The Los Angeles Bellydance Academy offers dance and music education for all ages and all skill levels. Focused on providing students with an environment that creates wellness, self expression, and an enthusiasm for life, the LABA utilizes a variety of cultural influences expressed in dance and music as a core foundation to the curriculum provided. Weekly instruction, workshops, and special events
are available now at the L.A. Bellydance Academy finds its origin with Stefanya in the most unlikely of places– the capital city of the beautiful state of Kansas. This is where at the age of three she began learning how to dance at the local dance studio. It was her mother who enrolled her, her grandmother who would drive her, and her father who would show up at every show to video record. This once a week, sixty-minute tap and jazz dance class for kids expanded into a focused and disciplined study of classical ballet and contemporary American dance styles. During her young adult years, Stefanya participated in numerous regional and national dance competitions. While still in school, she was the winner of “Best of Show” at Termain Dance Convention national finals, receiving the highest score out of four hundred entries for a lyrical dance number which she choreographed and performed. She was also the recipient of numerous scholarships to study with professionals at studios in New York and Los Angeles. These experiences combined with her enthusiasm and drive led Stefanya to decide she would leave her hometown in Kansas and move to Los Angeles, California where she could refine her artistic skills and pursue a professional dance career. Stefanya’s training and specialty skills soon landed her a position as a cast member of the world famous Bellydance Superstars. She caught the eye of mogul Miles Copeland, the show’s producer, and was chosen from a 90-dancer audition in Los Angeles to join the touring company. Since her debut, she has performed in over eight hundred shows across twenty-five countries at the world’s most well-known venues for celebrities, dignitaries, and royalty. While performing her specialty act, dancing on stilts, Stefanya was also the troupe’s assistant director. Sharing the stage with memorable middle eastern dance artists such as Bozenka, Sonia, Rachel Brice, Zoe Jakes, Amar Gamal, and Jillina cultivated a deep appreciation for this ancient art form and a real need for Stefanya to share that with other dancers. After eight incredible years of world tours, Stefanya returned full time to Los Angeles with an intact passion for dance but new ambitions. In 2011, Stefanya founded The L.A. Bellydance Academy and started welcoming new students in a cozy studio located in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood in Los Angeles, California. This space was previously owned and operated by legendary dance artist Adam Basma. Stefanya and Adam Basma were introduced at the Beirut Nights dance competition that Adam sponsored in Los Angeles. Stefanya was the 2nd place winner and was invited to meet with Adam Basma in his Bazaar. This was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. The studio moved to the Mid-City Art Center in the summer of 2014 to provide a more spacious and comfortable experience for its dancers and students. The studio today offers an average of 20 classes a week taught by active professionals, private lessons, workshops, open houses, and different cultural events throughout the year. Stefanya also contributes to cultivating and spreading the legacy of legendary artist Adam Basma. Stefanya is a performance company member of the world-famous touring belly dance company, the Bellydance Superstars. This professional dance experience of over eight hundred shows in more than twenty-five countries provided Stefanya the tools and motivation needed to move forward passionately with insight and professionalism. She has produced multiple successful events, including “Allah Kushnir LIVE in Los Angeles”, “Club Bellydance L.A.”, and the “Arabic Arts Festival”. Stefanya’s goal is to unite dancers in celebration of truth and life through the love of dance. www.LABellydanceAcademy.com
Studio Description:
The Los Angeles Bellydance Academy offers fitness, dance, and music education for all ages and all skill levels. More than a fitness facility, the studio provides a mind -, body- and soul-approach to health and wellness. www.LABellydanceAcademy.com
How to Prepare:
Preparing for class is easy. Bare feet are suggested for all classes except for dance fitness classes. In some classes, you may see other dancers embellish their hips with a garment. These items are not a requirement only an option and are available for purchase or community sharing. The studio's boutique is open before and after class to offer beautiful dance accessories, costumes, class apparel and more. New to the studio? Sign their waiver before you come in: Save time and a tree! https://www.smartwaiver.com/w/5286bb90dcfc6/web/
How do I get there:
The L.A. Bellydance Academy is located right off the 10 freeway in the heart of Los Angeles. North of the freeway between Culver City and Beverly Hills. You are welcome to access our back parking lot and a back entrance on Alvira st. between Pickford pl. and Airdrome. Three residential streets without meter surround the studio. On La Cienega, you will find us on the east side of the street. There is parking at our front but has traffic restriction during high traffic hours so please read the signs.
