Shimmy Shakedown Festival

APRIL 10 - 12, 2026

Shimmy Shakedown is a premier dance festival & intensive dedicated to the exquisite art of Middle Eastern dance. Join us for a weekend of immersive workshops, captivating performances, and meaningful connections created through the love of dance. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a curious newcomer, Shimmy Shakedown offers a unique opportunity to explore the beauty, grace, and rhythm of Raqs Sharqi. Celebrate the artistry, connect with passionate dancers, and let the beauty of dance inspire and move you!

Gala Show Spectacular

PLEASE SCROLL BELOW FOR PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES!

SPECTACULAR GALA SHOW GENERAL AUDIENCE INFORMATION:

LOCATION: CURTIS THEATRE, 1 CIVIC CENTER CIRCLE., BREA, CA, 92821

Showtime 6pm - 9pm | Doors open at 5pm

Tickets to attend Gala Show, $40 each + online fees until April 5, 2026. AT DOOR $60, CASH ONLY.

Theatre seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

You will check-in at the front and will be guided to the lobby.

Theatre will be selling appetizers, alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages.

FREE spacious parking.

Children 12 years and under, $10 + online fees per ticket (children must look their age - optional: ID from School)

We highly recommend purchasing your ticket(s) online as we anticipate a SOLD-OUT event.

—We have our own videographer and photographer for the event. Out of respect for our team and the flow of the experience, we kindly ask that no outside videographers or photographers be brought in. Thank you for understanding—

gala show artists

AMIR THALEB - ARGENTINA

BRENDA - EGYPT

ASHMINA KAREM - MEXICO

JIZZELLE ALEXIS – USA | MEXICO

FAHTIEM - USA | GERMANY

ANGELIKA NEMETH - USA

SONIA OCHOA - USA

MEERA – USA | INDIA

ALEYA OF CAIRO

JIZZELLE ALEXIS DANCE COMPANY

more to be announced!


Please visit REGISTRATION page to purchase workshop(s) and gala show tickets. Any questions, please contact us at ShimmyShakedownTeam@gmail.com. If you plan to pay for the VIP Package in full, please email us directly.

The Workshops and Gala Show will be LIVE in-person, no virtual workshops or virtual show.

ALL PAYMENTS MUST BE MADE ON EVENTBRITE. CAN ALSO BE FOUND ON REGISTRATION PAGE.

ALL PAYMENTS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE—You may sell your ticket and must inform Shimmy Shakedown organizers of individual who purchased your Workshop(s), Workshop Packages and/or Gala Show ticket(s). In the event of schedule changes, refunds will not be issued. While we do our best to maintain the schedule, sometimes changes occur beyond our control, and we appreciate your understanding.

Performance Opportunity

Would you like to perform in our Spectacular Gala Show? We have TWO exciting options! Please read below for details:

OPPORTUNITY #1: PERFORMANCE SOLO (ONLY 5 SPOTS AVAILABLE)

PLEASE BE SURE TO READ ALL THE INFORMATION BELOW CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING UP.

We only have 5 available performance spots, as we’ve also invited guest dancers to join the event. In order to remain within the scheduled timeframe, we are able to offer only a limited number of performance opportunities. While we would love to showcase everyone, we appreciate your understanding that time constraints make this challenging. Thank you for your consideration and support.

Please note: If you have performed in Shimmy Shakedown’s Gala Show three or more times, we kindly ask that you allow space for dancers who have not yet had the opportunity to participate. We deeply value your continued support and understanding as we aim to provide a platform for as many dancers as possible.

Payment and Participation Policy

Payment plans are available only during our Early Bird pricing period. Please note that the performance solo fee must be paid in full either at the time of your first payment plan installment or with your full payment to guarantee your performance spot. Performance spots are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

All classes, workshop packages, performance fees, and gala show tickets are non-refundable. If you are unable to perform in the show, you may transfer your VIP package to another person; however, the transferee will not be permitted to perform.

By choosing to perform in the Gala Show, you agree to abide by all Gala Show Performance General Conduct (see below). Failure to comply with one or more of these guidelines may result in removal from the show without refund. Thank you for your understanding.

Soloists & Duets:
To perform a solo or duet in the Gala Show, each dancer must purchase the VIP Package. In addition, there is a $150 performance fee. For duets, both dancers must purchase the VIP Package, but only one dancer needs to pay the $150 performance fee.

Groups & Dance Companies (3 or more dancers):
To present a group piece in the Gala Show, the company director must purchase the VIP Package and pay the $150 performance fee. Each dancer in the group must purchase the 3-Class Package.

VIP Package + Performance Fee of $150 includes:

  • Access to all 7 workshops and a complimentary spot in Jizzelle’s 'Breathwork for Creative Release' class.

  • A professional video recording of your solo or group performance.

  • An official certificate of participation.

  • A special surprise gift from Irene & Jizzelle.

