Julyana

           Julyana’s initial dance experience began in the club scenes and the theater.  She started dancing in local clubs at age 15 and got accepted into Up with People at 17, while persuing her interest in the theater arts . Whether it be the latest moves from the 80's, 90's and beyond, she always got that natural high from the dance floor.  But after seeing U2’s "Mysterious Ways" video and hearing "A Different Drum" by Peter Gabriel, she was inspired to begin studying the art of belly dance in 1995 and learn technique from the oldest existing dance form. Julyana’s first class was with Gypsy Phillips of Northborough, Massachusetts and she began performing about a year later. Her first official performance was on a small rickety stage at a State hospital fair (complete with pig race announcements in the background). She began studying American Cabaret style  and eventually wanted to branch out into more dramatic or group styles.

Based on her youthful days at the dance clubs of Boston and Las Vegas, she has transferred this energy and drama to all aspects of her dance style. She’s known for her graceful hand movements and dramatic performances.  Though she takes her studies seriously, you can almost be guaranteed there will some comedy in there.

Julyana also has an extensive amount of theatre experience. Starting in community theatre, her stage life includes being in front of the audience, writing short plays, behind the scenes, vocal direction, set construction and costume design.  She has been a drama teacher at several summer camps and has directed several plays and musicals for young people interested in acting.  Julyana is one of a two part theatrical duo called The Purple Moon Divas who perform comedy and belly dance acts at local senior centers and nursing homes.  She has studied improvisation, comedy, and can cry on cue.

Julyana also has many years of studying music.  This includes vocal study and piano, beginning at age 5, as well as 7 years of flute at The Thayer Conservatory of Music.  She has been a member of several singing groups including The Leonard Gaskins Chorale and The Colonial Spirit Chorus, an award winning Sweet Adelines International group. She has found this knowledge to be extremely helpful in learning the accents and rhythms of dancing.  She continues to study rhythms, including the arabic beats of the Middle East. She's currently studying how to play the doumbek.

In addition, she has also done more than 20 years of modeling. She initially went to school in Worcester at the John Robert Powers School to learn posture, confidence and the proper way to accessorize an outfit.  She began doing runway at age 15 and has been a study for several local photographers and artists, including Matt Towler of Worcester/Boston, Jill Pottle and James Hampton, as well as students at the Museum School in Boston and the Worcester Art Museum . Her modeling experience comes out in her expressions, body framing of moves and her obsession with good posture and strong-arm movements.  She's also begun to create her own costumes  and designs under the name "Ric Rac Designs".

Julyana has performed as a soloist, but has also been involved with troupes or smaller groups. She is a current and founding member of the Velvet Moon Gypsies and has recently been a member of or collaborated with the troupes Primal Redemption, Ambika Badi'ah and OmBellyCo.

Though her initial training was mostly in American Cabaret style, over the past few years she has been studying tribal fusion, tribal improvision, theatrical and gothic belly dance styles. Recently, she has also begun to study hip-hop and pop and lock. Her props include Isis wings, cane, veil, tambourine, fans, sword and zills. Future props will be poi (fire spinning), fire fans and hula-hoops.  She is currently studying under Cecile from OmBellyCo.  Julyana is aiming to take the General Skills Certification course with Carolena Nericcio next year in order to help build a strong tribal community in Central Massachusetts.

As far as teaching goes, her teaching style is fun and humorous. Breathing, stretching and strengthening your muscles are an important part of each class.  The first part of class includes a lot of yoga  and glutes exercises.  She goes over every move, arm placement and step so that even the most beginner of beginners will understand.  She reviews and repeats because she wants you to get the moves down and be comfortable with your body. She believes in having fun (with fun music and fun outfits!), no matter what age or shape, and supporting each dancer as artists!