<div><strong>Help Us Bring the Spirit of Bellydance and Palestinian Culture to the Dance Parade!</strong>

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<div>Dear friends, family, and supporters,

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<div>My name is Janelle, and I am the creator of JBelly School of RAQ. For the past six years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Dance Parade, a wonderful non-profit charity in New York City that celebrates the magic of dance. This organization brings together dancers from all over the world, providing incredible events while also offering free classes to schools throughout NYC. 

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<div>On May 17th, 2025, over 10,000 dancers will unite to celebrate more than 100 dance styles and cultures in the city’s largest dance event.

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<div>Each year I am beyond excited to invite my students and friends to join JBelly School of RAQ in representing Bellydance and arab music in the parade! As the Lead Float Designer/Director for DP, I’m thrilled to work behind the scenes, as well as share the stage with all of you as we showcase the beauty of Middle Eastern dance! 

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<div><strong>But we can’t do it alone! </strong>That’s where you come in. We’re asking for your support to help us fund our spectacular parade float, where dancers will perform for an audience of over 100,000 people! This float will serve as a platform for our dancers to express themselves, celebrate their culture, and unite in the joy of dance.

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<div><strong>We are looking for dancers, donors, and supporters to help us reach our fundraising goal. </strong>Your generous contributions will help cover:

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<div>* A 32-foot parade float for our dancers to perform on

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<div>* Audio System: Honda 3000 watt generator with gas, 4 active self-powered speakers 

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<div>* Decorations and signage to showcase our message

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<div>* Studio rental fees (both in-person and online)

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<div>* Parade day rehearsal needs: snacks, water, dance props, and more

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<div><strong>How can you get involved?</strong>

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<div><strong>* Donate:</strong> Donations over $50 will have your name displayed on the float as a token of our sincere gratitude. Donations of $300+ will allow your logo (of your choice) to be featured on the float. Deadline April 5th. 

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<div><strong>* Join us as a JBelly Jewel Dancer: </strong>Dancers (local and non-local) are invited to join us for our 5 Week Program, where you’ll learn exciting choreographies and be part of this incredible experience. <strong>Register &gt; </strong><a href="https://www.janelleissis.com/danceparade" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Learn More Deadline April 10th</strong></a><strong> </strong>

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<div><strong>What’s this all about?</strong>

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<div>This is about celebrating the power of dance to bring people together across cultures, backgrounds, and communities. It’s about embracing our shared humanity and expressing our love for Palestine through the art of Bellydance. As a Palestinian American creator of JBelly School of RAQ, this event is deeply personal to me. It’s a way to honor my roots, share the beauty of Arab culture, and bring people together to celebrate diversity, body positivity, and the joy of movement.

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<div><strong>Thank you for considering supporting this dream.</strong> Every little bit helps, and your contribution will not only support our dancers but also help spread the love and magic of Bellydance and Palestinian culture to the world. Together, we can make this a reality!

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<div>With heartfelt thanks and appreciation, 

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<div>Janelle Creator of JBelly School of RAQ and the JBelly Jewels 

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<div><strong>VIEW OUR PAST DANCE PARADE EVENTS! </strong> <a href="https://www.janelleissis.com/danceparade" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CLICK HERE</a> 

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Janet Issis

Anonymous

Amadeo Cruz

Sanjeeva Senanayake

Michel Alvarez

Anthony Ruiz

Eric Schumacher

Patricia Jones

Peter Bueckle

Sabrina Smith

Karla Castro

Diego and Mafe Barco

Samer Azab

Venetia Fleming

Eric Martin

Parade Float Funding!! JBelly School of RAQ: Bellydance

Parade Float Funding!! JBelly School of RAQ: Bellydance

Still $1,690 to go. Help us build momentum.