On March 23, 2018 Jacqueline performed at, “A Magnificent Enchanted Evening in the World of Cancer Heroes,” at the Richard Nixon Museum and Library in Yorba Linda, CA. An Orange County native with Lebanese roots, Jacqueline shared the art of oriental belly dancing with an incredible audience full of cancer heroes! The event was hosted […]
Category Archives: Experiences
The Fez Documentary
Director-Producer, Roxxanne Shelaby travels through time in an enchanting documentary about the art of belly dancing in Hollywood, CA. In 1959, The Fez, a Lebanese restaurant, opened its doors for the first time and allowed Americans to have an inside look into Middle Eastern culture. Artists from the Middle East gathered at The Fez and […]
Performing at the OC World Dance Showcase
On Sunday, July 2, 2017 I performed at the OC World Dance Showcase. Attendees included a beautiful collection of Southern California’s belly dancers and their friends and family. It was hosted by Rachel Milagro Mclain at the Main Street Restaurant in Yorba Linda, CA. I can’t tell you how pumped I was to do this […]
Burning Energy
One of my biggest challenges is to know when to not dance and maintaining my energy level. Sometimes I want to dance all day long! I have to cool it and be patient, especially when I have to teach that day. Exerting too much energy can rob you of your teaching performance. When dancing is […]
March 22, 2017 Release of The Secret Garden, A Belly Dancing Fairy Tale
A few weeks ago, I explored a secret garden in Orange County, CA. I was so inspired that when my brand new pink belly dancing costume finally arrived after eight weeks, I wanted to dance there. My husband filmed me dancing in this secret garden and it was a very beautiful experience. In the video […]
Facebook Live Belly Dancing Pioneer
I’m extremely grateful to have a lovely partnership with Radio Sawt Beirut International. They have been so generous in allowing me reach a wider audience and to Go Live: https://www.facebook.com/BeirutCity/videos/10155243174769551/ Radio Sawt Beirut’s Facebook page has over 1.9 million followers! I sincerely appreciate this opportunity and I want to say thank you to them and everyone […]
Trail Blazer
When I was in Lebanon, I asked my friends and family to take me to see a belly dancer. Their responses were: “They aren’t really around. It’s not a hugely popular thing over here. It’s looked down upon. Some women are prostitutes and they do it to make money. Some do it for entertainment at […]
Dancing Outside the Box
Belly Dancing is my favorite dance. I feel so in my element and free to be creative. That’s why I belly danced to Ed Sheeran’s new song “Shape of You”. For me, when I heard it, I thought, this is a perfect song to show off my curves and belly dancing moves. I don’t only […]
Lebanese Belly Dance Film Shoot
I can’t tell you how much I appreciate a great collaborative effort. Recently I teamed up with Erik Forssell at Orange Coast College and filmed my Cal-State Fullerton student Meghan, husband RJ, and I, demonstrating Belly Dance. I try to give my students an opportunity to dance in a film studio and embrace the essence of […]
Belly Dancing Makeup: Purpose, Style, and Things to Consider
Since it’s #MakeupMonday, I figure it is a great day to write a blog about belly dancing makeup. Below, I’ve laid out options for you to consider as you explore all of the art in Belly Dance. I’ll go over the purpose, styles, and things to consider to achieve your perfect belly dancer look! Purpose […]