"Belonging to The Cohesion Collective is THE BEST decision I could have made in my dance career. I have grown not only as a dancer and teacher but also as a person. Everything I have learned has exceeded my expectations.

I can now improvise and choreograph in a more fluid, natural, and fun way. I am proud to be able to structure the dance classes I teach and to be able to play the frame drum while I dance.

I am grateful to April because she always cheers me on and gives me clear feedback to achieve even better results with her personalized, punctual, objective, and motivating coaching. I have been able to broaden my vision and feel much more prepared for big challenges.

With the pep-talks, feedback, and encouragement from the beautiful supportive community that April has created, I have managed to keep myself consistent and motivated.

Being part of The Cohesion Collective has helped me take off in ways that I didn't even imagine for myself."

- Gaby, Stage 3 Cohesion Trained Teacher

Why haven't you reached your full potential as a professional bellydancer yet?

Maybe you are...

Scared to start

You feel deeply called to perform and teach bellydance at the pro level, but you're thinking: "I'm too old," "my body isn't the correct shape," or "what will they think?"

Frustrated with your lack of growth opportunities

You've been bellydancing a while but don't feel seen, challenged, or rewarded. You're ready to make the move from student to instructor, from hafla performer to gigging pro.

Burned out by it all

You've gigged and taught all over town, traveled to every convention, and competed in every competition, but you can't keep giving so much of yourself for so little return. You need to build your dance business in a sustainable way.

Stage 1
Enrichment Course

Bellydance Movement, Music, and History

Learn safe and efficient body mechanics for foundational raqs sharqi and transcultural fusion movement
Embody Middle Eastern rhythms on the frame drum and learn the qualities of common instruments
Begin incorporating finger cymbals into your dancing
Practice solo improvisation to develop your personal taste and style
Learn about the historical development and cultural contexts for this long-living tradition
Performance Milestone: perform solo improvisation to a classic song to earn a 1:1 milestone call!
Submission Reward: submit your Stage 1 Teacher Evaluation to get in-depth feedback, a printed certificate, and the Stage 2 printed manual!
Unlock Lifetime Access: pass your Stage 1 Teacher Evaluation to get your Dance Cohesion Stage 1 Trained Teacher Certification and unlock lifetime access to the Stage 1 Enrichment Course & Stage 1 Teacher Training!

Stage 2 Connection Course

Dance and Frame Drum with Cued Group Improvisation

Learn a raqs sharqi-inspired movement language that will enable you to perform improvisationally in a group
Embody Middle Eastern rhythms on the frame drum and play improvisationally with others while traveling and dancing
Learn to dance complex movement phrases while simultaneously playing rhythms with multi-tonal finger cymbals
Performance Milestone: perform with percussion (frame drum or finger cymbals) to earn a 1:1 milestone call!
Submission Reward: submit your Stage 2 Teacher Evaluation to get in-depth feedback, a printed certificate, and the Stage 3 printed manual!
Unlock Lifetime Access: pass your Stage 2 Teacher Evaluation to get your Dance Cohesion Stage 2 Trained Teacher Certification and unlock lifetime access to the Stage 2 Connection Course & Stage 2 Teacher Training!

Stage 3
Artistry
Course

Create Intentional Art

Learn the tools and process for creating powerful original choreographies
Dance advanced layered combinations while playing expanded techniques on the finger cymbals and frame drum
Apply advanced staging concepts to cued group improvisation.
Develop your own unique dance style
Investigate issues of appropriation so you
can make creative decisions you believe in
Access a library of professional performance tips
Performance Milestone: perform your own original choreography to earn a 1:1 milestone call!
Submission Reward: submit your Stage 3 Teacher Evaluation to get in-depth feedback and a printed certificate!
Unlock Lifetime Access: pass your Stage 3 Teacher Evaluation to get your Dance Cohesion Stage 3 Trained Teacher Certification and unlock lifetime access to the Stage 3 Artistry Course & Stage 3 Teacher Training!

