Belly Dance Show
Los Angeles Belly Dance Gala Show
Saturday, July 18th, 2026
Show: 7:45 pm - 9:45 pm
Doors: 7:30 pm
*Suggested arrival to find parking: 7:00 pm
The Cat’s Crawl Theatre: 660 Heliotrope Dr, Los Angeles, CA, 90004
Exclusive VIP show
This epic show will delight your senses! Get ready for an unforgettable evening featuring internationally acclaimed belly dancers, including Belly Dance Superstar Sonia Ochoa, the incredible Zoe Jakes, the stunning Izabela Salimpour, the elegantly captivating Tracy Rhaj, and many more extraordinary performers. See the full cast below. This year's gala show theme is ALCHEMY — A Transformative Experience! Enjoy powerful transformations, dramatic storytelling, and magical costume changes. We hope this show inspires transformation in all its forms, reminding us that shedding the old makes space for the new.
Only 24 tickets remain—secure yours before they're gone!
Individual Ticket Prices:
$75 Early Bird through Friday, July 17th!
$80 Regular Price at the door on Saturday, July 18th.
Step 1: Please send your payment through the following options, with the note specifying "Rhaqsira Gala Show tickets:"
- Zelle: (909) 263-0109 (Preferred method),
- Venmo: tracyrhaj@yahoo.com, or
- Paypal (button below).
Step 2: Please send an email with your payment receipt at info@tracyrhaj.com.
Step 3: You will receive a confirmation email with your virtual ticket(s).
Step 4: On the day of the Gala Show, kindly show your virtual ticket at the entrance in exchange for a wrist band.
If you have any immediate questions, text our team at (909) 263-0109.
Please note: NO REFUNDS.
Performers at the Gala Show
Zoe
Jakes
Zoe Jakes is a world-renowned fusion belly dancer, performer, and instructor known for her distinctive style and dynamic teaching. A pioneer of Fusion, she has performed with The Indigo and the Belly Dance Superstars, and currently tours with her band Beats Antique, blending global rhythms with electronic music. Zoe also founded DanceCraft, a leading fusion certification program, and House of Tarot, an international dance production.
Sonia
Ochoa
Sonia Ochoa is a versatile dancer and choreographer with nearly 25 years of experience. She gained international recognition as a principal dancer with the Bellydance Superstars (2002-2010), performing on prestigious stages worldwide.
Izabela
Salimpour
Izabela Salimpour is a third-generation belly dancer based in Los Angeles, dedicated to carrying the Salimpour legacy forward. The Salimpour School is committed to preserving the art form’s authentic movements, culture, and history through technique, choreography, and education.
In addition to her lifelong immersion in belly dance, Izabela is a versatile performer and writer with over 16 years of formal training in ballet, modern, and jazz. This extensive technical background informs her professional work as she tours and performs internationally, leading performance labs, monthly workshops, and intensive training programs around the world.
Tracy
Rhaj
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 artistic discovery. She's the founder of Rhaqsira Belly Dance Fest and Tracy Rhaj Dance Academy.
Nella
Swan
Nella began her performance journey in 2004 in Southern California, training in a range of styles including jazz, gothic, and experimental dance. Her bellydance foundation began in American cabaret with Ya Helewa!, and after a hiatus for motherhood, her path evolved into a darker fusion aesthetic that blends theatricality, emotion, and movement.
She is grateful to have found her dance sisters in Nevikni and is honored to present this solo performance on the Rhaqsira stage. In addition to performing with Nevikni, Nella has also danced with Inanna’s Feral Fusion Collective, Marjhani’s Dansul Mortii, and Oojam Desert Wanderers, deepening her connection to the fusion bellydance community.
In addition, Nella serves as one of Rhaqsira’s main promoters, playing an important role in the continued growth and success of the event.
Bete
Noir
Bete Noir is the name for the San Diego based duo composed of Saraphim and Asteria. Dancing together since 2010, they have trained in fusion, improvisational and cabaret styles of bellydance. In addition to more traditional styles they also incorporate elements of modern, ballet, vogueing, waving and even martial arts together to create their unique vision.
Kate
Hayal
Kate Hayal first discovered her love of Middle Eastern dance in 2003, and she's been dancing her heart out ever since. She danced with the Farhannah Dancers in Gainesville, FL and Bella Oasis in West LA, then co-founded Sirenesque in Los Angeles in 2013. She has trained and performed in many styles, including American cabaret, folkloric, fusion, goth, and Tahitian dance.
