Jheri St. James
JJ & the Habibis
Laguna Beach Belly Dancers
Contact Jheri
jheristjames@yahoo.com
or (949) 494-5031
Jheri St. James has been dancing since 1981 and teaching since 1987. Achievements include: Principal - J.J. & the Habibis Laguna Beach Belly Dancers; Two trophies - Belly Dancer of the Universe Divine Category; producing shows for Sawdust and all other art festivals in mythic Laguna Beach, California; Auditioning for Simon Crowell’s “America’s Got Talent” and declining after becoming part of the final 120 out of 3,000 auditioners; decades of teaching success, including Bali Belly Dancing/Yoga Retreat.
Classes are offered on four levels: Level I – Fundamental Movements, Cymbals, Veils, Cane, Costumes, Choreography. Tues/Wed Eves. Level II – The “8’s”, 15 Shimmies, Cymbals, Circular Veils, Turkish Balancing, Choreography. Tues/Wed Eves. Level III – Repertoire – Learning the repertoire of 30+ troupe dances. Thurs Eve. Level IV – Improvisation, Making/performing a solo, Advanced group choreography. Thurs. Eve. All series end with recital and field trip.
Classes are held in Laguna Beach and through San Juan Capistrano Adult Education Program, currently in Aliso Viejo. Series of 8-10 weeks are broken up by 2-4 week breaks, during which rehearsals are often held.
