Links mentioned in this episode:

Stephanie Chiang’s Gift of the Nile Show

Stephanie’s performance using Dance Cohesion combos with finger cymbals

Raqs Reawakening Show (Austin, Texas) JULY 29

Bellydance and Frame Drum Performance Series (online prep with a final show in Houston, Texas) AUG 5-SEP 12

Dance Cohesion Stage 1 Weekend Intensive for Bellydance and Frame Drum (Austin, Texas) OCTOBER 3-4 

⭐️ The next three people who enroll in my Boss Bellydancer coaching program will get admission to the Dance Cohesion Stage 1 Intensive for FREE (a $500 value!). 

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In this episode I talk with Stephanie Chiang about how the “productive struggle” involved in bellydance yields a feeling of confidence and satisfaction that is difficult to replicate elsewhere.

We discuss 

How being a parent informs our purpose in dance

How we avoid the trap of comparison

How we are healing ourselves through dance

How being a dance teacher is a personal and spiritual challenge

How we navigate the online space 

How dance is the most efficient way to spend your time to get maximum benefit

How creativity is the key to happiness

How the Dance Cohesion format enriches us as dancers and percussionists

Stephanie also describes adapting Dance Cohesion combos for her solo performance and announces her ambitious theater show “Gift of the Nile.”

I also announce a brand new limited-quantity offer: ⭐️ The next three people to enroll in my Boss Bellydancer online teacher training and performance development program get admission to the Dance Cohesion Stage 1 Intensive included (a $500 value!). *The intensive happens October 3-4, 2026 in Austin, Texas + streamed online.

Fusion bellydancer, Lamia Barbara, recently released an interview she did with me in 2021 on her Dancing Goddess podcast. It’s an interesting conversation where she asked me…

- How did dance enter your life?

- How does the goddess appear in your dance?

- What advice would you give to new fusion bellydancers?

- What is your creative process when you make a new dance?

- How would you define fusion bellydance?

- Give it a listen for some inspiration, a new perspective, and some practical creative tips!

Lamia Barbara’s website: https://www.lamiabarbara.com/

PS: you still have time to enroll in my LIVE online workshop happening this weekend, July 12! If you can’t make the workshop time you can still enroll and get one year access to the recording! I’m teaching a fusion veil choreography. No prior bellydance or veil experience required! Seasoned dancers are sure to learn some new veil tricks AND a choreography you can perform anywhere!

⬇️

Veil Workshop (LIVE online & in-person, recording included) JULY 12
https://aprilrose.samcart.com/products/veil-choreography-workshop-in-person

Raqs Reawakening Show (in-person) JULY 29

Bellydance and Frame Drum Performance Series (online prep with a final show in Houston, Texas) AUGUST 5-SEPTEMBER 12

Dance Cohesion Stage 1 Weekend Intensive for Bellydance and Frame Drum (in-person) OCTOBER 3-4 *only a few spots remaining*

In this short podcast episode that feels like a catch-up with an old friend I talk about…

- Being the deliberate creator of my life experience

- Turning my beginner-friendly bellydance series into a magical belief ritual ✨

- Being inspired by my students becoming their own powerful solo dancers

- What I learned about myself as an artist by reading a popular book that I absolutely hated 😡

- Enjoying participating in my local bellydance scene again

- Releasing the desire to be cool and embracing my true identity as a bellydance weirdo 🤓

I also mention some upcoming ways you can dance with me!