Learn how to successfully:

Identify safe body postures and offer corrections through effective positive feedback
Teach beginners and advanced dancers at the same time with a multi-level scaffolding approach
Facilitate a healthy and joyous classroom culture
Minimize class-prep time by using the Dance Cohesion prepared syllabi and class playlists
Market your classes effectively to attract and retain students who LOVE your personality and style
Direct dance companies and manage studios in ethical and profitable ways

"I immediately had this feeling of fear following signing up for the Teacher Training. I had never put myself outside of my comfort zone like that. Who am *I* to pursue teaching? Am I in over my head? The imposter syndrome hit hard. Well let me tell you, it was one of the most inspiring, exciting, educational, and mind-blowing experiences of my life. The Cohesion program is so thoughtful, methodical, fun and approachable. I am truly invigorated by the material and I am HUMBLED, HONORED, AND FREAKIN' STOKED to be able to say that I am a Stage 1 Trained Teacher in the Dance Cohesion format. This has been a huge growth for me and I am excited for my future growth. I overcame fear and discomfort and the reward just keeps on giving because I am stronger, more brave, and more confident in my abilities."

- Amber, Stage 1 Cohesion Trained Teacher

"I'm so happy! When I started this program I would not have thought that I would work as a salaried teacher. But guess what, I have now been working as a dance teacher for a few months at a civic college, and thanks to this program I had the courage to do it. I have one group and we are practicing a choreography I made for them. And I was asked to teach more groups next fall! I'm so excited! So thanks to you, without this program I wouldn't be here now!"

- Reetta, Stage 1 Cohesion Trained Teacher

Q&A Private Call Feed

with April Rose

The Q&A Private Call Feed is the place to overcome mindset blocks and get all your questions answered.

Have a question about performance, teaching, or any aspect of your dance life? Having a hard time with mastering that technique or retaining those rhythms? Do you feel nervous or excited about an upcoming performance you are creating? Are you facing personal challenges in your dance community? Need a pep talk from April Rose?

April answers your questions in detail with the super useful and convenient Q&A Private Call Feed.

Private Community

Closed Online Forum & Virtual Gatherings

Surround yourself with other passionate dancers in an intentional uplifting space that accelerates progress.

In the private community forum we share wins, challenges, and stories.

We also gather periodically with virtual shows to perform the dances we have been creating and cheer one another on.

The private group is also where you'll post your homework videos and ask questions to get feedback and answers from April Rose and The Cohesion Collective coaches.

Submission Feedback

from April Rose & The Cohesion Coaches

You will have the opportunity to get personalized feedback each week on your optional homework assignments.

Grow your skills FAST with the detailed and actionable feedback telling you EXACTLY what to do to improve your dancing.

This level of individual attention and direct communication helps dancers sky rocket their skills quicker than anywhere else.

Catching bad habits before they form is the most effective way to become a skilled dancer in less time than you ever imagined!

1:1 Milestone Calls

with April Rose

During your time in the program you'll have four 1:1 calls with April Rose to help you develop yourself as a unique performer.

The first is your onboarding call, to get you set up with a custom action plan. Then, three additional calls upon the achievement of each of the following performance milestones:

1 - After you perform a solo improvisation to a classic song

2 - After you perform a dance that incorporates percussion (frame drum or cymbals)

3 - After you perform your own choreography

The Bold Bellydancer Shift Workshop
Insights on the shift that we are experiencing in the pro fusion bellydance world, plus ideas and encouragement for moving forward.
Real-Life Bellydance Stories: Q&A Panel
These accomplished fusion bellydancers share the secrets of how they have overcome obstacles and mindset blocks to build their professional bellydance careers as teachers, performers, and choreographers.
Handling Rejection: Pep Talk & Journal Prompt
Dreaming & Scheming: Goal-setting Journal Exercise

"I watched the Bold Bellydancer Shift and I was so inspired. Everything April said resonated with me. It was wonderful to watch the dancers perform and hear their advice on how to work towards your goals and celebrate your progress. Before, I had a really fixed mindset and didn't envisage what I could be capable of. These workshops helped me realize that when training and making choreography I've been suppressing a whole side of me, the type of movements I enjoy and how I like to express myself. Now I've decided to embrace it!"

- Jo, Stage 1 Cohesion Trained Teacher

"So packed full of helpful & inspiring information and stories."

