CT Bellydance Salon

02/11/2026

A new analysis shows that moving to music with others can be a powerful way to ease symptoms of depression. Unlike walking or yoga, dance engages the brain in a unique “neurochemical symphony,” blending physical activity with joy, connection, and self-expression. Here's why it helps and how to harness it, according to experts: https://on.natgeo.com/4cgaQxw

10/18/2025

Hello beautiful people! Happy weekend!

I wish to share with you how much pride and excitement I have in bringing to the stage Veil and Ember, our contemporary fusion Autumnal show, happening ✨TOMORROW, Sunday, October 19th from 4-6pm at the Bijou Theatre in Bridgeport. ✨

We all know how the pandemic impacted numerous businesses, artists, and performance venues.

Over the years as we have dusted ourselves off and set forth to create, perhaps from a totally different space, & we recognize just how much these impacts have persisted.

Yet we also remember how meaningful live, in-person community experiences of art can be, and how the beauty they offer is so deeply needed, perhaps now more than ever.

This very special concert has been carefully curated and choreographed by our hardworking local artists as a labor of absolute love, and we cannot wait to present our spellbinding evening of fusion belly dance to you.

Through powerful movement and haunting beauty, our dancers embody the quiet fire of transformation and the mystery of the turning season.

Truly… Movement, magic, and mystery await.

I so hope that you will come and support our event tomorrow/Sunday, and lend your applause and attention, and your beautiful energy!, as we present…

🌫️ VEIL & EMBER 🔥

Step into the season between worlds.

� Get your tickets now for Veil & Ember – a fusion belly dance concert celebrating the descent into shadow and the fire that remains.� Tickets + details at bit.ly/4oaGbVT or by visiting joyherbst.com ♥️

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10/10/2025

Good morning and happy Friday!

I am producing a passion project, a contemporary fusion dance concert at the Bijou Theatre, and we are just about 1 week away from showtime! I hope you will consider supporting local women in dance and join us. The show features dancers from all over CT and MA! Thank you for your support and letting me share

09/11/2025

🙏✨ It brings me great excitement to announce the first performer in our Autumnal show, Veil & Ember... 🔥

Please meet: Vanya, of Electric Phoenix Dance!

Mich Rabushka (Electric Phoenix Dance) - Mich Rabushka (Vanya) is a Connecticut belly dance artist with 16 years of performance experience in Egyptian, Turkish, fusion and theatrical styles. Egyptian Saidi and Shaabi, Turkish Romani and Japanese Oriental Fusion are her favorite belly dance styles.

Known for her captivating use of silk fan veils, she has performed, competed and trained throughout the United States and internationally, bringing grace and confidence to every stage. When not soloing she dances with Davuli Dance Company based in the Sturbridge, MA area.

We are thrilled for her to bring her beautiful dance to our stage on October 19th at the historic Bijou Theatre CT!

Tickets on sale now, get yours here: bit.ly/4oGbVT

09/02/2025

New Fall classes announced, and we start September 25th!
Are you ready to bring some soul and fluidity to your dance this fall? 🍂

I’m excited to announce the Fall Series Level 1: Contemporary Fusion Bellydance, and the Fall Performance Prep & Choreography Review sessions kicking off on September 25th, – and I’d love to have you join us!

🌟Level 1 is a six-week series is designed to help you strengthen your technique, refine your moves, and have fun with unique fusion combinations that will get you dancing with confidence and creativity.

What we cover:
-Technique & Drills: Master foundational movements and build strength
-Fusion Combos: Learn fun, fluid, and soulful dance sequences
-Warm-Up & Cool-Down: Start and end each session with a mindful, energizing routine

Details:
When: Thursdays from 7:15 pm - 8:15 pm, starting September 25th
Where: Trumbull PT & Wellness Center
Cost: Drop-ins: $25, Full 6-week series: $125

Note: No class on October 2nd (Yom Kippur). Full schedule: Sept. 25, Oct. 9, 16, 23, 30, Nov. 6.

Why Take Level 1?
Level 1 is perfect for those new to fusion bellydance or those looking to refresh their foundation. Plus, it’s required for anyone interested in Level 2!

