Louisiana Belly Dance Association Friends

06/14/2026

✨️ Bayou Belly Festival Instructor Spotlight – Ditallu Tribal Fusion Bellydance ✨️

For over a decade, the incredible women of Ditallu have been creating dynamic, engaging choreography together by blending their individual artistic voices into one unforgettable performance style. Their unique creative process allows each dancer to contribute choreography, resulting in pieces that are rich, layered, and full of personality.

🔥 Sunday | 2:00 PM – 3:45 PM | Classroom A "Shake, Boom, Pow!"

Ready to dive deep into the rhythms of the drum? Join Kiley, Michi, and Andrea as they break down their energetic drum choreography to Issam Houshan's Drum Language. Learn how movement connects directly to rhythms and accents through:

✨ Percussive hip work
✨ Juicy undulations
✨ Dynamic shimmies
✨ Intricate formation changes
✨ Musicality and rhythm interpretation

This workshop will challenge you, inspire you, and leave you smiling as you embody the joy of dancing every beat, accent, and flourish of the music.

💥 Whether you love drum solos, group choreography, or simply want to sharpen your musicality, this is a class you won't want to miss!

🎟 Register now and join us July 17-19 at Bayou Belly Festival!

Louisianabda.org

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06/14/2026

🔥 ONE NIGHT. ONE STAGE. ENDLESS MAGIC. 🔥

The Bayou Belly Festival Showcase is almost here!

✨ Dazzling performances
✨ Incredible artists
✨ An unforgettable evening of dance, culture, and community

📅 Saturday • July 18
🚪 Doors Open 6 PM
🎭 Show Starts 7 PM
📍 Wonderland Performing Arts, Lafayette

🎟 Tickets just $20

Grab your tickets now and join us for a night you won't want to miss!

https://louisianabda.org/events-2/ #!event/register/2026/7/17/bayou-belly-festival-2026

06/14/2026

✨ Instructor Spotlight – Colleen ✨

She's back in the Bayou!

Join Colleen for her powerful workshop:

🗓 Friday | 5:00 PM – 6:45 PM
📍 Classroom B
🎭 Dancing Through Mental Health & Disability

This unique lecture and movement workshop explores how dance can be a tool for healing, self-expression, adaptation, and empowerment. Drawing from her own experiences with mental health challenges and disability, Colleen shares how belly dance has helped her process emotions, build strength, and embrace her body.

A special part of this workshop focuses on the importance of advocates and support systems. Colleen's advocate, Donna, will join the discussion to share how advocates can provide meaningful support in everyday life.

Together, you'll explore movement adaptations that honor your body's unique needs and abilities while celebrating the joy of dance.

💜 Colleen has been teaching and performing throughout Central Texas for over 16 years and has traveled across the country with BECOMING. She is the founder of Bellydance 4 Everyone and co-founder of Shimmy on the Colorado Bellydance Festival in Bastrop, Texas.

🏆 Since 2021, Colleen has earned multiple awards in Raq Sharqi and Fusion, including 1st Place and Most Entertaining. Her mission is to promote body positivity, body love, and inclusivity through dance.

Whether you're a dancer, an advocate, or someone navigating your own challenges, this workshop offers inspiration, practical tools, and a welcoming community.

Louisianabda.org

06/13/2026

✨ Tickets for the Bayou Belly Festival Saturday Night After Party Dinner are available now!

Join us at Poseidon's Restaurant for an evening of delicious Greek cuisine, great conversation, and unforgettable memories with fellow dancers, instructors, and friends.

🎟️ To purchase your ticket, visit the Louisiana Belly Dance Association website and click the Events tab. Louisianabda.org

⚠️ Advance ticket purchase is required. Space is limited, and tickets will not be sold at the door.

We can't wait to celebrate, connect, and enjoy a fantastic evening together. Grab your ticket before they sell out!

💙 Great food. Great friends. Unforgettable night. See you there!

06/12/2026

Get your show tickets and after party tickets at louisianabda.org for Bayou Belly Festival 2026 before they are sold out. Under Events.

www.louisianabda.org

Join the Louisiana Belly Dance Association, a nonprofit dedicated to education, community, and the love of dance. Become a member today!