Jessikah
Jessikah is a fusion and American Cabaret belly dancer with over 20 years of experience in Raks Sharqi. Originally from Hawaii with a background in ballet, jazz, tap, and hula, Jessikah moved to Los Angeles in the early 2000s and has trained with many respected teachers. She began teaching in 2016 and currently offers belly dance classes in San Dimas, CA. Jessikah enjoys choreographing, collaborating, and creating dance projects for stage and video. Her social media is @JessikahBellydance.
Crystal
Crystal is a young Chinese Oriental dance artist and a renowned Chinese Oriental dance instructor. She has won numerous American belly dance competitions and is a well-deserved champion dancer. She is an all-around dancer proficient in various belly dance styles.
NEVIKNI
Nevikni unveils Nitzchia, Viktoriia, and Nella - a fusion dance group built on different cultures, styles, and energy. Together, they blend their backgrounds into one shared rhythm and tell stories through movement.
Shauntel Jarreau
With over fifteen years on moonlit stages, Shauntel has become a magnetic presence in the Los Angeles fusion belly dance scene. Blending old Hollywood glamour with global dance traditions, her performances feel both cinematic and otherworldly, where a silver-screen siren meets a sacred priestess.
In addition to her solo work, Shauntel performs with the Seraphim Arabesque Ensemble, a transcultural collective weaving movement, myth, and music into immersive performances. She is also the producer of Los Angeles’ premier goth-themed belly dance show, Beyond the Veil.
Master Anandi
Anandi Christavé is a dancer, dance instructor, and choreographer with more than 15 years of experience. From Barcelona, with family roots in Andalucía, Master Anandi has developed a unique Arabic-Flamenco Fusion style inspired by her cultural roots and the richness of Arabic dance traditions.
In addition to serving as the company’s principal choreographer, she is also the organizer of the festival Egypt in MX City. In her classes in Barcelona, she incorporates a methodology inspired by ancient Egyptian traditions and connected to the Goddess Isis, combining technique, artistic expression, and a focus on awakening feminine energy and women’s healing.
She currently hosts a television program in Andalucía, Spain, also centered on dance, called "A ti, mujer," which can be watched live on the internet program on Almería TV on Tuesdays at 9:30 PM (Andalucía local time).
Instagram:
@egyptinmxcity
@planningsacredwedding
ANANDI'S TEMPLE
The Belly Dance and Arabic-Flamenco Fusion mini company, ANANDI'S TEMPLE, was created by the Master Anandi Chistavé through performances presented at various international festivals. The group has grown from 3 to 6 dancers, specializing in Arabic-Flamenco Fusion, a style that blends the strength and elegance of flamenco with the expressive richness of Arabic dance. Their performances are recognized for their stage connection, technique, and artistic depth, showcased through choreographies created especially for international festivals such as Templo Anandi and Egypt in MX City.
Dancers performing include:
JHOSEINY PARRA
EDNA MARLEN
VALENTINA GUIRÓ
ANA MARÍA ARIAS
ESTHER ACEITUNO CANO
MAESTRA ANANDI CHRISTAVÉ
Instagram:
@egyptinmxcity
@planningsacredwedding
You can watch more dance videos on the YouTube channel “Maestra Anandi Christavé Danza.”
Leela
Belly Dance Productions
With an extensive background in classical dance forms, Leela brings fun and excitement to her vibrant performance style, captivating audiences with her contagious enthusiasm and playful energy.
LeelaBellyDance Productions has enchanted audiences throughout the Southland, earning rave reviews for their imaginative, humorous, and original choreography. As a teacher, Leela engages each dancer deeply, by honoring individual expression, while celebrating the shared magic of the group. Come play!
Visit www.LeelaBellydance.com
Eve
Eve is a multimodal tattoo artist, pyrographer, LMT, and educator currently residing in Portland Oregon. With only 3 years in the fusion bellydance scene, Eve has been immensely lucky to study with Queenie de la Rosa, and industry icons such as Rachel Brice at Datura Studio, Zoe Jakes (earning Key of Diamonds), and recently Izabela Salimpour.
Their dance journey began in 2023 with the now inactive Sundari Dance Company. Before studying bellydance, Eve trained in multiple movement forms; such as ballet, contemporary, hiphop, aikido, bouldering, capoeira, yoga, and parkour. Eve is debuting their first solo performance!
Feral Fusion Collective
Feral Fusion Collective is an international ensemble of bellydance and fusion artists, each bringing their unique style, cultural background, and artistic voice to a shared vision. Together, they create bold, evocative and narrative-driven performances rooted in purpose.
Founded by Inanna, Feral Fusion Collective will feature Nina, Alice and Inanna at Rhaqsira Belly Dance Fest; they will present a piece celebrating the snake's symbolic power—a symbol of transformation, rebirth, and the alchemist's own internal transmutation.