The Level 2/ Fall Performance Prep & Choreography Review is specially designed for current student troupe members/JoyDancers, and we focus on:

~ Performance Prep: Brush up on your performance techniques
~ Choreography Review: Perfect the moves you’ve been working on
~ Energy Boost: Get ready to shine and feel confident on stage!

Cost: Drop-in: $25 per class. Full series: $108 for all 6 weeks
Sign up today and secure your spot in this focused, choreography-packed series! We’re excited to help you refine your moves and get ready to shine.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. Can’t wait to dance with you this fall! ❤️

07/25/2025

Happy Friday!

It's a hot one today, but we are busily planning for Veil & Ember - An Autumnal Fusion Belly Dance Concert Honoring the Decent into Shadow on October 19th at the gorgeous Bijou Theatre in Bridgeport. We hope you can join us!

The veil is thinning. The fire is fading. The dance begins. Join us for Veil & Ember, a fusion belly dance concert honoring the liminal season between Autumn Equinox and Halloween/Samhain.

Movement, magic, and mystery await.

Sunday, Oct.19th 4-6 PM
� The Bijou Theatre, Bridgeport, CT
Tickets available NOW: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../veil-ember-tickets...

A Fusion Belly Dance Concert Honoring the Descent into Shadow…
As the days grow short and the veil begins to thin, join us for Veil & Ember—a mesmerizing evening of fusion belly dance that celebrates the mystery, magic, and quiet fire of the waning year.

This evocative performance draws from traditional and contemporary dance styles to embody the deep transformation of the season: the flicker of inner flame, the gathering of shadow, and the sacred space between. Set in the liminal time between Autumn Equinox and Halloween/Samhain, our dancers invite you to witness the turning of the wheel through powerful movement, ritual rhythm, and soul-stirring imagery.

Come wrapped in warmth, wonder, and wildness—this is a night where stories are told through bodies, and the unseen begins to speak.


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07/24/2025

🌚 NEW SUMMER CLASS SERIES STARTING TONIGHT! 💫
⏰THURSDAY, JULY 24th!

⭐️ Contemporary Fusion Belly Dance TECHNIQUE & SWORD CHOREOGRAPHY starts JULY 24th, Thursdays at 7:15 pm - 8:15 pm!

We will enjoy a great warm up, practice movement drills while incorporating strong technique, and learn a fluid and soulful fusion sword choreography.

⭐️ PERFORMANCE PREP & CHOREO REVIEW for current JoyDancers starts JULY 24th, Thursdays at 8:20 pm - 9:20 pm!

🗓️ DATES: THURSDAYS July 24th, 31st, Aug 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th!

🧭 LOCATION: All classes take place at Trumbull PT & Wellness, 6527 Main St, Trumbull, CT.

✍️ Register at www.joyherbst.com ♥️

07/17/2025

https://joyherbst.com/veil-ember-autumn-fusion-show

07/02/2025

Let’s Celebrate Drumming and Dancing!

World-renowned percussionist, multi-instrumentalist, artist, author, and instructor -Raquy Danziger- is coming to Stratford and Bridgeport on July 19th, and joining her is bandmate, Liron Peled!

The two founding members of Raquy & The Cavemen have recently returned to the studio together and released a new album (check it out: https://open.spotify.com/album/29YoUBVTSrPqH3cFkKrytN )

WHEN: July 19th, Saturday
WHERE: Workshops- CT Dance Conservatory, 279 Ferry Blvd, Stratford, CT 06615
Concert -Bijou Theatre, 275 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604
WHAT: So. Much. Fun.

Our Workshops:

SACRED FEMININE ARCHETYPES IN BELLYDANCE with Joy Herbst
12:30 pm - 1:45 pm $40
Join Joy in exploring mythic archetypes of the Sacred Feminine and learn how to deepen into these empowering energies within your dance. Through discussion and movement exercises we will create and enrich your creative movement, and expand your performance capacity with commanding and intriguing presence. Open level class for dancers!

RHYTHM for DANCERS with Raquy
2:00 - 3:15 pm $50
All great dancers have a strong sense of rhythm. This workshop is for dancers to get a better understanding of the Middle Eastern rhythms. No drum is required! The workshop will include: How to count and recognize the main Middle Eastern rhythms, Rhythm exercises, Accompany standard songs with zils or clapping, How to follow a drum solo.