⬇️

Veil Workshop (LIVE online & in-person, recording included) JULY 12

Raqs Reawakening Show (in-person) JULY 29

Bellydance and Frame Drum Performance Series (online prep with a final show in Houston, Texas) AUGUST 5-SEPTEMBER 12

Dance Cohesion Stage 1 Weekend Intensive for Bellydance and Frame Drum (in-person) OCTOBER 3-4 *only a few spots remaining*

Fusion Bellydance Performance Intensive (in-person in Rome) APRIL 2027

My teacher training and performance development coaching program, Boss Bellydancer (online) ENROLLMENT OPEN

My self-study program for bellydance and frame drum, Brilliant Bellydancer (online) ENROLLMENT OPEN

Frame Drum for Bellydance Workshop Bundle (online) ON-DEMAND

Free Masterclass: 5 Secrets to Being a Confident Versatile Bellydancer (online) ON-DEMAND

Free Masterclass for professional bellydancers: Boss Up or Burn Out! (online) ON-DEMAND

Nerdly,
April Rose 🌹

PS: 
If you are thinking about reading Yesteryear 🤮, here are two of my favorite feminist fiction books to read INSTEAD that will be so much more worth your time: Circe by Madeline Miller and Lilith by Nikki Marmery.

_______________________

Resources + Links:

🔥 ​Watch my FREE tell-all masterclass​ for current and aspiring professional bellydancers where I share exactly how I built my profitable, enjoyable, impactful bellydance business on part-time hours without sacrificing my personal life or financial goals.

https://bossbellydancer.com/freemasterclass/

_______________________

👀 Get instant access to my free masterclassto learn my five secrets to being a confident versatile bellydancer (and the mistakes dancers make that stop them)...

https://brilliantbellydancer.com/masterclass/

_______________________

🥁Get the Frame Drum for Bellydance workshop bundle to discover the full-bodied joy of being able to play frame drum and bellydance simultaneously!

https://brilliantbellydancer.com/framedrumforbellydancewithaprilrose/

_______________________

💎 Join us inside Brilliant Bellydancer, the premiere online course for mastering ALL aspects of bellydance: technique, improvisation, choreography, finger cymbals, frame drum.

https://brilliantbellydancer.com/

_______________________

⭐️ Join us inside Boss Bellydancer, the most comprehensive performer and teacher training program for current and aspiring professional bellydancers!

https://bossbellydancer.com/

_______________________

🛒 Visit the Shop for all our online courses and programs.

https://brilliantbellydancer.com/shop/

_______________________

🌹 Dance with me in-person at Rose Movement Studio in Austin Texas!

http://rosemovementstudio.com

_______________________

💌 Get my Newsletterfor access to VIP bonuses!

https://aprilrose.dance/subscribe

_______________________

🌹 - April Rose

https://aprilrose.dance/

_______________________

I have a lot to share with you in my newest tearful and revealing podcast episode.

During this 23 minute chat I talk about:

The ability of the creative process to show you how powerful you are

Refusing to use dance as a site for self harm

Navigating chapters of life where you don’t recognize yourself

Finding the hope and self-belief to build a new life

Searching for balance between being a parent and an artist

Reflections on the dark goddess

How I feel about the debut performance of my Ursula-inspired bellydance

What I'm excited to create with you in my new dance studio

🫣 I almost didn’t release this episode but something inside me said there are other dancers out there who need to hear it.

By the way!

There are still a few spots left in my drum solo choreography workshop this Sunday!

12 months access to the workshop recordings are included with enrollment!

And all workshop participants are welcome to perform this choreography anywhere they like (this high energy impressive dance is SUPER useful if you are a gigging performer!)

ENROLL HERE: https://aprilrose.samcart.com/products/drum-solo-workshop

And if you don't live near Austin but you still want to learn and perform the drum solo: you can learn it inside my self-study online program Brilliant Bellydancer, my teacher training online coaching program Boss Bellydancer, and on Datura Online as well!

