Meet Janelle Jalila Issis

We recently connected with Janelle Jalila Issis and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Janelle Jalila , we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
Confidence and self-esteem was initially set by example. From an early age I watched my father Dr. John Issis dedicate his life to taking care of others and heard him speak of how much he loved what he did each day, even the hard days. His passion drove him to get up at 4am (even to this day) and come home late in the evening. His work meant something and he was proud. Early on I realized you must have to have some kind of trust in yourself and confidence to cut people and hope to heal them. He always told me to do what I love and at the early age of 4 Dance was the only activity I wanted to stick with. I didn’t realize till I was in my teens that dance is what gave me my personal confidence through all of life’s obstacles not just in the dance studio. It taught me hard work, dedication, to fall down and get back up, and even as I began to audition in my late teens I had to have the confidence take the many many no’s until there was a yes. Dance for me was more than physical and to this day it serves as mental and emotional support as well. As a young middle schooler I was made fun of because of my unique style of dance and even some of the Arabic food I would bring to lunch… but my confidence I gained from my family and dance kept me strong.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I started my bellydancing journey at the age of 4 by studying the art of Classical Egyptian Bellydance. As a Palestinian-American I mostly kept this a secret because kids in school made fun of me but I never let that stop me from performing at my Churches Cultural Food Festival’s and international fairs. This taught me confidence at an early age and to follow my passion. 13 years later of Tap, Jazz, Contemporary and Musical Theater dancing I went off to college and continued to train at the UofA where I received a BA in Nutrition and in Dance Performance. This is when I began creating the “JBelly Style” and sharing it with others. I moved to CA in 2011 to pursue to dance more professionally and was a finalist on FOX “So You Think You Can Dance.“ Fast forward to 2018 I made the switch to New York and wouldn’t change a thing.

When Covid hit, we all had to pivot a bit! I was let go from Alvin Ailey Extension, Broadway Dance Center, and Crunch Fitness to name a few and I saw it as a huge opportunity to create a virtual classroom in order to continue to connect and share joy. In 2020 JBelly School of RAQ was born and since then i’ve stopped working for others and put all my love and energy into my clients and dream job. Today I teach bold women and men like you how to encompass mental, physical, and emotional wellness through the art of Raqs Sharqi, Bellydance!

“EveryBODY is a Bellydance BODY!”

My vision is that no matter who you are or where you are that you can access my classes and begin to tap into your Goddess energy today. I see this community as a tribe of goddesses from all walks of life connecting through dance and healing movement. I want you to find the confidence to face all of life’s obstacles, challenges and joys with an open heart! Whether you want to pursue a professional career or want to cultivate deep joy and self love – my classes are for you!

“Trust Me, You Can Bellydance!”

My school has been growing with the help of Instagram @jbellyburn, my Website and the JBelly Jewels “My beloved New York Students” – reaching new people each day and being able to dance with you no matter where you are from is a blessing! I now have available 3 Unlimited On-Demand Class Plans which offer a range of beginner to professional level, various bellydance styles, and even my signature BellydanceBURN “Sweat Sexy” classes. There is literally something for everyBODY!

The BellydanceBURN Platform is something I am most proud of. As seen on “The Wendy Williams” show 2021 and featured in “The Health Magazine” 2019! BellydanceBURN is an all levels “Sweat Sexy” safe and effective fitness system created by Janelle. Bellydance when you want where you want. Sign up today for a free 2 day trial.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
My advice is just do it (whatever the it may be) and TRUST yourself. Anything worth learning takes time and patience, obstacles will present themselves but those are the moments you find the positive, you find yourself, and move forward.

Trusting in your talent: there is so much out there that will tell you otherwise or make you feel tiny in your craft. Look at other peoples success in your field as inspiration and not comparison.

If you are an entrepreneur like myself (one woman owned and operated business in all aspects) treat yourself like a business and make a plan and accomplish goals one at a time. Dont overwhelm yourself with trying to do everything at once because then nothing will get done.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
Write it all down!

I write all the things down.. especially at night when my mind does not want to rest. For some reason if I write it down, make a list I know it will be there in the morning and I don’t have to rely on my mind to remember it. When things get too much I write down what must be done soon and what can wait and I give myself grace and tackle each thing one at a time.

If I am too overwhelmed I give myself a break and say “No” to things! I am a yes person. But… sometimes we need to say no. And allowing yourself to do that is totally ok.

Also, yoga, face yoga, watching naked and afraid, a long shower – face mask – and pampering is also a must!

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