OPEN LEVEL DARBUKA with Raquy
3:30 - 4:45 pm $50 (or BOTH workshops with Raquy for $80!)
Learn how to play the joyful Middle Eastern goblet drum from the beginning! Suitable for both total beginners and those who already play and want to reinforce the basics of modern Turkish techniques.
We will learn: How to Hold Your Drum, Basic Sounds, Some Traditional Rhythms, Accompaniment of Middle Eastern Songs. You are welcome to bring any drum but the Alexandria style dumbek is recommended. You are welcome to bring any darbuka with the rounded rim.

All information and registration is available at www.joyherbst.com

If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

https://youtu.be/qZw6Z8Oug1s?si=GPWZVFkK7SsvAAy6

Learn to play darbuka online: https://darbukaschool.comRaquy's Music Video Monkey Mind filmed in Istanbul at Valide Han and the Darbuka Ofis, September 2014M...

06/28/2025

Hello dancers and drummers, and fans of awesome world musicians! Please join us for a very special day of workshops with Raquy Danziger and evening concert with Raquy and the Cavemen!

WHEN: July 19th, Saturday
WHERE: Workshops- CT Dance Conservatory, 279 Ferry Blvd, Stratford, CT 06615
Concert -Bijou Theatre, 275 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604
WHAT: So. Much. Fun.

Workshops:

SACRED FEMININE ARCHETYPES IN BELLYDANCE with Joy Herbst. 12:30 pm - 1:45 pm $40
Join Joy in exploring mythic archetypes of the Sacred Feminine and learn how to deepen into these empowering energies within your dance. Through discussion and movement exercises we will create and enrich your creative movement, and expand your performance capacity with commanding and intriguing presence. Open level class for dancers!

RHYTHM for DANCERS with Raquy 2:00 - 3:15 pm $50 -

All great dancers have a strong sense of rhythm. This workshop is for dancers to get a better understanding of the Middle Eastern rhythms. No drum is required! The workshop will include: How to count and recognize the main Middle Eastern rhythms, Rhythm exercises, Accompany standard songs with zils or clapping, How to follow a drum solo

OPEN LEVEL DARBUKA with Raquy 3:30 - 4:45 pm $50 (or BOTH workshops with Raquy for $80!)

Learn how to play the joyful Middle Eastern goblet drum from the beginning! Suitable for both total beginners and those who already play and want to reinforce the basics of modern Turkish techniques.

We will learn: How to Hold Your Drum, Basic Sounds, Some Traditional Rhythms, Accompaniment of Middle Eastern Songs. You are welcome to bring any drum but the Alexandria style dumbek is recommended. You are welcome to bring any darbuka with the rounded rim.

Information and registration is here:
https://joyherbst.com/raquy-workshops

Concert ticket link here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/joy-herbst-presents-live-in-concert-raquy-the-cavemen-tickets-1359137590119?aff=odwdwdspacecraft

If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

Virtuoso drummers/multi-instrumentalists duo who bring hard rock energy to the mystical rhythms of the Middle East!

06/13/2025

Tickets on sale now for Raquy and the Cavemen, the incredible duo of virtuoso drummers/multi-instrumentalists who bring hard rock energy to the mystical rhythms of the Middle East, at the historic Bijou Theatre CT on Saturday, July 19th!

https://youtu.be/XyOhz0POyD8?si=hj0McnUozHklADEF&t=158

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/joy-herbst-presents-live-in-concert-raquy-the-cavemen-tickets-1359137590119?aff=odwdwdspacecraft

Music and dance workshops with Raquy and Joy Herbst offered that day at the Dance Conservatory in Stratford, info and registration at www.joyherbst.com.

June1, 2025Raquy Danziger and Liron Peled

06/09/2025

Join us for an incredible evening with Raquy and the Cavemen at the beautiful Bijou Theatre CT July 19th!

Virtuoso drummers/multi-instrumentalists duo who bring hard rock energy to the mystical rhythms of the Middle East!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/joy-herbst-presents-live-in-concert-raquy-the-cavemen-tickets-1359137590119?aff=odwdwdspacecraft

Music and dance workshops with Raquy and Joy Herbst offered that day at the Dance Conservatory in Stratford, info and registration at joyherbst.com.

Virtuoso drummers/multi-instrumentalists duo who bring hard rock energy to the mystical rhythms of the Middle East!