- Erynn

"The whole time I was watching The Bold Bellydancer, I was nodding. Thank you for confirming what I've been saying and feeling for years!"

- Emily

"So insightful and inspirational. The pieces that you bring about what's common among bellydancers and what's happening now is such a mind relief!"

- Andrea

"WHAT. A. BLAST!! April Rose does a fantastic job of sharing her education and passion around bellydance movement, music, and research. She shortens the learning curve in a wonderful way by teaching her stylization of movements combined with Middle Eastern rhythms on finger cymbals and frame drum. I have been playing finger cymbals for a few years, but up to now had yet to really learn the actual rhythms associated. WOW. MIND. BLOWN. I came away from this course a much stronger musician than expected! Her approach to instruction is one big helping of gentle determination served up with a side pure love for teaching bellydance in all its variations."

- Suzy

"Still buzzing from the weekend. I joined in the drum jam at the end of the hafla with my frame drum! The best fun ever! I knew all the rhythms. When I began this course I could not have guessed how much the drumming would enrich my whole experience of bellydancing.

And I would have never improvised without TCC! Learning and being familiar with the rhythms has opened up so much opportunity for me to improvise to a wide range of music. It's a real milestone for me in developing my identity as a dancer. Indebted to your program for helping me gain the tools and knowledge to drum and to be creative."

- Jo, Stage 1 Cohesion Trained Teacher

"I was attracted to April Rose's Cohesion program because it combined dance technique practice with the music, culture, and history that I believe is critical to every belly dancer's education, regardless of stylization. I was so impressed by April Rose's clear instruction, clean technique, and attention to efficient and safe biomechanics. As a student, this is the sort of program I want to take; as a teacher, this is the sort of program I wish I had been teaching this whole time."

- Mariza, Stage 1 Cohesion Trained Teacher

"I'm just getting into this"

Great! The technique lessons in the Dance Cohesion Stage 1 Enrichment Course will start you off at the right place: the very beginning. Even if you’ve never danced, drummed, or cymbaled before - even if you know nothing about the history of bellydance or the music associated with it - the Cohesion framework is the best way to build knowledge and skills correctly, safely, and efficiently, from the start. That means you won't waste years practicing ineffectively and feeling discouraged by your slow progress. With the Cohesion system, you will gain skills fast!

"I've been at this a while"

Perfect! So many people have come to me just for advice on staying inspired in their dance practice, to learn more about bellydance history, frame drum, or how to make a great choreography, enjoy improv, and take their dance to the next professional level. I find that when dancers come to me with years of expertise, we end up discovering lots of ways we can actually tweak what they are doing now to make their dance lives even more satisfying, creative, and rewarding. Too many pro dancers are getting burned out because they lack the systems to make their bellydance business a breeze.

"I highly HIGHLY recommend studying with April- she is an amazingly knowledgeable and talented source, and treats her students and the art form with the utmost attention and respect. She is wonderful at breaking down the base elements of the dance form so you can really polish and perfect your technique while still having it feel so organic. Few dance forms are so challenging for the mind and body yet feel so good at the same time! If you want to improve your cymbal technique as well, I have never been a part of a training program that does this better- she's the absolute gold star in this aspect for sure. I love how we learn the drumming rhythms to really embody them and improve our musicality as well. If you want to have a great time and truly enjoy the process of learning and improving, train with April! I'm so thrilled to be part of her program."

- Xatia, Stage 3 Cohesion Trained Teacher

About me

I fell in love with bellydance as a child when I saw people unapologetically enjoying their bodies and connecting to music and one another.

I hold an M.A. in Culture and Performance and a B.A. in Dance from UCLA and have been honored by invitations to teach in over 25 countries.

Through movement and music, I'm here to serve mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual wellness within each dancer.

With a deep love for tradition, innovation, and individual expression, I believe when dances are approached with respect and humility we can access the deep healing transformative potential of collective human movement.

Why I Created Dance Cohesion

After touring 25 countries, I felt disappointed by the separation I saw between the traditional MENAHT (Middle Eastern, North African, Hellenic, Turkish) dance communities and the fusion dance communities.

I felt artistically lost because I didn't fit in either restrictive category of being truly a "raqs sharqi" or "transcultural fusion" dancer - nor did I want to fit!

