Performance and Events
(Private bookings not listed)
Please see Links and Venues for addresses and phone numbers of Belly Dance venues in the GNO area.
February 2009
February 24, Fat Tuesday
HAPPY MARDI GRAS!!!
February 7, Saturday, "Phoenicia's"
8-10 PM, Belly Dancing by IONA at Phoenicia's Restaurant, 4201 Veteran's Blvd, Metairie, LA (504) 889-9950. Located just off Houma Blvd by Independence Mall.
January 2009
January 17, Saturday, "Phoenicia's"
8-10 PM, Belly Dancing by IONA at Phoenicia's Restaurant, 4201 Veteran's Blvd, Metairie, LA (504) 889-9950. Located just off Houma Blvd by Independence Mall.
December 2008
December 13, Saturday, Bayou Shimmy Dancer Showcase
Belly Dance showcase for students and professionals, hosted by Bayou Shimmy Dance Studio in Baton Rouge, LA. To be held at Mediterranean Cafe located at 151 3rd St, off Perkins near College Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA. Call for reservations
(225) 336-4501 !!! Iona to perform with her student troupe, The Beledi Jewels. Go to www.bayoushimmy.com for more info on Belly Dance in Baton Rouge.
December 6, Saturday, "Phoenicia's"
8-10 PM, Belly Dancing by IONA at Phoenicia's Restaurant, 4201 Veteran's Blvd, Metairie, LA (504) 889-9950. Located just off Houma Blvd by Independence Mall.
November 2008
November 15, Saturday, "Phoenicia's"
8-10 PM, Belly Dancing by IONA at Phoenicia's Restaurant, 4201 Veteran's Blvd, Metairie, LA (504) 889-9950. Located just off Houma Blvd by Independence Mall.
November 1-3, "Rachel George & Urban Gypsy Master Classes", New Orleans, LA
Crescent Lotus Dance Studio hosts Rachel George and Urban Gypsy for a weekend of workshop classes at the studio and the showcase "Bellementals: A Pharoah's Dream" at the Balcony Music Club at 504 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, Orleans, Louisiana 70116, (corner of Decatur)Saturday November 1 from 8:30-10 PM. Iona will perform with Isis Wings, representing the element of 'Air'. For details & Online Registration visit http://nolabellydance.eventbrite.com
October 2008
October 25, Saturday, "IONA dances at Phoenicia's"
8-10 PM, Belly Dancing by IONA at Phoenicia's Restaurant, 4201 Veteran's Blvd, Metairie, LA (504) 889-9950. Located just off Houma Blvd by Independence Mall.
September 2008
September 20 & 21, "ANSUYA Workshop", Lafayette, LA
Oasis Belly Dance Studio hosts Belly Dance Superstar, ANSUYA for a weekend of classes and Saturday evening Show. For workshop location and registration details visit Oasis Belly Dance Studio
September 13 & 14, "KAMI LIDDLE Workshop", Metairie, LA
The women of Indudala Tribe and Saffron Studio host the return of Tribal Belly Dance Superstar, Kami Liddle, for a weekend of classes and Saturday evening performances. For workshop locations and registration details and/or to register, email info@saffronstudio.org or call 504-338-2962.
September 5, Friday, "IONA dances at Phoenicia's" ***TBA DUE TO GUSTAV
8-10 PM, Belly Dancing by IONA at Phoenicia's Restaurant, 4201 Veteran's Blvd, Metairie, LA (504) 889-9950. Located just off Houma Blvd by Independence Mall.
August 2008
August 24, Sunday, "Reily Rocks!" Class Demo by IONA
9:25-9:45PM, Iona will give a belly dancing performance and class demo for the Reily Rocks Orientation Evening at Tulane U's Reily Student Recreation Center; go to Reily for more details and directions if you are interested in taking any instructional or group exercise classes. Iona's Belly Dance classes at the Reily Center start up again in September. Go to Iona's Class Schedule page for more info.
