Shimmy Shakedown

meet our featured artists

BRENDA (EGYPT|SPAIN)- Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Brenda fell in love with dance at the early age of 3. Dancing Italian and Argentinian Folklore, Salsa, Tango and Jazz, she discovered later the magic of Raks Sharki. At the early age of 17, she started dancing in the most prestigious Oriental Restaurant in Argentina “Al Shark”, where she was the Star for 5 years. After studying with many different teachers, she joined Amir Thaleb’s School, where she got her Certification as Oriental Dance Professor.

Through the years, and thanks to her increasing popularity, she was invited to many TV Shows and to teach inside and outside Argentina. She is very well known for her dynamic workshops presented in all Latin America, USA, Asia and Europe. In 2014 she was chosen by Dina to be part of the TV Show and Competition “Al Rakesa”, featured in the Egyptian TV.

After getting a huge popularity in the Middle East, she decided to start her Career in Egypt. Since then, she has been working in Weddings, Restaurants and Night Spots in the most prestigious hotels in Cairo, all Egypt and other Middle East countries like Tunis, Emirates, Lebanon, etc. As well with bellydance, she also had participation in Egyptian Movies acting and dancing, and in Videoclips as well. Since 2018 she also runs her own Music Productions featuring her own bellydance music.

In 2022, she wrote her first book “Belly Dance in Cairo,” and presented it at the Argentinean Embassy in Egypt. This book, written in 4 languages, is a basic guide for any dancer willing to understand Egyptian music in a deeper way, or even for those who want to work and live in Egypt. Nowadays, with a growing popularity, and at the top of her career, she is still teaching, being part of the greatest Festivals around the world, living between Spain and Egypt.

AMAR LAMMAR (NETHERLANDS|MEXICO)- Amar Lammar was born in Mexico City. From a young age, she showed a deep passion for the arts, especially dance. At the age of six, she began studying Polynesian dance, followed by ballet and Mexican folkloric dance. At 11, she explored Afro-Caribbean rhythms before discovering Oriental Dance at the age of 13—a style that would become her life's passion.

Although she took a few classes with a local dancer, Amar considers herself largely self-taught, as information about belly dance was scarce during the 1990s. Through years of dedication as both a performer and educator, she refined her artistry and developed the professional level for which she is recognized today.

Her international career began in 2003 with her first performance contracts in India for the Sheraton Hotel Group. Following this success, she expanded her career across Bahrain, Syria, Lebanon, Tunisia, and the Netherlands. For 12 years, Amar was based in the United Arab Emirates, performing full-time at some of the region's most prestigious hotels, including Marriott, Millennium, Rotana, Burj Al Arab, Atlantis The Palm, and Emirates Palace.

Now based in the Netherlands, Amar continues to perform, teach, and deepen her knowledge of Oriental Dance. She is also a certified barre instructor and the founder of The Motion Bliss, a movement-based wellness platform that blends belly dance, barre, strength training, dance fitness, grace, and mindful movement to help others reconnect with their bodies, build confidence, and cultivate overall well-being. Drawing from her extensive experience performing throughout the Middle East, Amar is passionate about sharing authentic Oriental Dance while inspiring students to cultivate confidence, artistry, and well-being through movement.

JINHEE KIM (KOREA)- Jinhee is an accomplished Oriental dancer, instructor, and choreographer with over 20 years of experience in the art form. In addition to her extensive training in Oriental dance, she has also studied ballet and contemporary dance, bringing versatility, elegance, and refined technique to her performances and teaching.

Throughout her career, Jinhee has competed in both Korea and internationally, earning numerous accolades. In 2013, she was crowned Champion at the prestigious Ahlan Wa Sahlan competition in Egypt, a milestone that established her as an internationally recognized artist.

Today, Jinhee is invited worldwide to teach workshops, perform, and serve as a judge at international festivals and competitions. Based in Korea, she is also dedicated to mentoring and training the next generation of dancers, sharing her knowledge, artistry, and passion for Oriental dance with students of all levels.

JIZZELLE (USA|MEXICO)- Jizzelle is a sought-after Oriental Dance Artist, coach, and Breathwork Facilitator known for her natural, expressive, energetic style, as well as her captivating musicality and improvisational skills. Based in Southern California, she has captivated audiences through performances in Arabic nightclubs, television, music videos, theater productions, luxury events, and celebrity celebrations, bringing authenticity, elegance, and vibrant stage presence to every performance.

Raised in a Latin family where music and dance were at the heart of everyday life, Jizzelle discovered her passion for movement at an early age. She has dedicated years to studying the rich traditions of Egyptian and Lebanese Raqs Sharqi while continually refining her artistry through ongoing education, performance, and cultural immersion. While deeply honoring the guidance of her teachers, she also considers herself a lifelong self-taught Artist, constantly exploring what the body is capable of and allowing curiosity to shape her signature style. Her dance is rooted in musicality, emotional expression, and a deep respect for the cultural origins of the art form.

Beyond the stage, Jizzelle is a dedicated coach whose students are drawn to her unique ability to help them let go of perfection, connect with their inner artist, and discover authentic self-expression through movement. She creates a supportive space where dancers learn to trust themselves, go within, and transform technique into artistry. As a Breathwork Facilitator, she also helps others cultivate self-love, healing, and creative expression through breath and movement.

Jizzelle is also the co-producer of Shimmy Shakedown, one of Southern California's longest-running Oriental Dance events, dedicated to celebrating artistry, encouraging authentic expression, and bringing together dancers from around the world.

Learn more at www.JizzelleAlexis.com.

watch our 2021 virtual show to see how we began