BellyLab

artistic development Programs

BellyLab offers an opportunity for advanced to professional level dancers to work closely with Amanda Rose in tandem with other dances from around the world through a long-distance training project that will bring to fruition live group performances.

BellyLAB utilizes online classes (live and pre-recorded), video submissions with personal feedback, one-on-one coaching, and in-person rehearsals to realize a group choreography performance. Each BellyLab project has a specific style or concept as a focus for the casted participants. BellyLab participants will under go a 3-month training and development program to learn a dynamic, fresh and passionate choreography, through a series of classes styled in the same format as Amanda Rose Online series.

BellyLab is much more than a performance opportunity, it’s a training program that allows dancers to work directly with Amanda Rose over 3 months as they challenge themselves with professional level material. There will be a heavy focus on technical execution appropriate for the style of dance, expression, stage presence, and group collaboration. Much of the work and training will happen long-distance online, but the two days spent in group rehearsal will present the additional challenge of adaptation, collaboration, retention, and group unity in order to present the final work in the final Showcase

BellyLab 2026

Topic: Modern Lyrical Raqs Sharqi
Focuses: Upper Body Expression, Lyrical Interpretation, Technical Execution
Level: Advanced, Semi-Professional, Professional
Format: 3 Month Training Program, Pre-Recorded Classes, Live Classes, Private Lessons, Personal Feedback
Personal Feedback: Yes
Online Training Starts: January 3rd
Meet & Greet (Not Mandatory): January 4th *Time TBD
Live Online Training: January 24th, February 21st, and March 15th *Time TBD
In-Person Rehearsals: March 19th all day and March 20th in the afternoon
Performance: March 22nd
Cast & Trainees: Space is very limited; a maximum of 9 dancers will be selected for this Cast, and 3 trainee positions
Cost: $500
Location: Sacramento, California
Event: Capital City Raqs

auditions closed!

AUDITION PROCESS

November 24th - December 21st

The audition process is as follows:

REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT - Click the “Start Audition Process” button to begin. You’ll be prompted to create an account on Amanda Rose Online (if you don’t already have one) enter your information, and submit the $25 audition fee to confirm your registration (Payments are non-refundable!).
ACCESS COMBINATION VIDEO - After completing your registration and payment, you’ll gain instant access to the audition combination video. You can easily find it by clicking on the “Members” menu in the bottom right corner of the website, then selecting “BellyLab Auditions”
SHOOT YOUR VIDEO - Watch the Amanda Rose Online video and study the combination carefully. Full costume, hair, and makeup are not required, but decent lighting, and your entire body should be visible throughout the video. You will be rated on your ability to learn the material from the video, your technical execution, general posture, as well as energy, facial expressions, and enthusiasm.
FILL OUT AUDITION FORM - Complete the Audition Form, including all required fields and your video link (WeTransfer, Google Drive, or YouTube Unlisted). Incomplete submissions or missing video links will not be accepted. You’ll have 7 days from the date of payment to complete your application by filling out the audition form and submitting your video.
CAST ANNOUNCEMENT AND FEEDBACK - All dancers who audition will receive written feedback at the time they are notified of their selection status for the BellyLab project. Selected cast and trainee dancers will be notified in December, and the public announcement will take place in January. If any dancer is unable to participate or does not want to continue, other dancers will be selected.

PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS

In order to participate you must meet the following criteria:

Cast Dance Level: Advanced, Semi Pro, Pro
Trainee Dance Level: High Intermediate, Advanced, Semi Pro
Register for a minimum of 2 Workshops at hosted event.
Be available for all in-person rehearsals in Sacramento, California Thursday March 19th all day and Friday March 20th in the afternoon
Purchase Required Costuming (Cost will be between $150-$200) (Trainee N/A)
Follow BellyLab Training Schedule (This schedule will indicate dates by which sections of the choreography must be learned, videos must be submitted and private coaching sessions must also be completed.)
Payment for BellyLab must be completed prior to start date. (Payment Plan Available)
DISCLAIMER: In order to participate in BellyLab you must meet ALL requirements listed above and any requirement not met will cause the participant to be dropped from the project with no refund issued.
Trainees receive the same experience as Cast members, but are not excepted to purchase costuming and do not perform in final show. Each Trainee will be an understudy for a specific Cast member during training and rehearsals, and will assist with tasks such as observing and identifying issues with choreography, blocking, and a support team member.

previous Bellylab projects!

BellyLab has produced several successful and inspiring projects, including BellyLab Hot Raqs in Fresno, California, BellyLab Raqs & Rose in Glendale, California, and Phoenix Rising in Phoenix, Arizona. For these projects, dancers trained long-distance for 3 months and then rehearsed in person for 2 days before presenting the final choreography live at their respective events. Under the direction and choreography of Amanda Rose, cast and trainee members included: Adrianne, Alex, Angelina, Gameela, Lenora Noire, Marina Viola, Melissa Dalilah, Rachel, Sarah, Zoriy. Trainee Dancers: Alia Gamal, Linah, Jessica.

BellyLAB 2026