Jheri St. James:
*Career Dancer/Teacher:
*Traditional / Fusion Belly Dances
Beginning & Intermediate Level
Laguna Beach, California
*Cultural diversity festivals,stage shows, private parties, life celebration memorials
*Two-trophy winner Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition
*Trophy Winning Troupe, LB Patriot's Day Parade 2022
*Performed for U.S. Senator Howard Metzenbaum (D Ohio)
*Danced in Seminyak, Bali and Istanbul, Turkey.
*Skills: Finger cymbals, veils,
Balancing on head: Egyptian canes, Turkish swords, basket, hookah,
candelabra--Zeffa shamadan.
*30 choreographies.
*Principal: JJ & the Habibis Laguna Beach Belly Dancers!
Also:
*Will teach your group at your location
* Lecture/Demos
* Schedule your seminar / workshop / master class / series!
* Universal Life Church Minister:
Belly Dance Weddings, Life Celebration Memorials
*Event Production:
Entertaining shows of all kinds.
Costumed Belly Dance Hostesses
Catered Middle Eastern Food
Live music available
*All costs negotiable, reasonable, depending on location and complexity.
BELLY DANCE CLASSES TUESDAYS
Susi Q Community Center, 380 Third Street, Laguna Beach 92651
Register online: www.lagunabeachcity.net/recreation for series
or at front desk on arrival.
Free parking.
$10/wk for series; $15 one-time drop-in fee.
Beginning: 6:30-7:45 p.m.
Fundamental movements, finger cymbals, veil dancing, stick/sword dancing, choreography, routine, and improv opportunities.
Tuesday Evenings - Six-Week Series
Intermediate: 7:45-9:15 - (with instructor permission only)
More finger cymbal rhythms, combinations, challenging choreographies, improv exercises, rehearsal and repertoire for performance opportunities with
award-winning JJ & the Habibis Laguna Beach Belly Dancers
Tuesday Evenings - Six-Week Series
Periodic Recitals and Field Trips!
Feel free to call (949) 494-5031,
or check here or on Meetup.com
for updates on class and performance schedules.
Thank you.
YOGA CLASSES WEDNESDAYS
Wednesdays - Introductory Yoga Classes - Monthly
5:30-6:30 , 380 3rd St., Laguna Beach - Studio 2.
Register at front desk or lagunabeachcity.net/recreation
***YOGA POP-UP! LB City Hall 4/27/24 - 2:00-2:15
on the grass by the big dog sculpture in front -
downward dog and other animal poses....
* * *
Ask about lunch hour, workplace dance/yoga classes!
Susi Q Community Center, 380 Third Street, Laguna Beach 92651
Register online: www.lagunabeachcity.net/recreation for series
or at front desk on arrival.
Free parking.
$10/wk for series; $15 one-time drop-in fee.
Beginning: 6:30-7:45 p.m.
Fundamental movements, finger cymbals, veil dancing, stick/sword dancing, choreography, routine, and improv opportunities.
Tuesday Evenings - Six-Week Series
Intermediate: 7:45-9:15 - (with instructor permission only)
More finger cymbal rhythms, combinations, challenging choreographies, improv exercises, rehearsal and repertoire for performance opportunities with
award-winning JJ & the Habibis Laguna Beach Belly Dancers
Tuesday Evenings - Six-Week Series
Periodic Recitals and Field Trips!
Feel free to call (949) 494-5031,
or check here or on Meetup.com
for updates on class and performance schedules.
Thank you.
YOGA CLASSES WEDNESDAYS
Wednesdays - Introductory Yoga Classes - Monthly
5:30-6:30 , 380 3rd St., Laguna Beach - Studio 2.
Register at front desk or lagunabeachcity.net/recreation
***YOGA POP-UP! LB City Hall 4/27/24 - 2:00-2:15
on the grass by the big dog sculpture in front -
downward dog and other animal poses....
* * *
Ask about lunch hour, workplace dance/yoga classes!
J.J. & the Habibis
Laguna Beach Belly Dancers
Performances
"Shimmy from the Heart!"
