What Is
Holding You Back?

Maybe you are feeling...

Scared To Start

You feel called to learn bellydance, but you're thinking: "I'm too old," or "my body isn't the correct shape," or "I don't have rhythm."

Frustrated With Your Dance Life

You've been bellydancing a while but don't feel seen or challenged. You crave high-level direction from a caring effective teacher and heart connections with equally passionate dancers.

Burned Out By It All

You've gigged and taught all over town, traveled to every convention, and competed in every competition. You crave greater emotional depth from your relationship to dance, and you need your inspiration cup filled.

"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. Perhaps the best takeaway from the Dance Cohesion Stage 1 Enrichment Course is the idea that movement practice can be carried out in a way that allows the practitioner to let go of their ego and the internal monologues that can sometimes override a practice session. 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

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 Sigil Method cued group improvisation and fusion choreography).

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
Submission Reward: submit your Stage 1 Student Assessment to get your certificate of completion and the Stage 2 printed manual!
Performance Milestone: perform solo improvisation to a classic song to earn a 1:1 milestone call!

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
Submission Reward: submit your Stage 2 Student Assessment to get your certificate of completion and the Stage 3 printed manual!
Performance Milestone: perform with percussion (frame drum or finger cymbals) to earn a 1:1 milestone call!

Stage 3
Artistry
Course

Create Intentional Art

Learn the tools and process for creating intentional choreography
Create consistent practice and production schedules that work for your personality type
Dance and drum advanced group improvisation concepts with detailed finger cymbal patterns
Discover and remember what the practices of dance and drum mean to you in your life journey
Submission Reward: submit your Stage 3 Student Assessment to get your certificate of completion!
Performance Milestone: perform your own choreography to earn a 1:1 milestone call!

"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

Coaching Calls

with April Rose & The Cohesion Team

The weekly coaching calls are your place to share your current wins and challenges, overcome mindset blocks, and get all your questions answered.

We will drum, dance, and discuss. 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?

All questions and concerns will be held and addressed in the coaching calls.

"I signed up for both the Enrichment Course and the Teacher Training. 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

"I come from a Moroccan family and I was born and grew up in France. I used to dance during family celebrations and I started bellydance classes in 2010. I started learning regularly from April since 2020, and 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. While learning the rhythms on drum, I learned an amazing way to play those rhythms with fingers cymbals. It's tricky but so beautiful and I enjoy it so much. The dance technique part is brilliant: out of stylization, it’s easier to understand how a movement works. I have more control of my movements now and I am aware where my weaknesses are and I learned how to work on them and solidify my skills."

- Nora

"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

"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 to learn how to make a meaningful choreography. 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, rewarding. If you are an instructor, you will love teaching the Dance Cohesion format so you don't have to create lesson plans or class content ever again!

"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. The Cohesion Stage 1 Enrichment Course and Stage 1 Teacher Training delivered all that and more! I was so impressed by April Rose's clear instruction, clean technique, and attention to efficient and safe biomechanics. The dance drills are thoughtfully designed and can be stacked to suit beginners while also challenging more experienced students. Music and history are included in every unit, as well as improvisation exercises to connect dancers to the joy of movement and music. There is also an emphasis on dance as a way to connect with yourself and others and enrich your life, the cherry on top that I didn't expect. 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

"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."

- Pamela

"I really appreciate the care and precision in the way the material in Dance Cohesion is laid out. I've always wanted to learn to play the drum and finger cymbals and it has seemed a daunting task but with this training I feel like that goal is now attainable. I also enjoyed learning the layering system of trunk movements, footwork, arm patterns, and finger cymbals. During this time of lock down it really helped to calm my nervous system to be able to peel off layers as needed or stack them up for more of a challenge. Plus the drum loops themselves can be used as a meditative practice alone. I highly recommend this program!"