So I created my own elegant, thoughtful, and playful approach to bellydance that incorporates elements of tradition (like Middle Eastern rhythms on frame drum and cymbals) mixed with elements of innovation (like fusion choreography and cued group improvisation).

"I love being part of The Cohesion Collective and I'm beyond grateful that you brought me back to loving the art form of transcultural fusion. It is extremely valuable what you give to our dance community with this format and all the education, technique and connection which comes with it. This is indeed a safe space for creativity and for growth. I'm happy to be here and so motivated to continue to create. I'm looking forward to practicing, learning, and connecting with you and the Dance Cohesion format for many more years."

- Sway, Stage 2 Cohesion Trained Teacher

"April Rose is the bomb.com! There’re so many wonderful things I could say about Dance Cohesion. April doesn’t just care about technique, she also places a high importance on the integrity of the movement by incorporating proper body mechanics. This is huge for me because my training thus far has been just mimicking what someone is doing. Most important was the way I felt during the program. Yes, it was fast-paced, and sometimes overwhelming. But I never felt like I didn’t belong. April welcomes diversity and goes out of her way to make sure that EVERYONE feels included. As a minority dancer, this is such a crucial aspect. I appreciate her tremendously for that because she creates a safe space for all dancers to learn and grow."

- Tiquisia

"I’ve done a few training programs and Dance Cohesion aligns with my goals as a performer and teacher the most. Very well structured, very clear, thorough, full of intent and passion. I am very grateful for the opportunity to study with April Rose. I learned a lot about myself as a teacher, a student, and about my role as a bellydancer in my community. Dance Cohesion ignited the passion inside me to continue to do this with more vigor and thorough presentation. I can’t say thank you enough!"

- Jenny

"I grew up as a dancer thanks to April's program, which is very complete. I learned the fundamentals of bellydance history and how to identify the main instruments of MENAHT music. I also realized one of my dreams: learning how to play duff, a frame drum. I love this instrument so much, which symbolizes the connection with my grandmothers (I come from a Moroccan family, and I was born and grew up in France). While learning the rhythms on drum, I learned an amazing way to play those rhythms with finger cymbals. The dance technique part is brilliant. I have more control of my movements now."

- Nora, Stage 1 Cohesion Trained Teacher

"I was teaching belly dance class last night and it was the first time I felt really connected to bellydance again in a long time. As I was breaking down the movement, I briefly watched myself in the mirror and could see my body move with ease and clarity, and this made me happy. Not only because my body was enjoying it, but also because my students were comprehending my demo. Dance Cohesion helped me get my mojo back :) I really am enjoying teaching - more than I expected. And I'm glad I am getting my teaching certification through your program."

- Kelly, Stage 1 Cohesion Trained Teacher

"Dance Cohesion has completely transformed my approach to bellydance—spiritually, physically, and pedagogically. What I love most about it is how, no matter where you are in your dance practice, this format will tease out areas for improvement and show you exactly where the "data is missing."

As a personal example, I used to think I could walk and do hip isolations at the same time no problem... until I tried to walk half-time downbeat right with hip tilts full-time while switching arm positions and stage directions every 8 counts... and then switch to downbeat left. It showed me that I had gotten in a habit of using the same timings and foot pathways over and over again, and something as simple as walking hip tilts became a challenge after 10+ years of dancing."

- Drake, Stage 3 Cohesion Trained Teacher

"I still can’t believe that while I’ve been struggling for years to internalize Middle Eastern rhythms, after one year of studying Dance Cohesion not only can I identify them, but confidently play them on the frame drum as well as multi-tonal finger cymbals ambidextrously! That is itself is an accomplishment.

Now add to that torso layers, traveling, group formations, and decision making. With so many mental and physical layers, the mind has no space for anything else - instead of being busy I feel fully in the moment in my body and mind."