ELIGIBILITY: We are looking for a variety of Middle Eastern Dance Arts, including folklore, classic, modern, and fusion styles.

  • Oriental Dance experience of 5 years or more.

  • Time limit for music is 4 minutes minimum, maximum 5 minutes.

  • Deadline to submit your music is on Sunday, March 1, 2026, to ShimmyShakedownTeam@gmail.com. After signing up to perform, you will also receive an email with helpful information to assist you in your preparation.

GENERAL CONDUCT:

  • Performers must wear a proper dance garment, including under garment.

  • Performers must use cover-up before and after their performance.

  • Performers, please arrive on time. Unfortunately, if you arrive late, we won’t be able to include you in the performance, as it would disrupt the show schedule.

  • By choosing to perform in Shimmy Shakedown’s Gala Show, you agree to refrain from participating in any local showcases or haflas—including intimate or small-scale events—within Southern California (including Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Diego County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County) for one month before and one month after the event (This exclusivity period runs from March 6, 2026, through May 10, 2026). Failure to comply may result in removal from the show without refund.

  • By performing in the gala show, you agree to remain until after the finale. We understand you may have other commitments, but please plan accordingly, as we want all dancers to stay for the final bow. Thank you for your understanding.

  • If you're in Southern California, we’d really love for you to invite your friends and family! We put a great deal of effort into promoting both you and the event, and your support in spreading the word makes a big difference.

  • The organizers reserve the right to remove any artist whose behavior is disruptive or negatively impacts fellow performers, the audience, or the event staff. We appreciate your professionalism and respect for the event.

  • By signing up and choosing to perform in the Gala Show, you are agreeing to abide by the Gala Show Performance General Conduct. Failure to comply with one or more of these guidelines may result in removal from the show without refund. Thank you for your understanding.


OPPORTUNITY #2: GROUP PERFORMANCE WITH JIZZELLE TO A CLASSICAL EGYPTIAN SONG

Hi there! Jizzelle here :) I’m so excited to invite dancers to learn and perform a stunning Egyptian classic by Oum Kalthoum. This will be a beautiful journey filled with deep emotion and expressive storytelling.

  • Fee: $100 — a great value that includes performing with Jizzelle, training materials, personalized coaching, and a small surprise gift.

  • Rehearsals: We’ll gather once a month, in-person, in a studio in Brea, CA beginning January 2026. Additionally, during the final week of each month before the Gala Show, I’ll hold 1:1 Zoom sessions with each dancer to review choreography and offer personalized feedback.

  • Onstage Rehearsal: The final rehearsal will be held on the day of the Gala Show, in-person.

Don't worry! I'll send you a link to the breakdown and choreography so you can learn and practice in advance.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Oriental Dance Experience of 3 years or more.

  • You must purchase the 3-Class Package—or any available package—by Sunday, November 2, 2025. Early Bird payment plans are also available.

  • Participants must purchase the costume/outfit and prop selected by Jizzelle before 2026.

  • Pay the $100 group performance fee by Sunday, November 2, 2025. You will receive the choreography breakdown and video in November 2025.

  • You must attend a 1-hour 1:1 Zoom session at the end of each month. Available dates and times will be provided for you to choose from.

  • Positive and passionate attitude.

GENERAL CONDUCT:

  • Performers must wear a proper dance garment, including under garment.

  • Performers must use cover-up before and after their performance.

  • Performers, please arrive on time. Unfortunately, if you arrive late, we won’t be able to include you in the performance, as it would disrupt the show schedule.

  • By performing with Jizzelle in the gala show, you agree to remain until after the finale. We understand you may have other commitments, but please plan accordingly, as we want all dancers to stay for the final bow. Thank you for your understanding.

  • If you're in Southern California, we’d really love for you to invite your friends and family! We put a great deal of effort into promoting both you and the event, and your support in spreading the word makes a big difference.

  • The organizers reserve the right to remove any artist whose behavior is disruptive or negatively impacts fellow performers, the audience, or the event staff. We appreciate your professionalism and respect for the event.

  • By signing up and choosing to perform in the Gala Show with Jizzelle, you are agreeing to abide by this Gala Show Performance General Conduct. Failure to comply with one or more of these guidelines may result in removal from the show without refund. Thank you for your understanding.

Looking forward to dancing with you and check out the video below to hear the beautiful song we’ll be performing to! <3


Out of respect for the organizer and festival, please refrain from contacting the artist(s) for private workshops, training, or any business-related matters. The organizer and artist(s) have an exclusivity contract, making any direct business or training-related communication with the artist(s) strictly prohibited.

Instances of unprofessional contact with our artist(s) have occurred before and are not acceptable. If you have any questions, please contact the organizer directly. Our festival organizers invest significant time and resources to provide an amazing event for our dancers and guests. We appreciate your cooperation in respecting our policies.

Thank you.