August 23, Saturday, "IONA dances at Phoenicia's"
8-10 PM, Belly Dancing by Iona at Phoenicia's Restaurant, 4201 Veteran's Blvd, Metairie, LA (504) 889-9950. Located just off Houma Blvd by Independence Mall.
August 9, Saturday, "IONA dances at Red Velvet"
9:30-11PM, Belly Dancing by IONA at Red Velvet Hookah lounge, 4226 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA (504) 897-4009. Located near Napoleon Ave.
July 2008
July 26, Saturday, "IONA dances at Phoenicia's"
8-10 PM, Belly Dancing by Iona at Phoenicia's Restaurant, 4201 Veteran's Blvd, Metairie, LA (504) 889-9950. Located just off Houma Blvd by Independence Mall.
July 11, Friday, "IONA dances at Phoenicia's"
8-10 PM, Belly Dancing by Iona at Phoenicia's Restaurant, 4201 Veteran's Blvd, Metairie, LA (504) 889-9950. Located just off Houma Blvd by Independence Mall.
May 2008
May 17, Saturday, "Phoenicia's"
7:30-9:30pm, Belly Dancing by Iona at Phoenicia's Restaurant, 4201 Veteran's Blvd, Metairie, LA (504) 889-9950. Located just off Houma Blvd.
May 2, Friday, "Phoenicia's" *IONA is not performing/sick.* :(
7:30-9:30pm, Belly Dancing by Iona at Phoenicia's Restaurant, 4201 Veteran's Blvd, Metairie, LA (504) 889-9950. Located just off Houma Blvd.
April 2008
April 4-6, MEDA-LA hosts Amel Tafsout, New Orleans!!!
Middle Eastern Dance Artists of Louisiana (MEDA-LA) hosts the return of international dance star, Amel, to the New Orleans area for a weekend of dance workshops on Saturday and Sunday, April 5 & 6. Includes a Hafla on Friday, April 4, from 6:30-9:30PM. All events to be held at Hotel Le Cirque, New Orleans, LA.
Don't wait to register while spots fill up! Please visit MEDA-LA for more details and registration information. Read more about Amel Tafsout
*Due to unforeseen circumstances, Ishmael will not present with Amel this April. Amel's schedule remains as is.
March 2008
March 29 & 30, Saturday & Sunday, Indudala Tribe hosts Tribal Pura
Weekend workshops with guest tribal dancers from Fat Chance Belly Dance and Devyani Dance Company hosted by Indudala Tribe of New Orleans. For registration and workshop details, go to Indudala Tribe.
March 28, Friday--Iona takes comprehensive exams in Speech Language Pathology!
February 2008
February 5, Fat Tuesday--HAPPY MARDI GRAS!!!
January 2008
January 27, Sunday--IONA's Birthday!!!
December 2007
December 15, Indudala presents: The Big Easy Belly Dance Showcase Volume II
8-11pm, among the evening's performances, Iona and her intermediate level student troupe, the Beledi Jewels, will dance a drum piece at the Saturday evening showcase for Morla's 2 day workshop in tribal belly dance technique and drills. For more details about the workshop and show, go to, www.indudalatribe.com
November 2007
November 12-16, Mon-Fri, Tulane Wellness Fair, for Tulane Community Members
Nov 14, 2 pm, Iona will teach a 1 hour belly dance class to contribute to Tulane's Wellness Fair. The fair will focus on one aspect of wellness each day – the schedule:
Monday, Nov 12 – Metal Health/Stress Relief
Tuesday, Nov 13 – Physical Health
Wednesday, Nov 14 – Sexual Health ***includes Belly Dance Class at 2pm***
Thursday, Nov 15 – Nutrition
Friday, Nov 16 – Alternative Healing
***The belly dance instruction will take place at the Newcomb Institute.***
Wellness Fair is 10am-4pm at Tulane U, New Orleans. Admission is free of charge and open only to members of the Tulane Community. For more information, call Deanie Stoulig at 865-5255. The event is being hosted by: Student Health Center.
