I have been dancing for a few decades, having begun when I got mad at a boyfriend and felt like doing something wild! What I love about belly dancing is how it continues to surprise me with new adventures, as well as opportunities to meet new interesting and internationally-minded people; like a trip I hosted to Bali a couple years ago. I have faced many challenges over the years—the “Cinderella” of the dance world discrimination by other dance forms; misperceptions by others, until they SEE me dance; and dealing with fears of success.

I have been teaching for a few decades. I believe my style is unique because I have an actual curriculum of lessons which go from level 1 through level 4 and incorporate material of value to any dancer at any level and learning to dance in any style.

Yes, I perform as a soloist and with my troupe, JJ & the Habibis Laguna Beach Belly Dancers. I also offer a lecture-demonstration program called “La Danse Orientale—Belly Dancing from Antiquity through the New Age.” As a soloist, I perform in Egyptian, Turkish and American styles, adapting my program to suit the audience. My favorite dance expression usually includes balancing—sword(s), basket, shamadan using yoga postures within the dance. As a troupe leader, I have created 30+ choreographies in Egyptian, Turkish, Ethnic, Tribal and American Belly Dance styles. My troupe and I once performed at an event where the audience was very reserved throughout the show. At the end, suddenly they were all up dancing with us and yelling, and one guy even dropped his pants to reveal Sponge Bob Square Pants shorts! I am always “excited” about performing, never nervous.

I currently teach 8-week series through Laguna Beach Recreation Department (Tues (1, 2) & Thurs (3, 4) Eves) www.lagunabeachcity.net and San Juan Capistrano Adult Ed program (Wed (1, 2) Eve) www.capousd.org/adult and interested people may also write jheristjames@yahoo.com or call (949) 494-5031 for my current calendar of classes and events. Google also has some interesting info about me and my career.