVD, "The Next Level") , and of course a little fun with the crowd! Saturday's show will feature dancers Akiko, Monique and Valedya. Each dancer will solo as well, and Akiko will perform a traditional Persian dance choreographed by Rosa Rojas. The California Gift Show is open to the boutique/retail trade only. You can register here.

When: 1pm
Where: World Style Artisan's Showcase, The Kentia Hall
Los Angeles Convention Center, in downtown L.A.

Sunday July 19, 2009: California Gift Show
Jenna's professional bellydance performance company, Bloom Bellydance, will perform a half hour set of choreographies, including veil and finger cymbal dances, a samba number choreographed by Irani da Silva; Raqs al Assaya, or bellydance with a cane, a samba number choreographed by Irani da Silva, a sword dance, an exciting drum solo choreography (Jenna's drum solo choreography from her DVD, "The Next Level") , and a little fun with the crowd! Saturday's show will feature dancers Naima, Shirin and Valedya, who will all perform solo dances as well as with the company. Also on Sunday, DeVilla (a popular teacher at Jenna's studio, DanceGarden) will be presenting a bellydance performance at 1pm. Come early and catch 2 great belly dancing shows!. The California Gift Show is open to the boutique/retail trade only. You can register here.

When: 2pm
Where: World Style Artisan's Showcase, The Kentia Hall
Los Angeles Convention Center, in downtown L.A.

Thursday July 23, 2009: Summer Nights on the Boulevard!
Glendale Boulevard, that is! Join the residents and businesses of our own Atwater Village take over the Starbucks Parking lot with dancing, food, special sales, art openings, special offers, and roving musical entertainment! This fun and casual event is intended to bring out the joyful village atmosphere of Atwater, DanceGarden's quaint little corner of LA! For more information call 323.634.2535 or visit the Atwater Village Chamber of Commerce's site.

When: 6-10 pm
Where: The Starbucks Parking Lot on Glendale Boulevard at Glenfeliz, and along the Boulevard including the bumpout at Madera in front of Importante
How much :FREE!

Sunday June 28, 2009 Three Roses of Lebanon
Not a bellydance show, but a great original play with a tiny little bit of middle-eastern dance thrown in. The very talented actor Rosanna Cacace, performs this engaging & funny one-woman show offering an interesting & personal peek into the lives of 3 generations of Lebanese women. Jenna choreographed the very short bit of Arabic dance in the play. Highly recommended!

Where: The Secret Rose Theatre 818-766-3691
11246 Magnolia Blvd, NOHO Arts District, CA 91601 US
When: 8pm
How Much: $15.00

Cultural tip! There is also a new addition to Ms. Cacace's website - a feature called "Ask Grandma Rose" where you can get traditional Middle Eastern home remedies and the best recipies of Middle Eastern cuisine. Check it out at Rosanna's website!

Saturday June 13, 2009: Miss/Mrs. Asia USA Cultural Pageant
Zahra Zuhair's Ghazella Dance Company will perform several bellydance choreographiesas part of this annual event. Contestants representing the majority of the countries in the Asian continent will display the cultural beauty and graciousness of each of their respective cultures in the parade of National Costumes; and will compete in categories such as Evening Gown and Swimsuit as well.

When: 7pm - 11pm (No Intermission)
Where: The Alex Theatre, Glendale, California
How Much : Tickets are 25 - 75$ (from www.alextheatre.org)

Friday January 16, 2009: California Gift Show
Jenna's professional bellydance performance company, Bloom Bellydance, will perform a half hour set of choreographies, including veil and finger cymbal dances, Raqs Al Assaya, an exciting drum solo and a little fun with the crowd! Friday's show will feature dancers Monique, Naima, Oceana and Valedya.The California Gift Show is open to the boutique/retail trade only. You can register here.

When: 2pm
Where: The Kentia Stage at the Los Angeles Convention Center, in downtown L.A.

Saturday January 17, 2009: California Gift Show
Jenna's professional bellydance performance company, Bloom Bellydance, will perform a half hour set of choreographies, including veil and finger cymbal dances, Raqs Al Assaya, an exciting drum solo and a little fun with the crowd! Saturday's dancers are Akiko, Cayla, Monique and Shirin.The California Gift Show is open to the boutique/retail trade only. You can register here.

When: 11am
Where: The Kentia Stage at the Los Angeles Convention Center, in downtown L.A.

Jenna is currently on hiatus from teaching. Many of her class times will be covered by some of the best bellydancers in Los Angeles, and your favorite teachers from DanceGarden. For a complete schedule of bellydancing 6 days a week, visit www.DanceGardenLA.com

Happy dancing!

Jenna will be taking a hiatus from teaching beginning this holiday season, 2008. Her classes will continue as scheduled (see Classes page) up until DanceGarden's winter break beginning 12/22/08. After the break, starting January 5, Jenna's class schedule will resume with alternate instructors -- some of the best bellydancers in Los Angeles, and your favorites from DanceGarden.

