Dance Companies

Janelle leads and directs two dance troupes based in Santa Cruz, Ca, Desert Dream Dance Company and The Salimpour Collective. Learn more about our dance ensembles below.

Class Descriptions

Desert Dream Dance Company

Artistic director and instructor, Janelle Rodriguez, creates heart felt choreographies which display a colorful palette of belly dance styles. Specializing in various forms of Belly dance, Desert Dream performs Egyptian Raks Sharki, Turkish Karsilama, folkloric, tribal fusion, modern fusion, jazz and hip hop fusion, balancing, veil, finger cymbals, cane dance and more.

About Janelle

Salimpour Collective

The Salimpour Collective Dance Ensemble embodies the dynamic fusion of tradition and innovation in the world of belly dance. Rooted in the renowned Salimpour School of Dance founded by the legendary Jamila Salimpour and continued by her daughter Suhaila Salimpour, the ensemble represents a legacy of excellence and innovation in belly dance education.

Desert Dream Dance Company

Desert Dream Dance Company was founded in 2002 in Santa Cruz, CA by our director Janelle Rodriguez. We present classic belly dance, modern belly dance fusion, folk dances of Egypt and Turkey, and exciting fire and LED lighting shows locally and internationally. Our director, Janelle Rodriguez blends her love of traditional Raqs Sharqi and Golden Era belly dance with her extensive dance training in Salimpour technique, Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Flamenco, Persian, Odissi and Bollywood. Each of our dancers brings their own personal touch and expertise to create a unique and dynamic group of dancers. Desert Dream’s continuous inspiration and creativity keeps their melting pot of styles bubbling at the brim.

Desert Dream has performed in numerous festivals and events around the Bay Area and beyond.

Desert Dream also performs at private events such as weddings, haflas, birthdays, holiday parties, bridal and baby showers, amongst other special occasions. Contact Janelle for booking information.

Desert Dream Dance
Desert Dream Dance

Salimpour Collective Dance Ensemble

Janelle Rodriguez leads the Santa Cruz ensemble

The Salimpour Collective Dance Ensemble embodies the dynamic fusion of tradition and innovation in the world of belly dance. Rooted in the renowned Salimpour School of Dance founded by the legendary Jamila Salimpour and continued by her daughter Suhaila Salimpour, the ensemble represents a legacy of excellence and innovation in belly dance education.

Composed of talented dancers trained in the Salimpour methodology, the ensemble showcases the intricate choreographies, expressive movements, and cultural richness of belly dance. Drawing inspiration from the SWANA dance forms and culture, while incorporating contemporary elements, the ensemble captivates audiences with its mesmerizing performances that reflect both the heritage and evolution of belly dance. 

As ambassadors of the Salimpour legacy, the ensemble continues to push the boundaries of belly dance, while honoring the traditions of this ancient art form. With each performance, the Salimpour Collective Dance Ensemble invites audiences on a transformative journey, celebrating the beauty, power, and cultural significance of belly dance.

Salimpour Collective
Salimpour Collective