- Themis, Stage 3 Cohesion Trained Teacher

"I've often joked that it would be so convenient to be able to learn through osmosis, but April Rose has actually achieved this through her Dance Cohesion program. The deceptively simple activities seem to focus on single, foundational aspects of dance, and that is extremely important. The learner is largely unaware, however, of how the other various elements of the dance are being interwoven throughout the program. After the first couple of sections of the program, I realized that I had somehow internalized not only the movements, but the associated rhythms, multi-instrument musical compositions, connections of the frame drum tones to the dance, underlying foot and arm patterns, and the rich dance history. I entered the lesson expecting to focus on one thread of the dance, but I left the lesson with a complete tapestry."

- Krista

"For the practical application of dance as a meditative practice in order to cultivate solid technique using a choose-your-own-adventure approach to layering, all wrapped in an academic perspective on the origins of the dance, Dance Cohesion is one of my favorite programs. An excellent endeavor to make bellydance as stylistically neutral as possible - to learn the "rules" before you break them, movements are presented in their basic biomechanical forms so the student can focus on efficiency and accuracy before adding influences of style or other dance disciplines. From it's multidisciplinary nature, to its thoughtful progression of Arabic rhythms in conjunction with movement and history, as well as the philosophical lessons on how consistent practice without judging yourself is important for your dance growth, April Rose has created an excellent intensive for all levels of study."

- Seraph

YOUR SUCCESS DEPENDS ENTIRELY ON YOUR OWN EFFORT, MOTIVATION, COMMITMENT AND FOLLOW-THROUGH. WE CANNOT PREDICT AND WE DO NOT GUARANTEE THAT YOU WILL ATTAIN A PARTICULAR RESULT, AND YOU ACCEPT AND UNDERSTAND THAT RESULTS DIFFER FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL. EACH INDIVIDUAL’S RESULTS DEPEND ON HIS OR HER UNIQUE BACKGROUND, DEDICATION, DESIRE, MOTIVATION, ACTIONS, AND NUMEROUS OTHER FACTORS. YOU FULLY AGREE THAT THERE ARE NO GUARANTEES AS TO THE SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR RESULTS YOU CAN EXPECT FROM USING THE INFORMATION YOU RECEIVE ON OR THROUGH THIS WEBSITE OR PRODUCT.

TESTIMONIALS.
WE PRESENT TESTIMONIALS AND INSIGHTS ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE’S EXPERIENCES WITH OUR PROGRAM FOR PURPOSES OF ILLUSTRATION ONLY. THE TESTIMONIALS, EXAMPLES, AND PHOTOS USED ARE OF ACTUAL CLIENTS. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO REPRESENT OR GUARANTEE THAT CURRENT OR FUTURE CLIENTS WILL ACHIEVE THE SAME OR SIMILAR RESULTS; RATHER, THESE TESTIMONIALS REPRESENT WHAT IS POSSIBLE FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY.

We believe Black Lives Matter, we enthusiastically support LGBTQIA+ rights, we know that what makes you different is your superpower, and we celebrate and welcome all intersectional identities - from neurodivergence, to religious beliefs, to disabilities and everything in between. We actively invest in and work to build an equitable, inclusive, anti-racist company from the inside out. We believe in science. We encourage you to join our community if you share those values and want to work with a company with a dynamic, intersectionally diverse team and clients.

Become a Boss Bellydancer

using the Dance Cohesion framework,incorporating frame drum, cued improvisation, and effective entrepreneurial systems

EVERYTHING YOU NEED

Join the most comprehensive onlineperformer and teacher training programfor current and aspiring professional bellydancers

- Gaby, Stage 3 Cohesion Trained Teacher

Bellydance, play finger cymbals, and frame drumeffortlessly

Why haven't you reached your full potential as a professional bellydancer yet?

Scared to start

Frustrated with your lack of growth opportunities

Burned out by it all

Crafting your rewarding and sustainable bellydance career is totally doable!