- Abby

"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. My favorite learning moments were the ones where she emphasized the significance of cohesion and how positive feedback and making everyone feel welcome is crucial. I learned a lot about myself as a teacher, a student, and about my role as a bellydancer in my community. I already knew my passion was in sharing dance and I have always loved teaching beginners more than anything for the same reason April emphasizes, to get the art out there for more people to experience it. 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

"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

"April is not only an amazing and patient teacher, she is a lovely person shining from the inside out and always brings a smile. I have learned so much from Dance Cohesion Stage 1 and while I hadn't ever used drums or finger cymbals before, she understood and gave me the basics I needed to continue my practice. She was also extremely encouraging and positive throughout, always making sure to compliment and give positive affirmations. I don't have the best confidence in my abilities as a dancer but my experience with Cohesion has helped me. Thank you so much to April Rose for your guidance, positivity and encouragement."

- Kathryn

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.

Rose Movement Studio is committed to diversity and to equal opportunity for all students and attendees. Rose Movement Studio does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, height, weight, physical or mental ability, HIV status, veteran status, military obligations, or marital status. This policy applies to hiring, internal promotions, training, opportunities for advancement, and terminations and applies to all Rose Movement Studio employees, volunteers, students, and attendees.

JOIN THE

The Cohesion Collective

MEET APRIL ROSE

What Is Holding You Back?

Scared To Start

Frustrated With Your Dance Life

Burned Out By It All

Becoming a professional bellydanceris totally possible!

The next level of bellydance brilliance is achievable for every type of body and human, including you!

Imagine What You'll Feel Like When

You Are In Control

You Are Connected

You Are Creating

Empowered in your body and creative expression

YOU ARE READY

to be brilliant!to be a confident and captivating bellydancer

living purposefully and creatively

The Cohesion Collective

Become a professional bellydancer in 9 months with the Dance Cohesion framework incorporating frame drum and cued improvisation

THE COHESION COLLECTIVE IS THE MOST

Comprehensive

in-depth program for learning everything you need to go pro with bellydance

- Seraph

Why I Created Dance Cohesion

What's Included in the Program

GROUP COACHING CALLS & PRACTICE SESSIONS

DANCE COHESION COURSES

INDIVIDUAL FEEDBACK

PRIVATE COMMUNITY

1:1 MILESTONE CALLS

SUBMISSION REWARDS

Courses

Stage 1Enrichment Course

Stage 2 Connection Course

Stage 3ArtistryCourse

- Krista

Group Coaching& Private Community

Coaching Calls

Private Community

- Somaria

Individual Feedback&1:1 Milestone Calls

Submission Feedback

1:1 Milestone Calls

- Drake

- Josephine

Bonuses

Teacher Training

- Abby

- Amber

Frame Drum

- Nora

- Suzy

Enjoying the rewards of your investment in yourself

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

"I'm just getting into this"

"I've been at this a while"

- Raquel

- Mariza

Start Building Your Brilliance Now

The body dies

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

Deepen your connection to your body, community, and creativity NOW through the art of bellydance

- Pamela

My Values

1

PRACTICE SLOW, LEARN FAST

2

PROGRESS OVER PERFECTION

3

VULNERABILITY IS A STRENGTH

- Milly

- Abby

Who Is The Collective For?

It's for you if:

It's not for you if:

- Jenny

- Tiquisia

A's for your Q's

Apply Today

Chat with me

What Is
Holding You Back?

Becoming a professional bellydancer
is totally possible!

Empowered in your body
and creative expression

to be brilliant!

to be a confident and captivating bellydancer

Stage 1
Enrichment Course

Stage 3
Artistry
Course

Group Coaching
&
Private Community

Individual Feedback
&
1:1 Milestone Calls

Start Building
Your Brilliance Now

COHESION STYLE
In Cued Group Improvisation

COHESION STYLE
In Group Choreography

COHESION STYLE
In Solo Improvisation

FRAME DRUM FOR ONE ANOTHER
Drum for Your Team as They Dance and Cymbal

DANCE AS YOU FRAME DRUM
Dance and Drum Simultaneously

DANCE WITH THE FRAME DRUM
As a Beautiful Ancient Prop

MILESTONE 1
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)

CUED COHESION DUET WITH DRAKE VON TRAPP & APRIL ROSE
Featuring Frame Drum, Finger Cymbals, and Voice!

CUED COHESION AT A GOTHIC-THEMED GIG
Because we have a shared vocabulary, we didn't even have to rehearse for this party that hired us!