October 2007
October 17, Wednesday, SONIA "Bellynesian" Workshop
10am-1pm, Iona will be attending this fusion workshop presenting Polynesian and belly dance by the lovely Sonia of the Belly Dance Superstars. Location is Tari's School of Dance in Baton Rouge, LA. For workshop details visit www.bayoushimmy.com or contact Shamsi at shamsi@bayoushimmy.com
October 16 & 17, Tuesday & Wednesday, Belly Dance Superstars "Babelesque"
8pm, Iona will be attending the Tuesday BDS performance at the Manship Theatre in Baton Rouge, LA. These gals are the who's who of Belly Dance and can shake and shimmy like nobody's business!!! For ticket info go to www.manshiptheatre.org
October 14, Sunday, Middle Eastern Dance Artists (MEDA-LA) Members Meeting
2-4pm, Marci Johnson will be hosting MEDA's October meeting in New Orleans, LA. Current members and those interested in membership are welcome to attend. Hope to see you there! For more about MEDA, visit www.meda-la.com
Contact Marci at princessdelaluna@yahoo.com or Iona at iona@dancingjewel.com for details and directions.
September 2007
September 21, Friday, Introduction to Belly Dance: Feminine Roots in Dance
1-3pm, Iona will give a class and performance demonstration as a part of the Fridays at Newcomb women's enrichment series at the Newcomb College Institute, on Tulane University campus. Participation is limited. Contact Cordelia Heaney at cheaney@tulane.edu for registration information.
September 9, Sunday, MEDA-LA Meeting
2-4pm., Middle Eastern Dance Artists of Louisiana meets on the 3rd Sunday each month. This month's meeting will be held at 9055 Keaty Dr., Baton Rouge, LA, at the home of Noura Shakri. (Thanks, Noura!) We are hoping to expand membership and welcome new dancers in the community to join! Welcome back former members for the new year (Aug 07-July 08)! Look forward to seeing you there!!! RVSP danceriona@gmail.com
August 2007
August 26, Sunday, Reily Rocks!
Iona will give a belly dancing performance and class demo at 9pm for the Reily Rocks Orientation Evening at Tulane U's Reily Student Recreation Center; see Links for directions and info about Reily if you are interested in taking any instructional leisure classes.
July 2007
July 21, 22, Saturday-Sunday, MEDA Presents...Amel Tafsout and Ishmael
Amel Tafsout and Ishmael are this year's guests for MEDA's annual belly dance/music workshop weekend to be held at the Lake Charles Civic Center in Lake Charles, LA; go to www.meda-la.com for more details about the workshop classes and to download registration forms. Iona will be a featured soloist and also the Hosting Emcee for the Saturday Night Showcase. Don't miss it!
July 8, Sunday, 'Hookah Cafe'
9-11pm, Iona belly dances with Krys and Amae at the Hookah Cafe, 500 Frenchman St., New Orleans, LA. (504) 943-1101. No cover charge; drink or tapas purchase expected.
June 2007
June 16, Saturday, National Comedy Company NSSLHA Benefit Performance
9pm, following her performance at the Big Easy Belly Dance Showcase, Iona will make her way over to Yo Mama's to open the evening's benefit show for the local chapter of the National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association. The National Comedy Company will host the benefit at Yo Mama's Bar & Grill:
Comedy in the French Quarter - The National Comedy Company presents a weekly interactive improv-comedy night featuring Smartass Nick. Tickets $8; call 523-SHOW or visit www.nationalcomedycompany.com 9 p.m. Saturday. Yo Mama's Bar & Grill, 727 St. Peter St., 522-1125
June 16, Saturday, "Indudala Tribe presents: Big Easy Belly Dance Showcase
8pm, Iona will be a solo performer among the dancers at this evening belly dance showcase correlated with the inFusion Tribal Belly Dance workshop hosted by Indudala Tribe. The showcase will feature a variety of belly dance artists and is to be held at the 3 Ring Circus's Big Top, 1638 Clio St., New Orleans, LA. For workshop registration information, go to www.indudalatribe.com
May 2007
May 26, Saturday, "Bayou Shimmy's Baton Rouge Belly Dance Festival"
7pm, Iona will be participating in the studio's events as a panel judge for the student choreography competition. The student competition will take place at Mediterranean Cafe naer the studio on Perkins, BAton Rouge, LA. Go to www.bayoushimmy.com for more details of the all-day event!