Sending you so much love,

April Rose

_______________________

Resources + Links:

🔥 ​Watch my FREE tell-all masterclass​ for current and aspiring professional bellydancers where I share exactly how I built my profitable, enjoyable, impactful bellydance business on part-time hours without sacrificing my personal life or financial goals.

https://bossbellydancer.com/freemasterclass/

_______________________

👀 Get instant access to my free masterclassto learn my five secrets to being a confident versatile bellydancer (and the mistakes dancers make that stop them)...

https://brilliantbellydancer.com/masterclass/

_______________________

🥁Get the Frame Drum for Bellydance workshop bundle to discover the full-bodied joy of being able to play frame drum and bellydance simultaneously!

https://brilliantbellydancer.com/framedrumforbellydancewithaprilrose/

_______________________

💎 Join us inside Brilliant Bellydancer, the premiere online course for mastering ALL aspects of bellydance: technique, improvisation, choreography, finger cymbals, frame drum.

https://brilliantbellydancer.com/

_______________________

⭐️ Join us inside Boss Bellydancer, the most comprehensive performer and teacher training program for current and aspiring professional bellydancers!

https://bossbellydancer.com/

_______________________

🛒 Visit the Shop for all our online courses and programs.

https://brilliantbellydancer.com/shop/

_______________________

🌹 Dance with me in-person at Rose Movement Studio in Austin Texas!

http://rosemovementstudio.com

_______________________

💌 Get my Newsletterfor access to VIP bonuses!

https://aprilrose.dance/subscribe

_______________________

🌹 - April Rose

https://aprilrose.dance/

_______________________

Listen to the audio replay of my live masterclass for current and aspiring professional bellydancers before it expires in a few days!

The video version of this masterclass includes lots of helpful visuals so you may want to watch it here: https://bossbellydancer.com/livemasterclassreplay/

PS

At the end of the masterclass, I made a special offer that’s only available until Tuesday February 24th! Make sure to watch the replay as soon as possible to learn more and don’t miss out!

Hint: my brand-new coaching program for current and aspiring professional dancers, Boss Bellydancer, is now open for $1,000 off the regular price when you join us during the launch - go watch the replay to see all the details!
https://bossbellydancer.com/livemasterclassreplay/

In this podcast episode I announce my new free live masterclass happening soon! I tell you who the class is for and what I’ll be teaching so you can decide if it’s something you want to give your time to. (If you are a professional bellydancer then you’ll want to come so make sure to register TODAY!)

🔥 I am teaching a new FREE live masterclass soon! 

Bellydancers: Boss Up or Burn Out!

How to build your profitable, enjoyable, impactful bellydance business on part-time hours without sacrificing your personal life or financial goals.

Join me for this FREE masterclass and live Q&A happening soon!

(Limited-time replay will be available.)

➡️ Register for the FREE LIVE masterclass!

Read the full article: https://aprilrose.dance/blog/bossbellydancer

And if you have any questions you want me to answer in the upcoming masterclass, don’t hesitate to email me or ​DM me on IG​ !

Warmly,

April Rose 🌹

_______________________

Resources + Links:

👀 Get instant access to my free masterclassto learn my five secrets to being a confident versatile bellydancer (and the mistakes dancers make that stop them)...

_______________________

🥁Get the Frame Drum for Bellydance workshop bundle to discover the full-bodied joy of being able to play frame drum and bellydance simultaneously!

_______________________

💎 Join us inside Brilliant Bellydancer, the premiere online course for mastering ALL aspects of bellydance: technique, improvisation, choreography, finger cymbals, frame drum.

_______________________

⭐️ Join us inside Boss Bellydancer, the most comprehensive performer and teacher training program for current and aspiring professional bellydancers!

_______________________

🛒 Visit the Shop for all our online courses and programs.

_______________________

💌 Get my Newsletterfor access to VIP bonuses!

🌹 -April Rose

In this podcast I announce my new group coaching program, Boss Bellydancer, and explain everything about it (and how to join for the best price ever)!

⭐️ I will be opening my new mastermind for professional bellydancers soon!

Inside my new Boss Bellydancer program you get all the education, support, feedback, templates, and community you need to become a certified Dance Cohesion trained teacher and create your thriving bellydance business without burning out!

➡️ Get on the waitlist for Boss Bellydancer for access to VIP bonuses when we open the doors! 

🔥 I am teaching a new FREE live masterclass soon!

Bellydancers: Boss Up or Burn Out!

How to build your profitable, enjoyable, impactful bellydance business on part-time hours without sacrificing your personal life or financial goals.