06/12/2026

✨ Vendor Spotlight: Jamie Lynn ✨

We're excited to welcome Jamie Lynn back to Bayou Belly Festival with her beautiful collection of handcrafted dance treasures!

From stunning coin belts and shimmering assuit pieces to hand-dyed silks, scarves, veils, and one-of-a-kind accessories, Jamie's creations reflect a unique blend of ancient wisdom, mythology, nature, color, and light. Inspired by everything from ancient ocean fossils to sacred geometry, her work brings storytelling and artistry together in every piece.

Jamie Lynn is a multi-award-winning belly dancer based in the beautiful Texas Hill Country between Austin and San Antonio. Known for her warm, engaging performance style and love of audience interaction, she specializes in Turkish Oryantal and American Vintage styles while also exploring Golden Era Egyptian, Fusion, Bollywood, and even Tahitian dance. Her philosophy is simple: if the audience is having half as much fun as she is, she's done her job well!

Whether you're searching for the perfect new belt, a gorgeous veil, a unique scarf, or simply want to browse beautiful handcrafted dancewear, be sure to stop by Jamie Lynn's vendor booth during Bayou Belly Festival.

🩵 Beautiful. Unique. Handmade. Inspired by story and nature.

We can't wait to welcome Jamie Lynn back to Bayou Belly and hoping to see her dance at Saturday's Showcase ✨🐊💃

06/11/2026

✨🐍 Katrina Ji Returns to Bayou Belly Festival! 🐍✨

We are thrilled to welcome back Katrina Ji, internationally acclaimed Rajasthani folk artist, cultural ambassador, and one of the most authentic voices bringing the traditions of Rajasthan to audiences around the world.

Trained directly with the communities where these dances and musical traditions originated, Katrina Ji is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan through movement, music, storytelling, and deep cultural respect. Her workshops are more than dance classes—they are an opportunity to connect with the spirit, history, and artistry of the desert traditions of India.

🌟 New for 2026! 🌟

In addition to her beloved workshop offerings, Katrina Ji will be presenting her first-ever Desert Stage: Kalbelia Performance Intensive at Bayou Belly Festival!

🖤 Friday, July 17 | 3:00 PM - 4:45 PM

Kalbelia Dance Foundations (Open to All) Learn the mesmerizing movement vocabulary of Kalbelia dance, including: ✨ Flowing snake-like arms
✨ Spins and skirt work
✨ Rhythmic footwork
✨ Musical expression and desert-inspired movement

This class is perfect for all levels and serves as the foundation for those wishing to participate in the performance intensive.

🌵 Saturday, July 18 | 9:00 AM - 10:45 AM

Desert Stage: Kalbelia Performance Intensive Step into the spirit of the desert stage as you learn a short performance choreography while developing: ✨ Stage presence ✨ Musicality and expression ✨ Performance confidence ✨ Group performance dynamics

Participants will receive: 🎥 A pre-recorded choreography video for home practice
🎭 Individual coaching and performance refinement
🌟 The opportunity to perform in the Saturday Night Showcase

Please note: Participation in the showcase requires registration for both the Foundations Workshop and the Performance Intensive.

💃 Already own a Kalbelia costume? Bring it! Costumes will also be available for purchase (***SEE KATRINA'S COMMENT ABOUT COSTUME PURCHASES!!!) and Kutch jewelry and bangles are encouraged.

Whether you want to perform or simply immerse yourself in this beautiful folk tradition, the Foundations Workshop is open to everyone. No performance commitment required!

Join us July 17–19, 2026, and experience the magic, beauty, and energy of Rajasthan right here at Bayou Belly Festival.

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06/10/2026

✨ Instructor Spotlight ~ Diana Soto✨

We are thrilled to welcome Diana Soto to Bayou Belly Festival 2026 for her very first appearance with us!

An interdisciplinary dancer, instructor, and artistic troublemaker, Diana is known for creating performances that captivate from the very first breath to the final gesture. With more than 20 years of professional dance experience, she has shared her artistry and knowledge across North America at festivals and events including Yaa Halla Y'all, Tribal Massive, Love Affair, Raks Caribe, Migrations, and many more.

Diana's approach goes beyond technique. Her work explores the powerful intersection of movement, storytelling, and personal expression, inspiring dancers to discover not just how they move, but why they move. From artistic residencies in Puerto Rico and New York to developing university courses on Arab dance and cultural studies, her passion for dance education and creative exploration shines through everything she does.