Friday November 7, 2008: t a X i m
This is the last taXim of 2008! taXim is a bellydance showcase in Eagle Rock featuring live music and different dancers with special guest stars that happens on the first Friday of every other month. More info on future taXim events and photos of past events here!

Nov 7: Cyriana
Jayson and Vanessa
Heather Shoopman
Kashmir
Naima
Tamami
Tracey Farmer
SPECIAL GUEST: MéSMERA

When: 7:30 pm doors, 8:00pm show PLEASE do not expect to come in before 7:30 - but do arrive on the early side if you want to be sure to get a seat.
Where: Studio Iqaat, 3515 Eagle Rock Blvd.;Los Angeles CA, 90065
Parking on street or dirt lot adjacent to studio
How Much: 15$ admission includes light refreshments & snacks - 1$ discount if you bring your own reusable cup or mug!

Sunday November 2,2008 3 Roses of Lebanon: Rosanna Cacace's Solo Performance (Theatre)
The very talented actor Rosanna Cacace, performs this engaging & funny one-woman show only for the final time this year -- I highly recommend this interesting & personal peek into the lives of 3 generations of Lebanese women. Jenna choreographed the very short bit of Arabic dance in the play. Wine and baklava to follow the show...

Where: The Secret Rose Theatre 818-766-3691
11246 Magnolia Blvd, NOHO Arts District, CA 91601 US
When: 8pm
How Much: 15$/10$ for groups or students with ID

Friday September 5, 2008: t a X i m
taXim is a bellydance showcase in Eagle Rock featuring live music and different dancers with special guest stars that happens on the first Friday of every other month. More info on future taXim events and photos of past events here!

Sept 5 -- Zeyna, Nasila wa Camila, DeVilla, Marlena, Taji, Melia of LA Raqs, Jody Miller, JENNA and Special Guest Star ANAHEED!

When: 7:30 pm doors, 8:00pm show PLEASE do not expect to come in before 7:30 - but do arrive on the early side if you want to be sure to get a seat.
Where: Studio Iqaat, 3515 Eagle Rock Blvd.;Los Angeles CA, 90065
Parking on street or dirt lot adjacent to studio
How Much: 15$ admission includes light refreshments & snacks - 1$ discount if you bring your own reusable cup or mug!

SWORD Dancing -- Special Workshop (Los Angeles)
Learn Jenna's practical secrets for a dazzling addition to your performances -- tips and technique for balancing, and ideas for how to structure your dance for maximum dramatic effect. Bring a sword if you have one, or a cane; knee pads, full skirt. Some swords available for sale, limited supply for loan. The workshop will include some movement but will be focused on practical advice & structural elements. You will have a chance to put into practice these theories as Jenna will focus her Thursday night advanced classes (8:40) on sword dancing for the month of September, as a helpful continuation of the workshop.

When: Saturday August 30, 2008
Where: DanceGarden; 3407 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039
Parking on side streets or metered in front (til 6pm)
How Much: 30$ pre-registration by Friday 8/29, or 35$ at the door

Register here: http://www.dancegardenla.com/registration.html

Saturday August 23, 2008: Taste of Eagle Rock
Bloom Bellydance company members, Akiko, Monique and Oceana will perform 3 of Jenna's original choreographies in support of GLAD -- Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness at their historical landmark facility in Los Angeles. Please come and support this fundraising effort and enjoy sample dishes from local Eagle Rock eateries and performances and raffles all day long!

When: Noon-6pm
Where: 2222 Laverna Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90041
Off of Eagle Rock Blvd., 2 blocks south of Yosemite
How Much: Adult tickets are a 25$ donation, Children under 5 FREE with adult

"Jenna's Back" in NYC!
Please join us for an evening of beautiful belly dancing, live middle eastern music and delicious Greek cuisine at Lafayette Grill as Jenna and her friends & former bellydance students take the stage for one night only in New York City. This east coast reunion is becoming a beloved tradition for friends and fans to get together and celebrate with great music and dance! This year dancers include special guests Layla Isis, Neon, Andrea Anwar & her Dancing Rubies, Arella, Najla Nicole, Jasmine, Stephania & Jaida! See below for Jenna's NYC workshop information too!

Featuring the classic live Arabic & Mediterranean music of Scott Wilson and Efendi.

When: Thursday August 14th Doors Open ~ 7:30pm Show Begins ~ 8pm
Where: Lafayette Grill 54-56 Franklin Street (between Broadway and Lafayette) New York, NY 10013
Reservations are strongly suggested: (212) 732-5600
How Much: $12 admission; Minimum $15 at the tables

Jenna's NYC workshop -- one day only!
Venus Uprising presents Jenna in a special 2-hour workshop: Traveling with Layers & Variations for Intermediate and Advanced Bellydancers on Sunday August 17 2008 from 3:30 - 5:45 PM at 440 Studios in Manhattan. Registration details here: http://www.venusuprising.com/workshops/

July 11 through August 9 2008: Desert Sunrise
Jenna performs a very small dancing role in this interesting dramatic play that examines the Israeli/Palestinian issue in a personal way. Opening weekend garnered standing ovations every night. Click the title above for more information or use this link to purchase tickets.