April 2007
April 28, Saturday, 'Belly Dance Class Showcase'
Iona will conclude her Belly Dance Class for Beginners at Tulane with a class showcase! Performances will include the group chorography to 'Warda', performance solo by Iona, and a performance by the guest belly dancer! Class is from 1:30-2:40pm; the showcase will begin 2:45pm and is open to friends and family of the class participants.
April 12, Thursday, 'Zaynati's'
7-9pm, Belly Dancing by Iona at Zaynati's Restaurant, 1503 Gause Blvd, Slidell, LA 70458 #(985) 847-9395; call to make a reservation.
April 8, Sunday--Happy Easter!!!
March 2007
March 30, Friday, 'Relay for life'
Performance and Class Demo by Iona as part of the Relay for Life evening events at Tulane's Reily Rec Center. Time TBA.
March 22, Thursday, 'Zaynati's' ***IONA is sick; dancing by Kelly & Holly!
7-9pm, Belly Dancing by Iona at Zaynati's Restaurant, 1503 Gause Blvd, Slidell, LA 70458 #(985) 847-9395; call to make a reservation.
March 17--Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!
March 11, Sunday, Zils and Drum Workshops by Tobias Roberson
Iona will be attending both zils and drum workshops presented by Tobias Roberson at Crescent Lotus Dance Studio in New Orleans. Email ali@nomadictribal.com for workshop registration info. Visit http://www.riqq.com/ for more about Tobias!
March 3, Saturday, Dance and Drum Workshops at Bayou Shimmy
Iona will be attending a Dance Meditation workshop by Shamsi of Baton Rouge from 9:30-12:30pm and a Drum workshop by Shelly Plaissance from 1:30-3:30. For more about Shamsi, Shelly, and Workshop details, visit the studio website www.bayoushimmy.com
February 2007
February 27, Tuesday, BIG EASY AWARD LUNCHEON
Iona joins nominee Betty Karam at the Big Easy Award Luncheon for Dance Artists. Betty is nominated for an award for her performance at the Contemporary Arts Center. Keep your fingers crossed for her!!!
February 22, Thursday, 'Zaynati's'
7-9pm, Belly Dancing by Iona at Zaynati's Restaurant, 1503 Gause Blvd, Slidell, LA 70458 #(985) 847-9395; call to make a reservation.
February 20--Happy Mardi Gras!!!
February 18, Sunday, 'Hookah Cafe'
Join the local dancers of New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Hammond as they celebrate Bacchus Sunday with a Hafla at the Hookah Cafe at 1407 Decatur St. Special guest Dolphina of L.A. will grace the group with her performance after her workshop weekend in the Big Easy. See the Crescent Lotus Dance link for more info on her workshops.
February 15, Thursday, DS Library
6-7pm, Iona joins Shamsi of Baton Rouge to conduct a Belly Dance demo and lesson for the teens at Denham Springs Public Library. Shelly, drum-genius, will lend his hand for some accompanying dance rhythms. See www.bayoushimmy.com to order his new CD!
February 14-- Happy Valentine's Day!!!
January 2007
January 11+25, Thursdays, 'Zaynati's'
7-9pm, Belly Dancing by Iona at Zaynati's Restaurant, 1503 Gause Blvd, Slidell, LA 70458 #(985) 847-9395; call to make a reservation.
December 2006
December 29, Friday, 'Banks Street Bar'
10pm, Iona lends percussion to the Mid City Ramblers in celebration of Phil's Birthday Bash at the Banks Street Bar and Grill, 4401 Banks St., New Orleans, LA #504-486-0258; "Thanks Phil, Mark, and Jimmy for letting me take part in the tunes & festivities!"