Cairo Shimmy Quake 2023
* * *
Upcoming Performances:
Saturday, May 4 - SOCAL BELLY DANCE SHOWCASE, Bruce's Steakhouse, 12623 Imperial Highway, Santa Fe Springs, CA 562/868-4660 - Showtime 4:00-6:00 p.m. - Good food, GREAT dancing!
Done & Dusted - Big Hit!
June 6-9 - CAIRO SHIMMY QUAKE – Iconic belly dance convention in Glendale. We’ll perform, shop, eat, watch and enjoy "our world".
We dance Sunday 6/9/24 at 4:04 p.m.
Another successful event!
Sat, June 15 - FETE DE LA MUSIQUE - In the tradition of the festival in Menton France, our sister city, music on all the downtown street corners. We parade to Main Beach for a show 3:30-3:50.
The best: 10 dancers, pink fans!
Upcoming:
Sun, July 21, 2024 - ORANGE COUNTY FAIR, Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, We’ll perform on the amazingly huge Hangar stage at 2:15 p.m.
Be there or be square!
Sunday, August 4 - SAMEDA Faire, Bankers Hill Club, 3030 Front St., San Diego 92103 - We will perform, time TBA.
* * *
Contact me for any info regarding updates:
Jheri St. James - (949) 494-5031
jheristjames@yahoo.com, jheribelly@gmail.com
JheriCo.net
Fete de la Musique 2023
CURRICULUM VITAE
JHERI ST. JAMES - LA DANSE ORIENTALE:
Belly Dancing
COOL AUDITION:
NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” – 120th out of 6,000 auditioners; we rejected them!
FESTIVALS:
Fete de la Musique, Laguna Beach - 2011-2024
SAMEDA Faire, San Diego - 2008-2024
Orange County Fair - 2011-2024
SOKA University International Festival - 2001 - 2018 - Award Winner
Irvine Global Village Festival - 2006 - 2019
Sawdust Art Festival, Laguna Beach - Bellydance Program Director 1982-2019
Badass Festival, Santa Maria - 2012-13
Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce Renaissance Faires – 2008-09
Festival of Arts, Laguna Beach – 2000-2005
MidEastern Culture/Dance Assn's "Cairo's Carnivale & Caravan" - 1983-2013
Bedouin Bazaar, San Diego - 1986-2018
Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Gwen Stefani JJ Solo Show - 2000
Renaissance Pleasure Faires, Various Calif. Locales - 1992-2016
SPEAKING:
Orange County Speaker's Registry, Friends of the Library, Performing Arts Center Guilds, Lady Lions, American Pen Women, Rotary Club, Laguna Beach Library 2017-2018
TROUPES:
J.J. & The HABIBIS Laguna Beach Belly Dancers", Principal - 1985 - Present
Tribe Roman Morga Renaissance Gypsies - 1994-Present
The Mirage Orientale Dancers 1986-1990... - "A Mirage..."