Join me for this FREE masterclass and live Q&A happening soon!

(Limited-time replay will be available.)

➡️ Register for the FREE LIVE masterclass!

And if you have any questions you want me to answer in the upcoming masterclass, don’t hesitate to email me or ​DM me on IG​ !

Warmly,

April Rose 🌹

PS

Watch my short & binge-able video series sharing behind the scenes of my creative process as I create my new fusion bellydance act inspired by Ursula. 🐙💋🐚

Pick your favorite platform to watch the video series on:

​Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | YouTube

Read the full article: https://aprilrose.dance/blog/bossbellydancer

_______________________

Resources + Links:

👀 Get instant access to my free masterclass to learn my five secrets to being a confident versatile bellydancer (and the mistakes dancers make that stop them)...

_______________________

🥁Get the Frame Drum for Bellydance workshop bundle to discover the full-bodied joy of being able to play frame drum and bellydance simultaneously!

_______________________

💎 Join us inside Brilliant Bellydancer, the premiere online course for mastering ALL aspects of bellydance: technique, improvisation, choreography, finger cymbals, frame drum.

_______________________

⭐️ Join us inside Boss Bellydancer, the most comprehensive performer and teacher training program for current and aspiring professional bellydancers!

_______________________

🛒 Visit the Shop for all our online courses and programs.

_______________________

💌 Get my Newsletter for access to VIP bonuses!

🌹 - April Rose

In this podcast and video series I am inviting you to look behind the curtain as I create my new solo fusion bellydance act!

(And I announce some exciting new offers coming soon!)

In my new short & binge-able video series, I'm sharing behind the scenes of my creative process as I create my new fusion bellydance act inspired by Ursula. 🐙💋🐚

I'm inspired by Ursula's villainous nature, her desire for power, her wisdom, and her style!

In the first few videos I share my ideas for the character, makeup, and costume!

Enjoy this peek behind the curtain! 👀

Pick your favorite platform to watch the video series on:

​Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | YouTube

⭐️ I will be opening my new mastermind for professional bellydancers soon!

Inside my new Boss Bellydancer program you get all the education, support, feedback, templates, and community you need to become a certified Dance Cohesion trained teacher and create your thriving bellydance business without burning out!

➡️ Get on the waitlist for Boss Bellydancer for access to VIP bonuses when we open the doors! 

🔥 I am teaching a new FREE live masterclass soon!

Bellydancers: Boss Up or Burn Out!

How to build your profitable, enjoyable, impactful bellydance business on part-time hours without sacrificing your personal life or financial security.

Join me for this FREE masterclass and live Q&A happening soon!

(Limited-time replay will be available.)

➡️ Register for the FREE LIVE masterclass!

And if you have any questions you want me to answer in the upcoming masterclass, don’t hesitate to email me or ​DM me on IG​ !

Warmly,

April Rose 🌹

_______________________

Resources + Links:

👀 Get instant access to my FREE masterclassto learn my “5 Secrets to Being a Confident Versatile Bellydancer (and the mistakes dancers make that stop them)...”

_______________________

🥁 Get Frame Drum for Bellydance

to discover the full-bodied joy of being able to play frame drum and bellydance simultaneously!

_______________________

💎 Join Us Inside Brilliant Bellydancer

The premiere self-study online course for mastering ALL aspects of bellydance!

Technique. Improvisation. Choreography. Finger cymbals. Frame drum.

_______________________

⭐️ Become a Professional Bellydancer (without burning out!) inside Boss Bellydancer

The most comprehensive performer and teacher training program for current and aspiring professional bellydancers!

_______________________

🛍️ Visit the Shop

to check out all our online courses and programs

_______________________

💌 Get my Newsletterfor access to VIP bonuses!

_______________________

🌹 - April Rose

When you drum and dance simultaneously you quickly access the flow state. A state of existing in and expanding the present moment. You are spending time in deep connection with your body.

