House of Inanna Belly Dance

Welcome to **House of Inanna Belly Dance**, a renowned studio based in San Jose, California, and a beloved part of the wider Bay Area dance scene. Formed in 2002, House of Inanna has established itself as a premier destination for those eager to explore the captivating world of belly dance, with a particular specialization in FatChance BellyDance®Style (FCBD®Style, formerly known as American Tribal Style/ATS®). This academy is much more than a place to learn dance steps; it’s a vibrant, inclusive community where individuals of all ages, genders, races, backgrounds, sizes, and abilities are welcomed with love and acceptance. Here, dance is seen as an expression of devotion, blurring the line between performer and audience and fostering an environment of continuous growth, empowerment, and joy. Whether you're a complete novice or an experienced dancer looking to deepen your practice, House of Inanna provides a supportive and inspiring space to thrive.

House of Inanna Belly Dance is conveniently located for in-person classes at **1043 Garland Ave, San Jose, CA 95126, USA**, specifically within Roundhill Dance Studios. This location is easily accessible, situated just off The Alameda, west of downtown San Jose, and notably across from St. Leo's Church and School. This central positioning makes it a practical choice for residents across San Jose and the broader Silicon Valley, including those commuting from Santa Clara, Campbell, Cupertino, and Los Gatos. The area generally offers accessible parking options, making your arrival and departure smooth and stress-free. Beyond its physical location, House of Inanna has embraced modern accessibility through its robust online presence, offering virtual classes via Zoom. This expanded reach means that anyone in California, or indeed anywhere in the world, can join their classes from the comfort of their own living room, truly bringing the dance class to you. This dual approach ensures that geographical barriers do not prevent passionate dancers from joining their welcoming community.

House of Inanna Belly Dance offers a comprehensive range of classes tailored to various skill levels, with a strong focus on FCBD®Style while incorporating elements from other rich traditions. Their services are designed to provide a thorough understanding of belly dance technique, artistry, and cultural context:

• **FCBD®Style (FatChance BellyDance®Style) Classes:** The core offering, with instruction primarily based on the seminal teachings of Carolena Nericcio's FatChance BellyDance. These classes focus on group improvisation and non-verbal cues.
• **Level 1: Foundations of FCBD®Style Bellydance:** Designed for beginners or those new to FCBD®Style, these classes cover posture, basic moves, technique, and an introduction to group dynamics. Moves are often repeated across different class days (in-person and virtual) to facilitate mastery.
• **Level 2/3: Intermediate/Advanced Classes:** For dancers with a solid foundation, focusing on more complex FCBD®Style cues, chorus dynamics, leading and following in a group setting, and working with props like swords, baskets, veil, and cane. Instructor approval is usually required for these higher levels.
• **Belly Dance Foundations (Online):** Virtual classes via Zoom that specifically focus on foundational belly dance moves and technique, including hip lifts, umis, head slides, belly rolls, and finger cymbals (sagat/zills).
• **Weekly Group Classes:** Regular in-person classes on Monday evenings and virtual classes on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings, providing consistent opportunities for learning and practice.
• **Private Classes:** Available for personalized instruction and accelerated learning, tailored to individual goals.
• **Performance Opportunities:** While not explicitly a service for all, the troupe performs at various festivals, events (like Tribal Fest, Rakkasah, Burning Man), and private parties, potentially offering advanced students a pathway to performance.
• **Cultural Enrichment:** While teaching dance, the academy also blends elements of old-school Egyptian cabaret and Silk Road cultures, from Morocco through Turkey and India, offering a broader cultural context to the dance form.

What truly makes House of Inanna Belly Dance a standout choice and a cherished "home" for its students are its remarkable features and highlights:

• **Exceptional Instruction by Petra:** Petra, the lead instructor, is consistently lauded as "one of the best." Students, even those with decades of experience, praise her teaching style for being clear, easy to understand, gentle with critiques, and inspiring a continuous desire to learn more. Her ability to break down complex steps and foster significant improvement is highly valued.
• **Inclusivity and Welcoming Environment:** The studio prides itself on welcoming "people of all ages, genders, races, backgrounds, sizes and abilities" to its classes. This deep commitment to inclusivity creates a safe, non-judgmental, and incredibly supportive space where everyone feels acknowledged and encouraged to grow.
• **Strong Sense of Community:** Students consistently refer to the studio as "seriously home" and highlight its role as a "dancing community that wants you to thrive." This powerful sense of belonging fosters connection among dancers and creates a positive environment for learning and self-expression.
• **Versatility of Learning:** The availability of both in-person classes at a convenient San Jose location and extensive virtual classes via Zoom offers unparalleled flexibility. This was a "silver lining of the pandemic," allowing students to continue their practice and engage with the community regardless of their physical proximity or schedule.
• **Focus on FCBD®Style Mastery:** For those interested in this specific improvisational tribal style, House of Inanna is a dedicated and expert resource. Their curriculum is structured to build a strong foundation and progress to complex techniques, including props, within this unique dance form.
• **Emphasis on Growth and Confidence:** The studio's philosophy centers on caring for every individual's growth as a dancer and fostering an environment where students gain confidence, add new moves to their dance vocabulary, and enjoy the journey of improvement.
• **Rich Cultural Blending:** Beyond the core FCBD®Style, the incorporation of old-school Egyptian cabaret and Silk Road cultural elements enriches the learning experience, providing a broader appreciation for the origins and evolution of belly dance.

For those eager to join the vibrant community at House of Inanna Belly Dance, connecting with them is simple and convenient. Their team is ready to assist with inquiries about class schedules, enrollment, virtual class links, or any other questions you may have. You can reach House of Inanna Belly Dance directly by phone at **(669) 295-3111**. For mobile users or those making international calls, the number **+1 669-295-3111** is also available, ensuring easy communication. If you prefer to visit for an in-person class or need to send correspondence, their physical address is **1043 Garland Ave, San Jose, CA 95126, USA**. For virtual classes, it is recommended to email hoidancers@gmail.com at least an hour before class start time to receive the updated Zoom link. It is always a good practice to check their official website or social media for the most current schedule and any announcements, particularly regarding class breaks or special workshops.

House of Inanna Belly Dance is an exceptional choice for locals in California, especially those in the San Jose and wider Bay Area, seeking to immerse themselves in belly dance, particularly the FCBD®Style. The profound positive impact shared by students, highlighting Petra's phenomenal teaching, the incredibly welcoming and empowering community, and the flexibility of both in-person and online classes, makes it a truly unique and valuable resource. Whether you're looking for a new artistic outlet, a supportive community to grow with, or simply a fun and expressive way to stay active, House of Inanna provides a safe and inspiring space. It’s a place where you're not just learning dance steps but are truly cared for and encouraged to thrive, embodying its spirit as a "home" for dancers of all journeys. For anyone in California looking for an authentic and enriching belly dance experience, House of Inanna is wholeheartedly recommended.

House of Inanna Belly Dance

1043 Garland Ave, San Jose, CA 95126, USA