Shimmy Shakedown

LOS ANGELES - ORANGE COUNTY | APRIL 2 - 4, 2027

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!

Spectacular Gala Show

SPECTACULAR GALA SHOW ON SATURDAY, APRIL 3, 2027.

LOCATION: CURTIS THEATRE (1 Civic Center Cir., Brea, CA, 92821)

SPECTACULAR GALA SHOW: 5pm - 9pm (Check-in begins 4:15pm)

LIMITED SEATING AVAILABLE AT THE THEATRE.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO PERFORM IN OUR SPECTACULAR GALA SHOW? PLEASE SCROLL BELOW FOR PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES!

gala show artists

BRENDA — EGYPT | ARGENTINA

AMAR LAMMAR — NETHERLANDS | MEXICO

JINHEE KIM — KOREA

JIZZELLE ALEXIS – USA | MEXICO

FAHTIEM - USA

ANGELIKA NEMETH - USA

SOHAILA ZYBA - USA

RANIA BOSSONIS - USA | GREECE

MEERA - USA | INDIA

ALEYA OF CAIRO

JIZZELLE ALEXIS ENSEMBLE


Gala Show Performance Opportunities

We have TWO amazing opportunities! If you would like the opportunity to perform on our beautiful stage, you can participate in the Opening Show during our Spectacular Gala show or join Jizzelle Alexis Ensemble (details below).

OPPORTUNITY #1: PERFORMANCE SOLO— SOLOIST, DUET, OR GROUP (Limited to 8 spots)

PLEASE BE SURE TO READ ALL THE INFORMATION BELOW CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING UP. Please visit the Registration & Tickets page for payment information.

Please note that the Performance Fee (Soloist, Duet, or Group) must either be paid in full by Sunday, November 1, 2026, or secured with a deposit by November 1, 2026, with the remaining balance due by Sunday, December 6, 2026, to guarantee your performance spot. Performance spots are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. To perform, you must purchase the VIP Package and pay the applicable performance fee. If you are performing as a duet or group, please review the performance options and requirements outlined below.

All classes, workshop package(s), performance fees, and gala show tickets are non-refundable. If you are unable to perform in the show, you may transfer your VIP package (when offered) 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.

  • Soloist Performance Fee of $150 includes:

    Soloist must purchase the VIP Package and pay the $150 Performance fee to participate.

    -The opportunity to perform your solo in the Shimmy Shakedown Gala Show

    -A surprise gift from Irene & Jizzelle

    -A professional video recording of your performance

  • Duet Performance Fee of $175 includes:

    For Duets (2 dancers ONLY), only one dancer is required to pay the VIP Package plus the $175 Performance fee. The dancer who purchases the VIP Package will have access to ALL the workshops. The second dancer is not required to purchase the VIP Package but may choose to do so for full workshop access or may purchase Individual Workshop(s) of their choice.

    -The opportunity to perform your Duet in the Shimmy Shakedown Gala Show

    -A surprise gift from Irene & Jizzelle

    -A professional video recording of your performance

  • Dance Group Performance Fee of $200 includes:

    To present a Group number (3 dancers MINIMUM, 10 dancers MAXIMUM) in the Gala Show, the company director must purchase the VIP Package and pay the $200 performance fee. An alternative option—all participating dancers in the group must purchase at least One Individual Workshop, and the company director must pay the $200 performance fee if not purchasing the VIP Package.

    -The opportunity to perform in the Shimmy Shakedown Gala Show

    -A surprise gift from Irene & Jizzelle

    -A professional video recording of your performance

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

  • Advanced-level dancers only. We kindly ask that you use your best judgement when deciding if this opportunity aligns with your current level of experience and training.

  • Time limit for music is 4 minutes minimum, maximum 5 minutes for Soloists, Duets and Groups.

  • Deadline to submit your music is on Sunday, February 28, 2027, 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 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 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.

OPPORTUNITY #2: JOIN JIZZELLE ALEXIS ENSEMBLE FOR A COCKTAIL GROUP PERFORMANCE (Limited to 10 spots)

Hi there! Jizzelle here :) I’m so excited to invite dancers to learn and perform a dance medley featuring some of my most celebrated choreographies! There will be a costume change during the performance, making it an exciting and dynamic experience. This performance is especially meaningful to me as we celebrate and honor my very first dance company, Amirat Al Sharq. I can’t wait to share the stage with you and bring these unforgettable pieces back to life!

  • Fee: $250 + the purchase of at least One Individual Workshop — includes Jizzelle’s Drum Solo Workshop, the opportunity to perform on stage at the Spectacular Gala Show with Jizzelle Alexis Ensemble, learn TWO choreographies, receive training materials and personalized coaching, a special surprise gift, and admission to the Spectacular Gala Show.

  • Rehearsals: We will meet in person once a month at a studio in Brea, CA beginning January 2027. Additionally, during the final week of each month before the Gala Show, you will submit your rehearsal video, and I will offer personalized feedback during a 30-minute Zoom coaching session.

    • Rehearsals will be held on a Sunday. Since this is a medley performance featuring three choreographies, please keep your schedule flexible between 9am and 3pm. All dancers will learn the finale choreography (drum solo), which will be rehearsed in between the other two choreographies during each rehearsal day. I will personally assign dancers to the other two choreographies based on the overall vision for the performance.

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

Don't worry! You will receive the detailed choreography breakdown and video before the new year.

Please visit the REGISTRATION & TICKETS page for all information and to purchase Workshops, pay your Participation Fee and Show Tickets.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Advanced-level dancers only. Please use your best judgement when deciding if this opportunity aligns with your current level of experience and training.

    • Dancers will be invited to participate in Jizzelle Alexis Ensemble. If you have not performed with Jizzelle, please submit a performance video to ShimmyShakedownTeam@gmail.com by Sunday, November 1, 2026, before registration closes, for consideration and selection.

  • Participants must purchase the costume/outfit and prop selected by Jizzelle before our first rehearsal in January 2027.

  • Pay the $250 Group Performance Fee & purchase at least One Individual Workshop of your choice by Sunday, November 1, 2026. As a member of Jizzelle Alexis Ensemble, you will receive a discount on your workshop(s) purchase.

  • You must submit your rehearsal video towards the end of each month. Available dates and times for our 30-minute Zoom personalized feedback coaching session will be provided for you to choose from.

  • Positive and passionate attitude, with a willingness to receive constructive feedback, grow, and continue developing as an artist.

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 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 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.

See the video below for inspiration!


Out of respect for the organizer and event, 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 event 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.