TEACHING:
Laguna Beach Parks & Recreation Dept. – Yoga Intro and Belly Dancing --1986-Present
Laguna Woods Receation Dept. - Belly Dancing - 2012-2017
Capistrano Adult Education – 2004-2009
Girls Gym - Yoga & Belly Dancing – 1992-1999
Emerald Bay Kids Camp, Laguna Beach - 1994-2000
Santa Ana High School & Other Private Students/Classes
BOARD:
California Choreographers Dance Festival – 2001-2003
AWARDS:
Trophy Winner Community Service - Laguna Beach Patriot's Day Parade - March 2022
Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition, Divine Category - People's Choice & Second Place - 2004
MECDA For Advancement of Mid Eastern Dance - 1999
STAGE SHOWS:
Main Street Restaurant World Dance Showcase, Corona CA - 2018-2023
American Fusion Belly Dance Showcases, Bruce's, Santa Fe Springs, CA - 2012-2024
Shimmy Showcases, Viento y Agua & Jade Restaurant, Long Beach CA - 2005-2024
Tustin Tiller Days with Angelika Nemeth, CA 2012
Rosalind Russell Nepal Fundraiser, Laguna Beach CA - 2010
Middle Eastern Peace Benefit, Chapman Univ., Fullerton CA - 2007
Raqs L.A.Tsunami Relief Benefit CA - 2005
“Megastars of the Universe," San Pedro, CA – 2004
An Evening of Experimental M.E.Dance, Santa Monica CA - 2001
"Dance on the Wild Side" Benefit, Brea CA - 1999
Irvine Spectrum Opening: 10-Dancer Production – 1998
"Lagunatics," Laguna Playhouse, Laguna Beach CA - 1995
RESTAURANTS:
(. . .and see above)
The Aegean, Laguna Beach - 2009
Pelican Isle, Huntington Beach - 2008
Sheraton Hotel, San Pedro, 2007
Mama’s Lebanese Bakery, Laguna Beach, 2002-2003
Tosh's, Huntington Beach - 2003
Casablanca Bistro, Newport Beach – 2000-2002 (Weekly)
Athena's Restaurant, Laguna Niguel CA - 2001
GALLERIES:
Highways, Santa Monica CA - 2001
Laguna Beach Art Museum, Laguna Beach CA - 2000, 2002
Khyber Pass Gallery, Laguna Beach CA - 2000
Treasures of the Nile Gallery, Laguna Beach CA – 1985-2000
BENEFITS:
BC Space Gallery, Laguna Beach CA- 2003-2018
CAP Fundraiser, Laguna Beach CA - 2002
CHOCS Fundraiser, Laguna Beach, CA - May 2002
American Cancer Society, Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce, SchoolPower, Laguna Canyon Conservancy, Jewish Community Center, Etc.
SENIOR EVENTS:
Feedback Foundation Picnics & Events, Anaheim CA (Many)
TLC Luncheon Club Events, Laguna Beach CA (Many)
Oasis Senior Center Events, Corona Del Mar CA (New Year's Eve at 4:00, London Time)
**Performed in all the Clubhouses at Leisure World (Laguna Woods).
REPERTOIRE:
Egyptian Cabaret/Folkloric, Turkish Cabaret/Rom, Fusion, Gypsy, Renaissance, American Belly Dance:
Props: Cymbals, Veils, Basket, Sword(s), Masks, Umbrella, Candelabra (Shamadan), Hookah Pipe
REFERENCES:
Angelika Nemeth, OCC Faculty, Costa Mesa CA
Kim Laudermilk, Principal, Tribe Roman Morga Gypsies
ASSOCIATIONS:
Member MECDA - Middle Eastern Culture/Dance Assn. (disbanded 2016)
Member SAMEDA - San Diego Mid East Dance Assn. - Current
Member CID, UNESCO International Dance Assn. - Current
Belly Dancing
COOL AUDITION:
NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” – 120th out of 6,000 auditioners; we rejected them!
FESTIVALS:
Fete de la Musique, Laguna Beach - 2011-2024
SAMEDA Faire, San Diego - 2008-2024
Orange County Fair - 2011-2024
SOKA University International Festival - 2001 - 2018 - Award Winner
Irvine Global Village Festival - 2006 - 2019
Sawdust Art Festival, Laguna Beach - Bellydance Program Director 1982-2019
Badass Festival, Santa Maria - 2012-13
Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce Renaissance Faires – 2008-09
Festival of Arts, Laguna Beach – 2000-2005
MidEastern Culture/Dance Assn's "Cairo's Carnivale & Caravan" - 1983-2013
Bedouin Bazaar, San Diego - 1986-2018
Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Gwen Stefani JJ Solo Show - 2000
Renaissance Pleasure Faires, Various Calif. Locales - 1992-2016
SPEAKING:
Orange County Speaker's Registry, Friends of the Library, Performing Arts Center Guilds, Lady Lions, American Pen Women, Rotary Club, Laguna Beach Library 2017-2018
TROUPES:
J.J. & The HABIBIS Laguna Beach Belly Dancers", Principal - 1985 - Present
Tribe Roman Morga Renaissance Gypsies - 1994-Present
The Mirage Orientale Dancers 1986-1990... - "A Mirage..."