Find the on Instagram at: @inannaforearth / @cmgem_ / @aliceinonedoorland
Zoë
DeRose
As a lifelong performer, Zoë DeRose (she/they) has an eclectic creative background fueled by their insatiable appetite for the arts. She has studied the popular dances from Southwest Asian/North African traditions (colloquially known as “belly dance”), as well as folkloric dances since 2017. 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.
Ashley Fasulo
Ashley began her belly dance journey at the age of 14 and has been passionate about dance ever since. Traveling from Pennsylvania, she brings years of performance and teaching experience to every class and event. With experience performing in television and film, she is a dedicated belly dance and Zumba instructor as well as an accomplished performer. Ashley loves sharing her enthusiasm for movement, music, and fitness, inspiring students and audiences alike through her energetic and engaging approach.
Nitzchia
Diaz
Nitzchia's essence arises from Tribal Fusion Bellydance, enriched by influences from Odissi, Flamenco, and diverse Asian traditions. She shares her dance as a celebration of life, guided by the philosophy of yoga as a reminder to stay present and savor each moment. Her approach is a path of self-knowledge and healing, a ritual that connects with oneself and others. Inspired by rock, psychology, and philosophy, she channels these influences into a strong and expressive voice. Besides performing a solo, Nitzchia will perform with NEVIKNI, an awesome collaboration with Nella and Viktoriia.
Serenity
Serenity is primarily a fusion dancer, a teacher, choreographer and always a student, from the high desert area.
Temple
As a life long dance enthusiast, Temple has had the privilege to study many diverse dance styles including Modern, Raq Sharqi, American Cabaret, and Gothic Tribal Fusion. For her, dance goes beyond being a hobby; it's a community and a profound expression of the soul.
Krischana
Krischana is a dancer from the Santa Ynez Valley whose passion lies in Fusion Belly Dance. She has trained in a range of styles, from Turkish Cabaret to (Tribal) Fusion Belly Dance, and is currently the only (Tribal) Fusion instructor in Santa Barbara County. As a director and choreographer, Krischana blends traditional belly dance with modern fusion and a theatrical flair. Storytelling is at the heart of all her performances, bringing depth and emotion to her art.
Luna
Viktoriia
Viktoriia has been passionate about fusion belly dance for years, beginning her journey with Fusion and Fat Chance Belly Dance Style. Over the years, she has trained with teachers from around the world and continues to learn and grow through this art form that brings her so much joy. She is excited to perform as part of a trio in collaboration with two beautiful dancers—Nella and Nitzchia.
Bianca Mejias
Originally from Miami, Florida, Bianca Mejias has spent the last decade mastering the art of Fusion Belly Dance. Her journey began in 2015, under the guidance of Anaizh Huma, and has since led her to study with industry icons such as Rachel Brice, Zoe Jakes, and Sara Lyn. Now based in Las Vegas, Bianca brings her years of training and artistry to the stage as a professional performer. She is thrilled to share her passion, vibrant energy, and love for this dance style any chance she can get!
Lizette
Lizette began dancing at a very young age. Her early training included ballet, jazz, and Mexican folklórico. She later trained with the legendary troupe, Jewels of the Nile, based in Ventura County.
While she enjoys many different dance styles, Lizette specializes in American Cabaret. As a soloist, she loves entertaining audiences by blending a fusion of all these wonderful styles.
Workshops & Show Schedule
Saturday, July 18th
2:45 pm - Student Registration
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Workshop #1 - Zoe Jakes
Claim the Stage: Energy Work for Dancers.
GALA SHOW:
The Cat’s Crawl Theatre.
7:30 pm: Doors open to the audience.
7:45 pm - 9:45 pm: Show Duration
Sunday, July 19th
9:45 am - Student Registration
10:00 am - 11:30 am: Workshop #2 - Sonia Ochoa
Raqs Sharki Drum Solo.
15-min. break at 11:30 am
11:45 am - 1:15 pm: Workshop #3 - Izabela Salimpour
Salimpour Technique Workshop.
*1 hour lunch: 1:15 pm - 2:15 pm
2:15 pm - 3:45 pm: Workshop #4 - Zoe Jakes
Fire in the Belly: Choreography.
15-min. break at 3:45 pm
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm: Workshop #5 - Zoe Jakes
The Timeless Heart Technique.
Address (Workshops)
Address (Gala Show)
Do you have any questions?
email us
Contact
email:
info@tracyrhaj.com
Founder:
www.TracyRhaj.com
Online Belly Dance Classes on Patreon:
www.TracyRhajDanceAcademy.com