In our increasingly digital and solitary world, we need more ways of deeply connecting with our bodies. Not more ways of numbing out, but more ways of feeling in.

The way you feel is your gift to others. When you are tapped in to a present state of safety and calm, not only does it unlock creativity within you, it radiates outward and helps others as well.

I want everyone to experience this calming creative joyful medicine, so I’m FINALLY making my best workshops on frame drum for bellydance available to everyone who needs it!

I am releasing my Frame Drum for Bellydance workshop bundle so that you can play frame drum while bellydancing, too!

This workshop bundle will teach you how to:

Play bellydance rhythms on frame drum in upright style

Add bellydance to your frame drum playing

Even if you have never bellydanced or played frame drum before, Frame Drum for Bellydance is going to make it so much simpler and faster for you to start drumming while dancing!

➡️ Get the Frame Drum for Bellydance workshop bundle for just $34 now!

_______________________

Resources + Links:

👀 Get instant access to my FREE masterclass to learn my “5 Secrets to Being a Confident Versatile Bellydancer (and the mistakes dancers make that stop them)...”

_______________________

🥁 Get Frame Drum for Bellydance

to discover the full-bodied joy of being able to play frame drum and bellydance simultaneously!

_______________________

💎 Join Us Inside Brilliant Bellydancer

The premiere self-study online course for mastering ALL aspects of bellydance!

Technique. Improvisation. Choreography. Finger cymbals. Frame drum.

_______________________

⭐️ Become a Professional Bellydancer (without burning out!) inside Boss Bellydancer

The most comprehensive performer and teacher training program for current and aspiring professional bellydancers!

_______________________

🛍️ Visit the Shop

to check out all our online courses and programs

_______________________

💌 Get my Newsletter for access to VIP bonuses!

_______________________

🌹 - April Rose

For a limited time you can listen to the audio of my free masterclass: “5 Secrets to Being a Confident Versatile Bellydancer (and the mistakes dancers make that stop them.)”

I highly recommend you watch the video of the masterclass because the visuals show you in detail all the tools and strategies I’m talking about.

➡️ Watch the full masterclass and enroll here!

In this masterclass I share:

🤫 The key to building impressive bellydance technique quickly

🧐 The single-most overlooked aspect of improvisation

😩 The reason you find it difficult to finish creating choreographies

🤔 How to finally memorize and internalize the most important rhythms

🤓 The 5 best resources for learning bellydance history

💎 All the details about my new program, Brilliant Bellydancer, and how to enroll!

This masterclass is packed with valuable insights! It is worth LISTENING all the way through.

If you are pressed for time, you can always listen it at 2X speed.

Here are some timestamps to help you find certain parts:

3:30 - The chat shares what is getting in the way of them feeling confident in their bellydance

6:12 - The three most common struggles for dancers that keep them playing small (scared, confused, insecure)

7:42 - The five skills that are necessary to be a confident versatile bellydancer

8:42 - How I came to know the stuff that I help bellydancers with (my story)

16:15 - The key to building impressive bellydance technique quickly

31:10 - The single-most overlooked aspect of improvisation

41:00 - The reason you find it difficult to finish creating choreographies

49:08 - How to finally memorize and internalize the most important Middle Eastern rhythms

56:51 - The 5 best resources for learning bellydance history

1:04:18 - Inside the Brilliant Bellydancer program (everything that is included: the entire Dance Cohesion curriculum, tons of bonuses, and a peer community. Instant access to everything for 12-months)

1:13:30 - The investment and payment options (the special launch price expires soon!)

1:18:01 - Your questions: "How long does it take to complete the program?"

1:20:28 - Your questions: "What equipment do I need?"

1:20:45 - Some disclaimers: Brilliant Bellydancer is not a Teacher Certification program, it is not 1:1 coaching, and it's not a magic pill

1:25:19 - Live Q&A: "Can we start with the Brilliant Bellydancer self-study program now and then upgrade into the Teacher Training coaching program later?" YES and you should get started now if that is your plan!