December 28, Thursday, 'Zaynati's'
7-9pm, Belly Dancing by Iona at Zaynati's Restaurant, 1503 Gause Blvd, Slidell, LA 70458 #(985) 847-9395; call to make a reservation.
December 2, Saturday "Red Light"
11pm, Iona makes a guest appearance to dance in The Red Light District Variety Show at Le Chat Noir, 715 St. Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA (504) 581-5812. Tickets $15. Iona's performances for the evening include a duet with Betty Karam!
November 2006
November 18, Saturday, 'Kamal's Kafe' ****NOURA will be performing this night!!!!****
6:30-8:30 pm, Belly Dancing by **NOURA** at KAMAL'S KAFE, 13091 Airline Highway Suite A, (Corner of Hwy. 61 and 74), Gonzales, Louisiana 70737, #(225) 644-1400; call to make a reservation; visit Kamal's website at info@kamalskafe.com
November 2 + 9, Thursdays, 'Zaynati's'
7-9pm, Belly Dancing by Iona at Zaynati's Restaurant, 1503 Gause Blvd, Slidell, LA 70458 #(985) 847-9395; call to make a reservation
October 2006
October 26-29, Thursday-Sunday, ' Hadia Workshops' in Baton Rouge, LA
Iona will attend Hadia's dancer workshop on Sunday following a Showcase Saturday evening; Hadia is also offering a 3-day teacher certification class Oct 26-28; brouse www.bayoushimmy.com for more info and registration details.
October 27, Friday, "Aladdin's" (DANCING ON HOLD--CALL TO CONFIRM PERFORMANCES)
6:30-9pm, Belly Dancing by Iona at Aladdin's Restaurant, 1102 N US-190, Covington, LA. #985-809-0223, call to make a reservation.
October 19, Thursday, 'Zaynati's'
7-9pm, Belly Dancing by Iona at Zaynati's Restaurant, 1503 Gause Blvd, Slidell, LA 70458 #(985) 847-9395; call to make a reservation.
October 6, Friday, 'Aladdin's'
6:30-9pm, Belly Dancing by Iona at Aladdin's Restaurant, 1102 N US-190, Covington, LA. #985-809-0223; call to make a reservation.
October 5, Thursday, 'Zaynati's'
7-9pm, Belly Dancing by Iona at Zaynati's Restaurant, 1503 Gause Blvd, Slidell, LA 70458 #(985) 847-9395; call to make a reservation.
September 2006
September 16-17, Saturday+Sunday, "Komenka Presents..."
Iona performs with Betty Karam and the Desert Dancers selections from "Ghawazee Jazz Babies" at the Komenka International Dance review...
KOMENKA PRESENTS "ETHNIC FALLAPALOOZA 2006"
The Komenka Ethnic Dance and Music Ensemble of New Orleans proudly announces its upcoming "Ethnic Fallapalooza 2006" concert series, which will be held on Saturday, September 16 (8PM), and Sunday, September 17 (3PM), in Loyola University New Orleans Louis J. Roussel Performance Hall (St. Charles Avenue at Calhoun Street).
Featured "Komenka" presentations include dance and music of Hungary, Israel, Italy, Moldavia, the Ukraine, the USA (and more).
All shows also include : "Betty Karam and the Desert Dancers" , "CelticFeat" , "Micaela Y Fiesta Flamenca" , "Natasha Ramer" , "Sunanda’s Performing Arts Center".
At door admission prices are $15 for the general public and $10 for seniors, students, and children. Discounts are available for groups as well as advance ticket orders. For more information, call 504-529-4676.
Loyola University, New Orleans, LA. Shows are Saturday 8pm and Sunday 3pm.
September 1, Friday, 'Aladdin's'
6:30-9pm, Belly Dancing by Iona at Aladdin's Restaurant, 1102 N US-190, Covington, LA. #985-809-0223, call to make a reservation.
August 2006
August 21, Monday, TV Taping
Iona's sword and drum dances taped for The Villavicencia Show on UPN Channel 78, NOA! Broadcast date and time TBA.
