that promoted Middle Eastern and world music through his record label : Copeland International Arts - Culture in Action . It is here I learned the most about the commercial and entertainment industry of dance . I was fortunate enough to perform at events like Lollapalooza and iconic theaters and Opera houses around the world , all the while staying true to my original brand and community of dancers by creating and sharing more instructional videos and performances for them to learn and grow from .
At 40 produced Bellydance Evolution
the Egyptian Soloist and Troupe category for my work . This led to my first film contract and a set of professional instructional videos . I largely credit this VHS collection of choreographies and performances with the launch of my international career on the workshop circuit .
Choreographer and Commercial Entertainment Industry at 30
As a result of my early and consistent training , combined with weekly performances as a soloist and troupe leader , I developed a deep and valuable understanding of my craft . Among these tools , I learned the ability to adapt my performance style to any environment and connect with a diverse collection of venues , audience members , and situations . By this time in my life , I was just starting my 30s and transitioning my career from dancer to more roles in choreography . It ’ s just like that saying — with one door closing , another door opened , and just like that Miles Copeland had chosen me to be the Artistic Director and Main Choreographer for his new troupe he called the Bellydance Superstars . Not only that , but it was all to be filmed in his documentary American Bellydancer . An absolute dream for a young dancer ! Afterward , I was hired for his new idea of an American touring dance company
After almost 10 years of Art Direction under Copeland in Bellydance Superstars , I had evolved and decided it was time to follow my passion and creativity apart from the commercial industry . Now in my 40s , I decided to create my own touring dance company Bellydance Evolution and lay roots in the form of my dance studio — Evolution Studios . Here , I was free to approach my craft as an actual art , and dive deeper into connections within my local community of dancers while also touring with them internationally . As my own Art Director , I was allowed to add any storyline and themes to my production . This allowed me to explore not only my love for Middle Eastern dance styles , but more diverse elements from around the world . For the last 10 years , Bellydance Evolution has produced 6 different
Jillina ’ s Sahlala Dancers
October 2020 � The Belly Dance Chronicles 13