Diamonds relates to the Earth element, which is our foundation. Foundational work in this format comprises of understanding the basic shapes involved in Zoe’s dance style and the muscular groups involved, short phrases of belly dance that highlight the stylization and aesthetic choices of Fusion, beginning finger cymbals, history and source influences, and training for the technique and endurance required to execute this format.
Spades is the second level of DanceCraft, one that focuses on integration. Spades relates to swords in the Tarot deck and are symbolic of determination, hard work, and discipline, which is required for progression and integration of technique. Integrational work in Spades comprises of an expected understanding of Diamonds’ first key language and movement concepts, on which we will be building further to develop clean technique and deeper muscular isolations. We focus on Cymbals as musical instruments, choreography creation, and begin to train with dynamics.
Clubs symbolize the three aspects of life: mind, body, and spirit, and this level is when the dances begin to bring the 3 aspects together. Clubs involves musicality, high-level technique, and flow state, where this stylization becomes innate and instinctive for the dancer.
This is the 4th Level of Dancecraft - the Suite of Hearts is associated with the element of water and represents emotions, intuition, and the subconscious mind. This level is where we merge the technical work with artistry and creativity, and the focus is on the dancer themselves and their creative process. Dancers learn about stagecraft and theatrics, and how to build an act that connects their artistry and technique, creating memorable performances that leave the audience spellbound.
This 2-day workshop is a great way for anyone to jump into Zoe’s bellydance format, and absolute beginners are encouraged to start here! DanceCraft, Zoe Jakes’ format, starts with the Diamond key, which represents our Foundation. Like Diamonds, our skills don’t start out spectacular and polished, but something special arises with enough strength, pressure, dedication, sweat, and time. This intensive is an opportunity to study the fundamental movements and shapes of the format and to gain perspective of where the training ultimately leads. We will be exploring the roots of Zoe’s stylization and influences while using this prep course to gain an understanding of the fundamentals of Fusion Bellydance, DanceCraft style.
This intensive is to certify instructors for teaching the material for Key of Diamonds. Training will include further development of techniques in Zoe’s specific stylization and way of movement. We want our Diamonds teachers to have integrated skill and proficiency in the format. You must be a solid Spades graduate (full pass) to register for the Teacher Training. Please read below regarding the expectation level of certification.
Teacher Training is only offered every other year.
Applications are open for Teacher Training Spots.
Diamonds relates to the Earth element, which is our foundation. Foundational work in this format comprises of understanding the basic shapes involved in Zoe’s dance style and the muscular groups involved, short phrases of belly dance that highlight the stylization and aesthetic choices of Fusion, beginning finger cymbals, history and source influences, and training for the technique and endurance required to execute this format.
Spades is the second level of DanceCraft, one that focuses on integration. Spades relates to swords in the Tarot deck and are symbolic of determination, hard work, and discipline, which is required for progression and integration of technique. Integrational work in Spades comprises of an expected understanding of Diamonds’ first key language and movement concepts, on which we will be building further to develop clean technique and deeper muscular isolations. We focus on Cymbals as musical instruments, choreography creation, and begin to train with dynamics.
Clubs symbolize the three aspects of life: mind, body, and spirit, and this level is when the dances begin to bring the 3 aspects together. Clubs involves musicality, high-level technique, and flow state, where this stylization becomes innate and instinctive for the dancer.
This is the 4th Level of Dancecraft - the Suite of Hearts is associated with the element of water and represents emotions, intuition, and the subconscious mind. This level is where we merge the technical work with artistry and creativity, and the focus is on the dancer themselves and their creative process. Dancers learn about stagecraft and theatrics, and how to build an act that connects their artistry and technique, creating memorable performances that leave the audience spellbound.
This 2-day workshop is a great way for anyone to jump into Zoe’s bellydance format, and absolute beginners are encouraged to start here! DanceCraft, Zoe Jakes’ format, starts with the Diamond key, which represents our Foundation. Like Diamonds, our skills don’t start out spectacular and polished, but something special arises with enough strength, pressure, dedication, sweat, and time. This intensive is an opportunity to study the fundamental movements and shapes of the format and to gain perspective of where the training ultimately leads. We will be exploring the roots of Zoe’s stylization and influences while using this prep course to gain an understanding of the fundamentals of Fusion Bellydance, DanceCraft style.
This intensive is to certify instructors for teaching the material for Key of Diamonds. Training will include further development of techniques in Zoe’s specific stylization and way of movement. We want our Diamonds teachers to have integrated skill and proficiency in the format. You must be a solid Spades graduate (full pass) to register for the Teacher Training. Please read below regarding the expectation level of certification.
Teacher Training is only offered every other year.
Applications are open for Teacher Training Spots.
Video By: Fuse the World in Taiwan & ELSEWHITE
DanceCraft, created by Zoe Jakes, is a transformative training program dedicated to the art of Fusion Belly Dance. Rooted in discipline, artistry, and self-expression, DanceCraft provides dancers with a deep foundation in technique, musicality, choreography, improvisation, and the history and roots of Fusion Belly Dance.
Our mission is to cultivate a supportive and radically inclusive community where dancers are encouraged to lead with movement intuition, honor source cultures with respect, and embrace their unique artistic voices.
Through teamwork, self-compassion, and rigorous training, we empower students to embody authenticity and creativity while developing the discipline needed to refine their craft. DanceCraft is more than a certification—it is a path of growth, connection, and mastery, guiding dancers toward excellence in both their movement and their personal artistic journey.
I feel I have such a better understanding of DanceCraft and where the movements originate on my body. Shifting to a muscular-driven movement from skeletal driven is a big change and I am so glad I can better understand the muscle I should be accessing.
DanceCraft Student
To me, they’re like connecting to my hive. They remind me to keep a well-rounded practice and give me lots of inspiration.
DanceCraft Student
Dancing hard all day long in the same room with Zoe and with all of the beautiful dancers that were there 🙂 There was such an amazing and uplifting energy in the studio, and also so much inspiration !!!
DanceCraft Student
It helped me to know what physical activities I needed to do to advance my dance
DanceCraft Student