August 18, Friday, 'Arzi's'
7-10pm, Belly Dancing by Iona at Arzi's Restaurant, 5219 Government St., Baton Rouge, LA. #225-927-2111, call to make a reservation.
August 11, Friday, 'Aladdin's'
6:30-9pm, Belly Dancing by Iona at Aladdin's Restaurant, 1102 N US-190, Covington, LA. #985-809-0223, call to make a reservation.
July 2006
July 28, 29, 30, Friday-Sunday, MEDA Presents...
Morocco and Sahra Saeeda workshop weekend at the Cajundome Convention Center in Lafayette, LA; go to www.meda-la.com for more details and to download registration forms. Iona will perform a sword solo at the Friday night Hafla and perform with her troupe Bayou Jawahir (from Bayou Shimmy Studio) at the Saturday Evening Showcase. Iona is also Emcee for the evening's event. Don't miss it!
July 21, Friday, 'Arzi's'
7-10pm, Belly Dancing by Iona at Arzi's Restaurant, 5219 Government St., Baton Rouge, LA. #225-927-2111, call to make a reservation.
July 7, Friday, 'Aladdin's'
6:30-9pm, Belly Dancing by Iona at Aladdin's Restaurant, 1102 N US-190, Covington, LA. #985-809-0223, call to make a reservation.
June 2006
June 30, Friday, 'Arzi's'
7-10pm, Belly Dancing by Iona at Arzi's Restaurant, 5219 Government St., Baton Rouge, LA. #225-927-2111, call to make a reservation.
June 2, Friday, 'Aladdin's'
6:30-9pm, Belly Dancing by Iona at Aladdin's Restaurant, 1102 N US-190, Covington, LA. #985-809-0223, call to make a reservation.
May 2006
May 6-7, Saturday + Sunday, "Fest for All"
Iona will be dancing with Bayou Shimmy Studio dance artists at 1:30pm on Sat and 12 Noon on Sunday at the Fest for All in Downtown Baton Rouge, LA. See the schedule, map, and details at http://www.artsbr.org/fest-for-all.html
April 2006
April 1-2, Saturday + Sunday
Suhaila Salimpour and Tiffany Bisconer Workshop in Norcross, GA; Iona will be there learning new techniques! Go to www.tezrathegypsy for more info about the workshop weekend.
March 2006
March 25, Saturday
6:30-9pm, Belly Dancing by Iona at the Grapevine Restaurant, 15540 George O'Neal Rd, Baton Rouge, LA
March 24 Friday, "Women in Motion"
Iona performs at "Women in Motion", a part of 'Femme Fest' (March 23-26), presenting local dance artists' performances and their Katrina stories; demonstrations begin at 6:30pm; performances begin at 7:30pm; located in Room 300 of McWilliams Hall of Tulane Campus, New Orleans, LA.
February 2006
Feb 28 'Fat' Tuesday, Mardi Gras
Happy Mardi Gras!!!
Feb 14 Tuesday, Valentine's Day
7-10pm, Belly Dancing by Iona for the Valentine's Dinner service at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel, 6401 Veterans Blvd, Metairie, LA
Feb 3+4 Friday + Saturday
Artemis Workshop hosted by Sisters of the Phoenix, Lafayette, LA; includes Dancer Showcase on Sat, Feb 4; go to Links to brouse their website for details or email sidlandry@cox.internet.com ; more on Artemis at www.serpentine.org
January 2006
(Jan 27, Friday --IONA's Birthday!)
Jan 15, Sunday
Reily Rocks, New Orleans, LA; orientation to programs at the Reily Rec Center; Iona will give a belly dancing class and performance demo from 8:30-9pm; see Links for directions and info about Reily if you are interested in taking any instructional leisure classes.
(Jan 10, Tuesday --Iona's hubby's Birthday! I love you, Sweetheart!!!)
Jan 8, Sunday
MEDA-LA (Middle Eastern Dance Artists of Louisiana) monthly meeting held in New Orleans at 1333 Burdette, 2-4pm; contact Marlane Drake for details, marlane@cox.net