TEACHING:
Laguna Beach Parks & Recreation Dept. – Yoga Intro and Belly Dancing --1986-Present
Laguna Woods Receation Dept. - Belly Dancing - 2012-2017
Capistrano Adult Education – 2004-2009
Girls Gym - Yoga & Belly Dancing – 1992-1999
Emerald Bay Kids Camp, Laguna Beach - 1994-2000
Santa Ana High School & Other Private Students/Classes
BOARD:
California Choreographers Dance Festival – 2001-2003
AWARDS:
Trophy Winner Community Service - Laguna Beach Patriot's Day Parade - March 2022
Belly Dancer of the Universe Competition, Divine Category - People's Choice & Second Place - 2004
MECDA For Advancement of Mid Eastern Dance - 1999
STAGE SHOWS:
Main Street Restaurant World Dance Showcase, Corona CA - 2018-2023
American Fusion Belly Dance Showcases, Bruce's, Santa Fe Springs, CA - 2012-2024
Shimmy Showcases, Viento y Agua & Jade Restaurant, Long Beach CA - 2005-2024
Tustin Tiller Days with Angelika Nemeth, CA 2012
Rosalind Russell Nepal Fundraiser, Laguna Beach CA - 2010
Middle Eastern Peace Benefit, Chapman Univ., Fullerton CA - 2007
Raqs L.A.Tsunami Relief Benefit CA - 2005
“Megastars of the Universe," San Pedro, CA – 2004
An Evening of Experimental M.E.Dance, Santa Monica CA - 2001
"Dance on the Wild Side" Benefit, Brea CA - 1999
Irvine Spectrum Opening: 10-Dancer Production – 1998
"Lagunatics," Laguna Playhouse, Laguna Beach CA - 1995
RESTAURANTS:
(. . .and see above)
The Aegean, Laguna Beach - 2009
Pelican Isle, Huntington Beach - 2008
Sheraton Hotel, San Pedro, 2007
Mama’s Lebanese Bakery, Laguna Beach, 2002-2003
Tosh's, Huntington Beach - 2003
Casablanca Bistro, Newport Beach – 2000-2002 (Weekly)
Athena's Restaurant, Laguna Niguel CA - 2001
GALLERIES:
Highways, Santa Monica CA - 2001
Laguna Beach Art Museum, Laguna Beach CA - 2000, 2002
Khyber Pass Gallery, Laguna Beach CA - 2000
Treasures of the Nile Gallery, Laguna Beach CA – 1985-2000
BENEFITS:
BC Space Gallery, Laguna Beach CA- 2003-2018
CAP Fundraiser, Laguna Beach CA - 2002
CHOCS Fundraiser, Laguna Beach, CA - May 2002
American Cancer Society, Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce, SchoolPower, Laguna Canyon Conservancy, Jewish Community Center, Etc.
SENIOR EVENTS:
Feedback Foundation Picnics & Events, Anaheim CA (Many)
TLC Luncheon Club Events, Laguna Beach CA (Many)
Oasis Senior Center Events, Corona Del Mar CA (New Year's Eve at 4:00, London Time)
**Performed in all the Clubhouses at Leisure World (Laguna Woods).
REPERTOIRE:
Egyptian Cabaret/Folkloric, Turkish Cabaret/Rom, Fusion, Gypsy, Renaissance, American Belly Dance:
Props: Cymbals, Veils, Basket, Sword(s), Masks, Umbrella, Candelabra (Shamadan), Hookah Pipe
REFERENCES:
Angelika Nemeth, OCC Faculty, Costa Mesa CA
Kim Laudermilk, Principal, Tribe Roman Morga Gypsies
ASSOCIATIONS:
Member MECDA - Middle Eastern Culture/Dance Assn. (disbanded 2016)
Member SAMEDA - San Diego Mid East Dance Assn. - Current
Member CID, UNESCO International Dance Assn. - Current
OC Fair, 2022