Belly Dance Workshops
Rhaqsira Belly Dance Fest 2026
July 18th, and July 19th, 2026 - Los Angeles, California
Our Fabulous Teachers in 2026!
Zoe
Jakes
Zoe Jakes is a world-renowned fusion belly dancer, performer, and instructor celebrated for her distinctive style and dynamic teaching. A pioneer of Fusion, she blends belly dance with pop-and-lock isolations, jazz, and modern influences. Zoe began her belly dance journey studying with Katarina Burda and Suhaila Salimpour and later performed with world-renowned companies such as The Indigo and the Belly Dance Superstars.
Currently, she tours with her band Beats Antique, merging global rhythms with electronic music. Her certification program, DanceCraft, is regarded as one of the premier fusion belly dance training systems, and she is also the founder of House of Tarot, a large-scale production that has toured and collaborated with dancers worldwide. Zoe’s workshops are known for their strong technique, clarity, and playful energy, reflecting her mission to elevate belly dance to greater recognition and respect.
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.
Sonia has also studied a variety of dance forms, including Odissi, Egyptian folk dances, flamenco, and Spanish classical dance, training in India, Egypt, and Spain.
Based in Southern California, she collaborates with local artists, leads workshops, and directs the Sonia Ochoa Dance Co. Sonia’s work bridges cultural gaps, enriching the global dance community through her unique style and passion for movement.
Izabela
Salimpour
Izabela Salimpour is a third-generation belly dancer from the iconic Salimpour family.
Trained from a young age in the Salimpour Format and other dance styles, she has performed globally in productions like Bal Anat and Enta Omri, continuing her family’s influential legacy in Middle Eastern dance. Izabela, daughter of Suhaila Salimpour, is a very fiery dancer with a very magnetic energy on stage.
Her workshops not only are fun, but they carry the legacy of the Salimpour Format, founded by her grandmother Jamila Salimpour.
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)
Sign up for your Belly Dance Workshops today!
How to Register for the belly dance workshops:
Step 1: Please fill out the registration form at the bottom of this page.
Step 2: To secure your spot in the workshops, please send your payment via:
Zelle (909) 263-0109 (preferred method),
Venmo at tracyrhaj@yahoo.com, or
Paypal (see button below).
Confirmation email:
You will receive a confirmation email within 3 Business Days.
Zoe Jakes: Claim the Stage
Saturday, July 18th, 2026
Workshop #1 - Zoe Jakes - Claim the Stage: Energy Work for Dancers.
Time: 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Explore the powerful exchange of energy between performer and audience. In this workshop, Zoe guides dancers to become carriers, receivers, and holders of energy, learning to project authenticity, presence, and spirit through movement and connection. Claim the stage and ignite your spontaneity in this transformative experience.
Early Bird Fee:
$45 during November - December - Sign up today!
$55 during January - February
$65 during March - April
$75 during May - June
$85 Regular Price during July
or VIP Pass: 5 workshops for $225, plus 1 FREE ticket to the Gala Show, and a performance spot! - Total regular value: $530.
Please note that there are NO REFUNDS.
You may transfer or resell if needed.
Sonia Ochoa: Egyptian Technique
Sunday, July 19th, 2026
Workshop #2 - Sonia Ochoa: Raqs Sharki Drum Solo.
Time: 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Join Sonia Ochoa for an exquisite and dynamic Raqs Sharki Drum Solo technique and choreography workshop. In this workshop, we'll explore musicality, sharp accents, expression, and drama as Sonia guides you into the art and emotion of this captivating dance. Get ready to be inspired by the one and only Sonia!
Early Bird Fee:
$45 during November - December - Sign up today!
$55 during January - February
$65 during March - April
$75 during May - June
$85 Regular Price during July
or VIP Pass: 5 workshops for $225, plus 1 FREE ticket to the Gala Show, and a performance spot! - Total regular value: $530.
Please note that there are NO REFUNDS.
You may transfer or resell if needed.
Izabela Salimpour: Salimpour Technique
Sunday, July 19th, 2026
Workshop #3 - Izabela Salimpour: Salimpour Technique Workshop.
Time: 11:45 am - 1:15 pm
Izabela Salimpour will dive deep into the Salimpour Technique, her incredible family legacy! Founded by Izabela's grandmother, the Salimpour Technique continues to amaze audiences worldwide!
Early Bird Fee:
$45 during November - December - Sign up today!
$55 during January - February
$65 during March - April
$75 during May - June
$85 Regular Price during July
or VIP Pass: 5 workshops for $225, plus 1 FREE ticket to the Gala Show, and a performance spot! - Total regular value: $530.
Please note that there are NO REFUNDS.
You may transfer or resell if needed.
Zoe Jakes: Fire in the Belly Choreography
Sunday, July 19th, 2026
Workshop #4 - Zoe Jakes: "Fire in the Belly" Choreography.
2:15 pm - 3:45 pm
Immerse yourself in a choreography woven with undulations, spirals, and diagonal extensions, designed to awaken the spine and dissolve transitions. Fluid lines blend with the circular, infinite shapes of belly dance, creating dynamic, breath-driven movement. Through Zoe’s signature technique of undulations and interior circles, dancers will explore full-body expansion, guided by a vigorous warm-up and deep connection to flow and form.
Early Bird Fee:
$45 during November - December - Sign up today!
$55 during January - February
$65 during March - April
$75 during May - June
$85 Regular Price during July
or VIP Pass: 5 workshops for $225, plus 1 FREE ticket to the Gala Show, and a performance spot! - Total regular value: $530.
Please note that there are NO REFUNDS.
You may transfer or resell if needed.
Zoe Jakes: The Timeless Heart
Sunday, July 19th, 2026
Workshop #5 - Zoe Jakes: The Timeless Heart.
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Discover the balance between sharp precision and fluid grace through isolation combos inspired by musicality and breath. Explore arm pathways and energetic lines that flow through the body, using dynamics to build tension and drama! Walk away with fresh ways to connect to music and a deeper sense of embodiment in your dance.
Early Bird Fee:
$45 during November - December - Sign up today!
$55 during January - February
$65 during March - April
$75 during May - June
$85 Regular Price during July
or VIP Pass: 5 workshops for $225, plus 1 FREE ticket to the Gala Show, and a performance spot! - Total regular value: $530.
Please note that there are NO REFUNDS.
You may transfer or resell if needed.
Get the VIP Pass!
Only a few VIP passes are available, get yours today!
All Workshops are included!
1 Gala Show Ticket
Performance Spot
Performance photos and video included!
Included in the VIP Pass of $530 Regular Value!
Do you have any questions?
email us
Contact
email:
info@tracyrhaj.com
Founder:
www.TracyRhaj.com
Online Belly Dance Classes:
www.TracyRhajDanceAcademy.com