About

Makan Culture Center.  Cairo, June 2011

     

     A lifelong dancer,  Janelle Bel Isle was introduced to Middle Eastern arts while studying anthropology and dance at college in California.  Fascinated with Middle Eastern dance as an anthropology student, musician, and as a woman, Ms. Bel Isle developed a reputation as a talented member of Southern California's leading ethnic dance ensembles and as a gifted soloist.  She also became a popular Middle Eastern dance teacher in the Los Angeles area.
     In recent years, Janelle has taken research trips to Egypt to continue her study of its rich dance culture.  Building relationships with acclaimed dancers and musicians in Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan not only enriches her cultural understanding of regional dance but also enhances her personal style and skill as a dancer.
     Now in Seattle WA, Janelle shares historical and cultural context to those interested in Egyptian dance and provides dancers with new tools for understanding and inspiration for their own creative development.