Imagine What You'll Feel Like When

You Are In Control

You Are Connected

You Are Creating

The Cohesion Collectiveis the only program you needto teach and perform bellydance professionally,

THE COHESION COLLECTIVE HAS

EVERYTHING YOU NEEDto thrive as a pro bellydancer

What's Included in the Program

DANCE COHESION COURSES & TEACHER TRAININGS

Q&A PRIVATE CALL FEED

INDIVIDUAL FEEDBACK

PRIVATE COMMUNITY

1:1 MILESTONE CALLS

SUBMISSION REWARDS

Courses

Stage 1Enrichment Course

Stage 2 Connection Course

Stage 3ArtistryCourse

- Somaria

- Drake, Stage 3 Cohesion Trained Teacher

- Josephine

- Lansley, Stage 2 Cohesion Trained Teacher

Teacher Training

- Amber, Stage 1 Cohesion Trained Teacher

- Abby, Stage 1 Cohesion Trained Teacher

- Reetta, Stage 1 Cohesion Trained Teacher

Q&A Call Feed& Private Community

Q&A Private Call Feed

Private Community

- Lansley, Stage 2 Cohesion Trained Teacher

- Gaby, Stage 3 Cohesion Trained Teacher

- Themis, Stage 3 Cohesion Trained Teacher

- Jasmine, Stage 2 Cohesion Trained Teacher

Individual Feedback&1:1 Milestone Calls

Submission Feedback

1:1 Milestone Calls

- Natalie

- Pamela, Stage 3 Cohesion Trained Teacher

- Jasmine, Stage 2 Cohesion Trained Teacher

Real Bellydancers, Real Brilliance

See Cohesion Trained Teacher, Drake, hit his performance milestones!

MILESTONE 1Perform a Solo Improvisation to a Classic Song

MILESTONE 2Perform with Percussion (Finger Cymbals or Frame Drum)

MILESTONE 3Perform Your Own Choreography (Classic or Fusion)

I can't wait to see what you create with the Cohesion framework!

The Program Also Includes These Incredible Bonuses!

Trained Teachers Unlock Lifetime Access

TRAINED TEACHERS KEEPACCESS TO THE CORE CURRICULUMAND A PRIVATE GROUP!

- Lorien, Stage 3 Cohesion Trained Teacher

Professional Bellydancer Toolkit

Get the inside scoop on being a pro bellydancer with these lectures and templates:

The Bold Bellydancer Shift

Bust your mindset blocks and learn to be bold in your dance career

- Jo, Stage 1 Cohesion Trained Teacher

- Erynn

- Emily

- Andrea

Compelling Choreographies

Frame Drum & Voice

- Sana, Stage 3 Cohesion Trained Teacher

- Cheyney, Cohesion Coach

Frame Drum

Dance To Your Own Drum

Inside The Cohesion Collective you will fall in love with the frame drum...

DANCE AS YOU FRAME DRUMDance and Drum Simultaneously

DANCE WITH THE FRAME DRUMAs a Beautiful Ancient Prop

- Suzy

- Jo, Stage 1 Cohesion Trained Teacher

Start Building Your Bellydance Career in the Most Effective Enjoyable Way NOW

using the Dance Cohesion framework,
incorporating frame drum, cued improvisation, and
effective entrepreneurial systems

Join the most comprehensive online
performer and teacher training program
for current and aspiring professional bellydancers

Bellydance, play finger cymbals, and frame drum
effortlessly

The Cohesion Collective
is the only program you need
to teach and perform bellydance professionally,

EVERYTHING YOU NEED
to thrive as a pro bellydancer

Stage 1
Enrichment Course

Stage 3
Artistry
Course

Q&A Call Feed
&
Private Community

Individual Feedback
&
1:1 Milestone Calls

MILESTONE 1
Perform a Solo Improvisation to a Classic Song

MILESTONE 2
Perform with Percussion (Finger Cymbals or Frame Drum)

MILESTONE 3
Perform Your Own Choreography (Classic or Fusion)

Trained Teachers
Unlock Lifetime Access

TRAINED TEACHERS KEEP
ACCESS TO THE CORE CURRICULUM
AND A PRIVATE GROUP!

Bust your mindset blocks and
learn to be bold in your dance career

Frame Drum
& Voice

DANCE AS YOU FRAME DRUM
Dance and Drum Simultaneously

DANCE WITH THE FRAME DRUM
As a Beautiful Ancient Prop

You don't have a moment to waste in this precious vessel,
your body!

The Cohesion Collective is for You Whether You Are a Beginner
or Already a Pro

DON'T WAIT!
Apply now to begin (or refine) your life as a professional bellydancer today.