I have a few inexpensive but super sparkly costumes for sale here!

Red Metallic: SOLD

Reminiscent of a Sahar, this super sparkly costume is a study in simplicity! The farbric is stretchy red metallic and it comes with bra, skirt iwht single flower ornament and slit over left leg and two gauntlets.

Silver Mocha Eman: SOLD!

Beautiful Eman Zaki costume that comes with bra, belt, two arm bands, and skirt. The skirt has a front center slit and is incredibly twirly. See the video below for the twirl factor! The costume has been loved but has plenty of sparkle to it. It is by far one of the most comfortable cosutmes I have owned!

Nitty gritty details:

Bra has a 32″underbust and the cups are 5.5″v x 6″h x 6.5″d

Belt is 35″long measured at the top of belt.

Skirt is 26″unstretched at the top and stretches to 40″. Comes with two arm bands.

Link to costume in action:

Turquoise Egyptian: SOLD!

Elegant turquoise gyptian bra and skirt set is a study in grace. The skirt has two front slits so it shows a lot of leg and comes with two armbands. The fabric is sparkly and is studded with rhinestone ornament.

Nity gritty details:

Bra is 6″h x 6″v x 6.5″d

underbust is 37

Skirt is 28″unstretched at the top and 34.5″stretched. The skirt is 37″laying flat.

Comes with two arm bands.

April’s Installment of the Istanbul Hafla Series featuring Holly Kirby’s Tango and salsa stylings! 

We have been running the Istanbul Hafla Series for well over two years now, and I know that I have been fascinated to see not only the local bellydance talent in our area, but also the dancers from other styles that we have engaged with in the past events. My specific vision for this series was to expose bellydance students and instructors to other styles of dance and simultaneously, other dance forms to the art of bellydance. I think we have had a successful run of it and this month’s edition is likely to be another great show!

Pittsburgh is blessed with a vibrant and diverse world dance community. On April 14th, head out to Istanbul Grille in Lawrenceville for great Turkish food and a spectacular night of world dance performance, followed by an open dance floor. This show stars award winning local Latin dancer and instructor Holly Kirby, who will be performing sizzling Salsa and Tango performances, with additional performances by Pittsburgh’s finest bellydancers including, Sara DeRoy, Mehira, Unsuk, Nawal, Kate, and Janim. Holly will lead a dance lesson for audience members at intermission, and after the performances the dance floor will be open for a world dance party. Don’t miss this dynamic performance!

Salsa Tango Bellydance Ballroom
April 14th, 2012
Doors open at 7:30 pm, Show starts at 8
$8, kids under 12 get in free

Buy your tickets online and save yourself the hassle!

Istanbul Grille, 4130 Butler Street, Pittsburgh PA
For more information call 412 759 0522 or email jengal55@gmail.com
https://janim.org/events/istanbul-haflas/

The Istanbul Haflas are monthly bellydance events at the Istanbul Grille in Lawrenceville. We feature a different guest artist each month. We also feature bellydance performers of varying levels. If you are interested in performing at one of our haflas, please email Janim (me!) with your request.

Haflas with their intimate and cozy atmosphere, offer the perfect chance for you to involve your friends, to show off a few moves, but most importantly to learn the dance styles of other dancers/ instructors in the community.

On Saturday March 3rd, come to the Pittsburgh Dance Center for a spectacular night of world dance. The show will be headlined by internationally renowned dancer Lisa Zahiya. Lisa is an innovative, award winning dancer who won the title Bellydancer of the Universe. Working in the genres of Bellydance, Bhangra, Bollywood and hip hop dance, Lisa travels the world teaching and performing. More information about Lisa is available at her website, www.lisazahiya.com

Vendors will be on hand offering jewelry, accessories, clothing, and makeup art. The night will close with an open dance floor, with the audience invited to participate. Don’t miss this amazing event held in Pittburgh’s newest, largest, and greatest dance studio and performance space!

The show is family friendly, and children under 12 get in free. Tickets are available online at

https://janim.org/events/lisa-zahiya-workshops-and-show-mar-3-4-2012/

Bellydance to Ballroom- World Dance Extravaganza
March 3, 2012
8 pm, Doors open at 7:30 pm
$15/$12 advance. Kids under 12 are free!
Pittsburgh Dance Center, 4765 Liberty Avenue, Second Floor

More Info: (412) 759-0522 or email jengal55@gmail.com
https://janim.org/events/lisa-zahiya-workshops-and-show-mar-3-4-2012/

Amartia of Maryland, our guest star for our March Istanbul Hafla will also be teaching a Greek Tsiftetelli Bellydance workshop!

