Spotlight Dancer/Troupe
Janine

From the land where Samba and Bossa Nova are king comes one of the bellydance world’s best kept, yet extraordinary, secrets. JANINE!

A native of Rio De Janeiro, Janine learned to dance at an early age in the culturally rich and diverse atmosphere of the city that is Brazil’s shining star and a resort destination for the world’s elite seeking to experience “carnival,” one of the wonders of the modern age. After all, Brazil is dance and every Brazilian is a performer. Janine is no exception, though she is exceptional. Little known, however, is the fact that amidst the white sand beaches of Ipanema and below majestic Sugar Loaf Mountain also thrives a familiar form of dance; Bellydance. While overshadowed by traditional Brazilian dance forms, bellydance nonetheless has found a home in the hearts of “Cariocas” like Janine, as well as all Brazilians, and has even been featured in popular television shows and pop music productions. As a result, Brazil has produced some of the art’s most inspiring and talented dancers of our time, uniquely Brazilian of course.

When one speaks of Brazilian bellydance, they speak of the great Lulu Sabongi. Famous for her memorable performance at the International dance Festival in Egypt and her Brazilian televised performance in conjunction with the Association of Egyptian Culture, Lulu Sabongi is one of the world’s most renown coaches and instructors having sold literally thousands upon thousands of instructional videos for the serious dancer and employing several master instructors in her service. It was within this network of Lulu Sabongi that Janine learned not only the “dance” but also the “art” of bellydance.

In 1998, Janine married and immigrated to the United States where she continued to receive instruction from some of the greatest bellydancers of our time, the least of which was not the timeless Dahlena, about whom no introduction is needed, except to say that she is amongst the greatest ever. With Dahlena, fundamentals and traditional form were key. A master of technique, Dahlena brought Janine’s dance to a whole new level and initiated an appreciation for excellence that continues to this day.

In 2002, Janine and her husband relocated to Phoenix where Janine quickly embraced the opportunity to study under another of bellydance’s greatest performers; Helena Vlahos. A mainstay of Arizona’s bellydance community, few compare to the grace and majesty of this superstar who continues to wow audiences during her regular performances in Scottsdale. Helena Vlahos instilled in Janine the ideal of the “classy performer.”

Superimposed upon such outstanding schooling is periodic instruction Janine received from well known performers such as Delilah, Suhaila, Yasmina, Ansuya, Aziza, Jillina and many others. Janine’s fusion of Brazilian energy and American athleticism with a mixture of traditional formats has resulted in a style all her own. Sanura describe Janine this way:

“If you ever want to see poetry in motion, you need to experience Janine. The first time I watched her dance, my breath actually caught in my throat.”

Janine’s public performances are rare, as she prefers the intimacy of her studio at her home in Fountain Hills where she offers private instruction to all interested, whether just for fun or to further a more serious venture.

Janine’s greatest triumph was her 2002 performance in open competition with other dance forms, i.e. ballet, tap, hip-hop, jazz, etc., where she came up against very accomplished and collegiate trained artists. While few bellydancers venture into such open competitions, Janine was intent on demonstrating that bellydancers deserve their rightful place in the world of dance and that bellydancers are truly “artists.” Hoping to make an impression that would encourage other bellydancers to test their art by simply competing well, Janine shocked the audience with an electrifying performance that vaulted her to “champion.”

Janine’s last public performance was an impromptu  accompaniment of a University of New Mexico Professor of the Eastern Clarinet’s rendition of “Habibi” at one of Santa Fe’s infamous Jazz Clubs which brought down the packed house.

Perhaps if you are patient, and find yourself at the right place and at the right time, you too will experience the one-of-a-kind dance of Janine. 

In the meantime, Janine is available for private instruction for all interested and can be contacted at janinedance@cox.net. Additionally, Janine, also a graphic artist, continues to provide artistic and marketing support services to dancers in the United States and Brazil and has design logos and other products for many different dance forms and performers. Please visit her website at www.janinesartofliving.com or contact her at artofliving@cox.net.

Live the dance!

To contact Janine:
email: janinedance@cox.net
website: www.janinesartofliving.com

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powered by FreeFind       More about Yasmina Classes & Workshops Performance Schedule Shimmy Bliss Shimmy Bliss eBay Store Students Page Yasmina Yasmina's Blog Spotlight Dancer/Troupe of the Month Aaliyah Spotlight Link Belly dance auction sites: www.mybellydanceauctions.com (new auction from Bhuz.com) www.live-bellydance.com/ (site is based in the UK) www.etsy.com (home made goods above link is direct to belly dance section) What's New A Sampler of Belly Dance Styles a day of workshops with Helena Vlahos, Sherry V., Gina Cinardo and Yasmina  Saturday Oct. 25, 2008 Yasmina's 14th Annual Swap Meet  a day of workshops with Holly, Carrie Konyha, Morgiana and Yasmina - Come vend, shop, learn and network  Saturday, January 17th   Belly Dance A Raqs Sharqi Magazine 3408 W. Burbank Blvd. Burbank, CA 91505  818-567-3105 http://www.bellydancemag.com/   Carrie Konyha of Sedona, AZ Bellydance performer, instructor, choreographer. Voted Best Teacher in Sedona, Kudos 2007 Readers choice award Weekly classes in Sedona (beginning - advance),  Dance retreats, Workshops & Performances NATIONWIDE Traditional Raqs Sharqi , Tribal & Gypsy Fusion www.gaiadance.net  carrie@gaiadance.net  (928) 282-1587   Learn to  Belly Dance for fun!!     with Halyma's Belly Dance Lessons on DVD Great gift idea! Available online and in Ottawa Stores now! Clean and clear instructions for the basics of belly dance for any fitness level - no previous experience needed! www.bellydancingforfun.com Halyma@bellydancingforfun.com phone: 613.241.3397   Amira  International Emissary of Dance Original Videos, Music & Clothing For Your Belly™. Highest Quality 5-Star Rated Free Bellydancing Music Downloads www.amirasbelly.com   Belly Dance     classes / performances  Holly  928.300.4452 Aradia  of Las Vegas www.aradialv.com aradia11@aol.com (702)808-3430 See-fit Body Stockings Your second skin   Designed to be worn under your costume,    in flesh, black or fishnet crystal Lycra. For more info please visit www.see-fit.com Dare to be Bare! allow these beaded heavenly adornments to carry your imagination to a place of joy and spirituality as you experience the mystical language of dance Even if you don’t dance barefoot – consider our lovely foot jewelry as a finishing touch to your photography session while in full costume.   Many of our designs are made with genuine Swarovski crystals that sparkle like the sun.  You’ll look like a Goddess!  And if you’re planning a beach wedding, be sure to take a look at our Beach Bride Collection Seaside Aqua  This pair of handcrafted barefoot sandals combines a mixture of faceted ovals, tiny hearts, rondelles and pony beads in ocean-inspired shades of aqua.  The design is accented with gold Bali rings, ovals and rounds.   (Also available with silver accents instead of gold.) A mother of pearl shell medallion graces the top Handcrafted on durable,  elastic cord An array of designs and colors to match your costumes Available in Small,  Medium & Large Custom designs welcome Jewels by Jan http://www.jewels-by-jan.com   www.orientaldance.tv  http://thebellydancetrainer.com/   Shimmy Bliss Costuming Co. Tribal Belly Dance Supplies We receive in new items weekly so please  Check out our websites    www.shimmybliss.com or visit us on  eBay Would you like to see your ad here??  Check out the Ad Page for more info.