Instructor Bios
Ariellah studied classical ballet with the Royal Academy of Dance of London for twelve years, beginning at age three. After a four-year break from dance that included two years in the Peace Corps on Africa’s Ivory Coast, she returned to the United States eager to learn the dance of her Moroccan ancestry.

Trying her hand at belly dance had been a lifelong goal, and was a natural extension of Ariellah’s dance career and life experience. Her pursuit of belly dance began with Janine Ryle, who studied with San Francisco belly dance institution Hahbi'Ru. Ariellah eventually became a part of Janine’s troupe, Danse Maghreb. With roots grounded firmly in the culture and tradition of North Africa, belly dance came naturally to Ariellah. Janine encouraged her desire to learn from as many sources as possible, and suggested that she take classes with Rachel Brice, who is currently touring internationally with The Bellydance Superstars. Ariellah began studying with Rachel in early 2002 and became a founding member of Rachel’s Indigo Belly Dance Company in 2003. Ariellah is currently busy teaching, performing and practicing. In 2004, Ariellah won first place in the Star Fusion category of Sirens In Sanity’s belly dance competition, Enchanted Camelot, held in Benecia, CA. Most recently Ariellah was featured in the first of its kind, Gothic Belly Dance DVD. Released in spring 2006.
Ariellah’s style reflects her personal interpretation of tribal fusion belly dance, which blends the darker side of traditional Middle Eastern, American Tribal Style and cabaret belly dance with a modern, very dark flavour, that is uniquely her own. Her style emanates from the passion, joy and contentment that belly dance has brought to her life, allowing her to fully express herself in a unique and beautiful way.
As a classically trained professional dancer, Ariellah understands the importance of each event to which she is invited, and she strives, with each performance, to create just the right mood. Ariellah is highly adaptable and takes great pride in customizing her repertoire to meet your unique needs.