Desert Sunrise (LA 2008 production) Miriam Isa as Leila and Oren Dayan as Tsahi, Jenna dances behind the scrim

Friday June 20 2008: Jenna Bellydance Show at Shiraz
Around 8pm Jenna will perform at this well-reviewed Persian restaurant.
211 S. Glendale Ave. Glendale, CA 91205 (818) 500-4948.

Saturday June 21 2008: Jenna Bellydance Show at Shiraz
Around 8pm Jenna will perform at this well-reviewed Persian restaurant.
211 S. Glendale Ave. Glendale, CA 91205 (818) 500-4948.

Sunday June 22, 2008 Bellydance Kaleidescope
Jenna is a guest dancer at this new community showcase, featuring a total of 8 performances.

Where: The Oasis Dance Studio
3673 E. Highland Ave.
Highland, CA 92346
When: 7pm
How Much: 10$ cover

Jenna selected for dance role in 'Desert Sunrise'
In this exciting drmatic work written by Misha Shulman, Jenna will represent one of the main characters' inner life through dance. Dalia Carella won the role for the New York City production of the original play, which takes a human & personal look at the Israeli/Palestinian issue. Jenna is proud to follow in Miss Carella's footsteps and to be a part of this engaging & controversial production. More information on Desert Sunrise here

DanceGarden sponsors Queen Harish of Rajasthan in a special day of Dance Workshops
Jenna & Zahra's studio in Atwater Village will host Harish's only L.A. teaching engagement after his performance with Cheb i Sabbah at the Getty Center. Classes in Rajasthani 'gypsy' and Bollywood Dance will be offered on Sunday July 13. Early registration is highly reocmmended as space is limited (and you save some cash!) Form more information visit the DanceGarden website.

Friday June 6, 2008: t a X i m
taXim is a bellydance showcase in Eagle Rock featuring live music and different dancers with special guest stars that happens on the first Friday of every other month. More info on future taXim events and photos of past events here!

June 6: A fantastic lineup including Bloom Bellydance, Janelle, LaShonda, Nasila of LA Raqs, Oceana, Saahira & Shirin! Featuring very special guest ANJA!

When: 7:30 pm doors, 8:00pm show PLEASE do not expect to come in before 7:30 - but do arrive on the early side if you want to be sure to get a seat.
Where: Studio Iqaat, 3515 Eagle Rock Blvd.;Los Angeles CA, 90065
Parking on street or dirt lot adjacent to studio
How Much: 15$ admission includes light refreshments & snacks - 1$ discount if you bring your own reusable cup or mug!

Saturday May 3, 2008: An Evening of Live Music and Belly Dancing
Jenna will be dancing solo with Var Daghdevirian on dumbek & vocals, Rico Orrell on oud, and Maurice Saba on violin. There will be several other guest belly dancers, including the lovely Cyriana and amazing Anaheed, and open dancing as well.

When: 7:00 pm
Where: Sam's Mediterranean Kabob Room
610 South Myrtle Ave, Monrovia California
How Much: 10$ minimum order
What else? : Reservations & information: 626 358 7177
Parking in rear.

Thursday April 24 ,2008 A Lebanese Extravaganza: Rosanna Cacace's Solo Show
Not a bellydance show, but a great original play with a tiny little bit of middle-eastern dance thrown in. The very talented actor Rosanna Cacace, performs this engaging & funny one-woman show only once this spring -- I highly recommend this interesting & personal peek into the lives of 3 generations of Lebanese women. Jenna choreographed the very short bit of Arabic dance in the play.

Where: The Secret Rose Theatre 818-766-3691
11246 Magnolia Blvd, NOHO Arts District, CA 91601 US
When: 8pm
How Much: FREE - donations accepted

Friday, April 25, 2008 Hypzotica at Wahib's
Jenna performs at this new live music showcase. Bloom Bellydance, Jenna's performing company will also appear at this popular middle-eastern spot!

Where:Wahib's Middle Eastern Nightclub
910 E. Main St., Alhambra CA 91801
When: Show begins at 9:00pm
How Much: 25$ cover for the show, or 45$ includes dinner and the show.
Call Wahib's for Reservations: 626 281-1006

Sunday, April 26, 2008 Artwater Music and Arts Festival
Join the vibrant community of Atwater Village in Los Angeles for this annual festival with live music, local artists, interactive art for kids, chalk art, food & drink. Jenna and other teachers from DanceGarden will perform throughout the day - bellydance, samba and a special Salsa demonstration and lesson, too! Proceeds from the festival benefit Sonic Muze