As the creator and producer of The Showgirl Experience in Houston, Diana brings a unique blend of artistry, drama, sparkle, and authenticity that is sure to inspire festival attendees.

🌟 Join Diana for two fabulous workshops and catch her dazzling performance in our Saturday Gala Show!

📅 July 17–19, 2026 💃 Bayou Belly Festival 2026

Learn more about Diana's workshops and reserve your spot at LouisianaBDA.org

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06/09/2026

✨ Bayou Belly Festival Instructor Spotlight: Kamrah ✨

Viral TikTok creator, international performer, master instructor, and all-around movement wizard, Kamrah is bringing his signature blend of dark fusion, theatricality, creativity, and "killer" isolations to Bayou Belly Festival!

Having trained extensively with Zoe Jakes and Suhaila Salimpour, and holding certifications in DanceCraft, Suhaila Levels 1 & 2, and Jamila Levels 1 & 2, Kamrah has performed with Beats Antique and Bal Anat and teaches dancers around the world. His welcoming and inclusive teaching style combines artistry with a deep understanding of anatomy and movement, helping students achieve challenging skills safely and efficiently.

🔥 Join Kamrah for three incredible workshops:

✨ All That Glitters is Golden Era Combos We all know their names—Samia Gamal, Tahia Carioca, Sohair Zaki, and more. But what made their dancing so unforgettable? In this workshop, you'll explore the luscious hip work, stylizations, and signature movements that defined the Golden Era of Egyptian dance. Along the way, Kamrah will share historical insights about these legendary dancers before teaching exciting combinations inspired by their artistry. New moves? Old moves? The best of both worlds.

⚡ Layering Challenge: You Want Me To Do What? Fast layers. Complex foot patterns. Brain-bending combinations. The stuff that makes dancers say, "Wait...you want me to do WHAT?" Learn Kamrah's proven approach to mastering difficult movements quickly and effectively without frustration. You'll work through his favorite drills, layers, and combinations while building the confidence to tackle the hard stuff.

Recommended supplies: water, a towel, and possibly an emotional support friend.

🗡️ The Rogue (from his RPG Workshop Series) Rogues thrive on stealth, agility, and precision—and so will you. This workshop focuses on ooey-gooey, slinky isolations, flowing arm pathways, unusual layers, and creative traveling patterns. Kamrah will break down the weird and wonderful before weaving it all into dynamic combinations. You'll also learn practical strategies for making your practice time more effective and efficient, making this workshop especially valuable for busy dancers balancing work, family, and life.

✨ Whether you're a fan of vintage Egyptian style, crave technical challenges, or want to unlock a whole new level of fluid movement, Kamrah's workshops offer something for every dancer.

🎟️ Join us July 17–19 at Bayou Belly Festival and experience firsthand why dancers around the world can't stop talking about Kamrah!

Louisianabda.org

06/08/2026

✨ Bayou Belly Festival Instructor Spotlight ✨

We're kicking off our Bayou Belly Festival Instructor Spotlights, and first up is the fabulous Lisa Jean from Kansas!

💖 Fluff Around & Find Out – Dancing with Feather Fans 💖
📅 Saturday, July 18
🕒 3:00 PM

Ready to enter your showgirl era? Join Lisa Jean for a playful and glamorous workshop exploring the art of dancing with feather fans and other fan props. Whether you have giant feather fans, fan veils, plain fans, or something in between, you'll learn foundational techniques for handling and manipulating your props while channeling classic Hollywood glamour and high-drama stage presence.

🌟 Bring whatever fans you have—this workshop is all about learning the concepts and having fun!

About Lisa Jean: Based in Wamego, Kansas, Lisa Jean brings glitter, joy, and creativity to the world of fusion belly dance. With more than 20 years of dance experience and a degree in modern dance, she is passionate about helping dancers discover their inner sparkle, connect with their bodies, and embrace their unique artistic expression.

If you've ever wanted to add a little extra drama, elegance, and FLOOF to your dancing, this workshop is for you!

🎟 Join us at Bayou Belly Festival and discover why we're so excited to welcome Lisa Jean to Louisiana!

https://louisianabda.org/events-2/ #!event/2026/7/17/bayou-belly-festival-2026

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