Help Us Bring the Spirit of Bellydance & Palestinian Culture to Dance Parade NYC
Dear friends, family, and community,
My name is Janelle Issis, founder of JBelly School of RAQ and director of the JBelly Jewels. For the past eight years, I’ve had the honor of collaborating with Dance Parade New York — a beautiful non-profit organization that celebrates cultural diversity through dance and provides free dance education to NYC public schools.
On May 16, 2026, over 10,000 dancers will move through the streets of New York City in the 20th Annual Dance Parade — the largest dance event in the city — sharing more than 100 styles of dance with an audience of 100,000+ spectators.
And this year, we are bringing Bellydance and Palestinian culture to that stage in a powerful way.
Why This Matters
As a Palestinian-American artist, this is deeply personal to me.
Dance has always been how I connect to my roots. It is how I honor my heritage. It is how I build bridges.
Through JBelly School of RAQ, we celebrate Middle Eastern music, culture, body positivity, and the transformative joy of movement. Our parade float becomes more than a performance platform — it becomes a moving celebration of culture, unity, and love.
What We’re Fundraising For
In order to make this vision come to life, we are raising funds for:
• A 32-foot parade float for live dance performances
• Professional audio system (Honda 3000 watt generator, self-powered speakers, fuel)
• Custom decorations and cultural signage
• Studio rental space for rehearsals (in-person + online)
• Parade day needs: rehearsal space, props, snacks, water, safety logistics
Every detail helps us create a powerful, professional, and safe experience for our dancers.
Ways to Support - Make a Donation
Your contribution — in any amount — helps us move this vision forward.
• All donations are tax-deductible through Dance Parade New York, a registered non-profit organization.
Even the smallest gift makes a real difference.
If donating isn’t possible right now, sharing this fundraiser is equally meaningful.
Join Us as a JBelly Jewel
Dancers from near and far are invited to participate in our 6-Week Parade Program, where you’ll learn choreography, train together, and be part of this unforgettable cultural celebration.
This is more than a parade.
It’s sisterhood | It’s heritage | It’s visibility | It’s joy. REGISTER TO PERFORM (deadline April 9th)
About Dance Parade New York
Dance Parade New York exists to promote and celebrate the diversity of dance through education, advocacy, and NYC’s largest dance event. Their mission is rooted in the belief that live dance awakens the human spirit and helps create a more vibrant and equitable society.
Your donation not only supports our float — it supports free dance programs in NYC schools and keeps cultural arts thriving.
From My Heart
This event has been part of my artistic life for seven years. Each year, when I look out and see our dancers moving together in the streets of New York, I’m reminded why I started this school in the first place.
To celebrate culture | To empower women | To build community | To dance with purpose.
If this vision resonates with you, we would be honored to have your support.
Thank you for believing in art, culture, and the power of dance to unite us all.
With gratitude and love,
Janelle Issis
Creator, JBelly School of RAQ
Director, JBelly Jewels