About Rhaqsira

Los Angeles Belly Dance Festival

Tracy Rhaj

Meet the Founder and Producer

Tracy Rhaj is an internationally recognized fusion belly dancer based in Los Angeles, California. Known for her graceful style and unique charm, Tracy emphasizes technique and muscle memory in her teaching approach. She's the founder of Rhaqsira Belly Dance Fest in Los Angeles and Tracy Rhaj Dance Academy.

Tracy’s belly dance journey began in 2004 with the Blue Stars of Tanit, where she trained under the Fat Chance Belly Dance® Style format. In 2006, her troupe won 1st place in the Tribal Group category at the Belly Dancer of the Universe competition.

Throughout her career, Tracy has studied with world-renowned instructors, including Carolena Nericcio, Rachel Brice, Zoe Jakes, April Rose, Mira Betz, Josefine Wandel, Edenia Archuleta, Sonia Ochoa, among others. She has also had the privilege of performing alongside some of these esteemed artists.

In addition to being a dancer, Tracy is also an event producer. She founded Tribal Fest Guadalajara® and Hafla Experimental during the time she lived in Jalisco, Mexico—events that featured international teachers such as Sonia Ochoa, Mira Betz, April Rose, Silvia Salamanca, Ashley Lopez, and many others.

Tracy holds certifications in Dance Education Methodology and has studied Dance Pedagogy through the Functional Analysis of the Body in Movement in Dance (AFCMD), a program led by dance pedagogue Mireya Martínez Solís.

Since 2021, Tracy has been studying the Siren Project’s Fat Chance Belly Dance® Style flamenco fan dialect. She earned her Teacher Training Certification in 2022 under the guidance of Katarzyna Lidia (creator of the FCBD® Style flamenco fan dialect), Agata Zakrzewska (FCBD® Style Manton dialect), and Eileen Kim (Siren Project Ambassador).

In 2025, Tracy obtained Zoe Jakes' Diamonds Certification, part of Zoe's DanceCraft program in Oakland, California.

Tracy offers both online and in-person belly dance intensive classes in Southern California.

Learn more about Tracy and her artistic career here.

Meet Rhaqsira's Team

Andre

Tracy's husband, science teacher, and supportive belly dance hubby!

Andre plays a huge part behind the scenes. He will the MC at the show, having had extensive experience as an MC during the time he worked at an LA Museum.

Zoe

As a lifelong performer, Zoë DeRose (she/they) has an eclectic creative background fueled by their insatiable appetite for the arts. Zoë's experience as a classically-trained musician that make them dynamic to watch. Zoë is the current director of LA Raqs, dedicated to promoting dance from the SWANA diaspora and community-building in Southern California. Additionally, Zoë is one of Rhaqsira's main promoters!
Visit them at zoederose.com and laraqs.com.

Nella

After a decade-long hiatus due to motherhood, Nella is overjoyed to be back on stage. She began her journey in American cabaret belly dance and has recently been diving into the world of fusion styles with renewed passion. Nella is honored to be part of this festival and thrilled to perform in a trio with the beautiful and talented Viktoriia and Nitzchia. Nella is one of Rhaqsira's main promoters, playing a big part in our event's success!

Nella's facebook.

What does Rhaqsira mean?

Rhaqsira is a fusion of the Arabic word raqs, meaning "dance," and sira, which is a play on the word "sister." This combination symbolizes the deep sense of community, connection, and kinship shared among dancers.

Cultural Significance:

Raqs is at the heart of belly dance, a traditional and expressive art form rooted in Arabic and Middle Eastern cultures. The word evokes the fluidity, rhythm, and artistry of this dance. Sister embodies the unity and sisterhood at the core of the belly dance community.

Belly dance, especially in its modern and fusion forms, promotes collaboration, empowerment, and the shared joy of movement, strongly emphasizing mutual respect and support among feminine dancers.

Symbolism of Unity:

Rhaqsira represents the harmonious connection between dance and community. It reflects the idea that belly dance is not just an individual performance but a collective experience. The energy, expression, and unique styles of each dancer come together, creating a powerful and vibrant celebration of sisterhood.

Energetic Phonetic Flow:

The name Rhaqsira carries a feminine, melodic, flowing sound, mirroring the grace and fluidity of belly dance. It represents a shared rhythm that unites dancers in a collective spirit and movement.

Additionally, the "H" in Rhaq connects to the artistic name of our founder, Tracy Rhaj.

Inclusivity:

At Raqsira, everyone is welcome!

We invite dancers of all backgrounds, from various belly dance styles and skill levels, to come together in celebration. Our focus is on collaboration, mutual respect, and fostering a strong sense of community. This spirit of inclusivity extends to both performers and audience members, encouraging everyone to take part in the joy of belly dance. Whether you're a traditional or fusion dancer, you'll find a supportive and loving environment here.

If you have any questions about Rhaqsira send us an email to info@tracyrhaj.com.