March Istanbul Hafla

Sat, Mar 1oth | 8pm

Istanbul Grille | 4130 Butler Street

March Workshop:

Amartia’s Greek Tsiftetelli Bellydance

Sun, Mar 11th | 2-4pm

Pittsburgh Dance Center 4765 Liberty Avenue

Workshop Description: Learn how to interpret the nuances and speed of Greek music. Learn how to
handle a bouzouki solo like a drum solo. Amartia will teach the traditional
folkloric steps that can be incorporated into a modern routine. She will
also show the subtle differences in the traditional Greek tsifteteli and its
modern Egyptian counterpart. Participants will be taught at 3min bouzouki
solo choreography.

For more information, please email me at jengal55 at gmail dot com

You will be able to wow a Greek audience and add some OPA to your performance

Shimmy and Samba!

Looking for a way to shake up your fitness routine? Heat up the cold winter months with this sizzling offer!

This January, the Pittsburgh Dance Centers begins offering an unlimited monthly package of Brazilian Samba and Bellydance classes and workshops.

Ditch the gym and dance to the beat of a different Brazilian or Middle Eastern drummer. Classes include strength and flexibility training and conditioning, as well as basic and intermediate samba and bellydance technique.

Classes are suitable for beginners or dancers of all ages. Drop in classes are also available.

The monthly unlimited bellydance and samba package will be available beginning January 1st, 2012. Package cost is $110 for one month (a savings of $50!) Buy package here online or in class!

Shimmy and Samba Package Class Schedule

• Wed 6-7 pm Brazilian Samba
• Wed 7-8 pm Bellydance Bootcamp
• Saturday 2-3 Brazilian Samba
• Saturday 3-4 Bellydance Techniques and Training
• Sunday 3-4 Bellydance Props! with Janim

All classes are held at Pittsburgh Dance Center

4765 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh PA

http://www.pittsburghdancecompany.com

Congratulations to the winners of Pittsburgh’s first ever Belly-Off competition!

The competition was fierce and soooo close! Congrats to all of the winners, and all of the dancers who entered! Special thanks to Melissa Murphey & Ishtar!

Entertainer Winner: Mehira Hawaii, PA

… 1st Runner Up: Kari Merlina-Kizina, PA

Headliner Winner: Lalita, MD

1st Runner Up: Nadia Saeed, PA

Troupe Winner: Gypsy Soul, OH (Anne Laing and Jypsy Sole)

Artistry Award: Gypsy Soul, OH

Miss Congeniality: Jemeena, PA Jennifer Marino

Personality Plus: Kari Merlina, PA

Also, we would like to thank all the competitors who traveled so far to participate in the event. We hope to see you again soon!

Sherena Workshops and Gala Show

It was a great pleasure to host Sherena of Ohio for an intensive series of workshops and a Gala show over the weekend of Nov. 5-6. Sherena is a dynamic and highly talented teacher. She taught a series of workshops including Ballet for Bellydancers, Practice vs Performance, and Gypsy Skirt Choreography. Sherena began dancing at an early age, both as a bellydancer and ballet dancer. Her mother was a talented bellydancer, and her Great Grandmother was a Russian dancer famous for her “butterfly step” light and beautiful footwork. Sherena is a highly technical but passionate dancer and brilliant teacher, and it was a pleasure to host her workshops.

Those who participated left exhausted but elated. Luckily, the dancers were able to save some energy for the Gala Show. The show was held at Istanbul in Lawrenceville, featuring Sherena and local belly-rock band Ishtar. It was an amazing night of dancing featuring the best of Pittsburgh’s cabaret and tribal dancers as well as live music from Ishtar. Thanks to all who attended and participated in the workshops and the show.

First up….

the Sassy Ruffled Black Egyptian

This costume consists of a bra, skirt, and one arm band. It is reminiscent of an Eman design. It is of sparkley black lycra base material with mosaic beadwork in black gold and silver. It is incredibly elegant and did I mention that the skirt has ruffles?!?! It twirls beautifully! The skirt also has a slight flare at the bottom for better turns and one leg slit to mid thigh at the center front.

Nitty gritty details:

The bra has a 33″ underbust and the inside cup measurements are 6″v x 7″ h x 8″ d.

The skirt is 28″ unstretched at the top and stretches to around 33-34″. The skirt is 39″  long laying flat. All sales final! Thanks for looking!

A Gala Show featuring Bellydance Superstar Sherena of Ohio

Saturday, November 5th, 2011 | 8pm

Istanbul Grille | 4130 Butler Street, Pittsburgh PA

Join us in Lawrenceville for a Bellydance Gala Show featuring  Sherena and many of the region’s  talented dancers. Also featuring the Belly rocking tunes of Ishtar!

Admission is $12 online and $15 at the door. Children under 12 are free.

The Belly-Off | Pittsburgh’s First Bellydance Competition

Friday, November 4th, 2011 | 8pm

Istanbul Grille | 4130 Butler Street, Pittsburgh PA

Join us as we cheer on our local and regional dancers in an exciting evening of Belly-rocking tunes provided by Pittsburgh’s very own Ishtar! Admission to the show is $10! Tickets available at the door!