Zoe Jakes
Zoe Jakes
World-wide known and versatile fusion belly dance performer and instructor, Zoe has developed a style of her own, regularly selling out her workshops around the world, due to her unique style and fun teaching methodology.
Katarina Burda, who was an original member of Bal-Anat, was her first teacher. Zoe has an extensive list of companies she has been a part of, including Katarina’s troop Aywah!, along with Mira Betz and Elizabeth Strong, The Suhaila Salimpour Dance Company, The Yard Dogs Road Show, The Indigo Belly Dance Company, with Rachel Brice and Mardi Love, and the Belly Dance Superstars.
Zoe Jakes currently tours with her band Beats Antique, a music band that has 6 albums and has performed hundreds of times. Zoe not only designs and makes many of her own costumes, but also co-produces tracks with Beats Antique!
The different inspirations Beats Antique taps into are a union of old and new. There are infusions of Middle Eastern belly dance rhythms, down tempo, hip-hop, old school jazz, and many styles of electronic music. Their albums include:
2007: Tribal Derivations
2008: Collide
2009: Contraption Vol. 1
2010: The Trunk Archives
2010: Blind Threshold
2011: Elektrafone
2012: Contraption Vol. 2
2013: A Thousand Faces: Act I
2014: A Thousand Faces: Act II
2015: Creature Carnival Live
2016: Shadowbox
It is well known that she is one of the pioneers of tribal fusion belly dance style. Zoe’s signature technique of dance incorporates pop and lock isolations, elements of classical Indian dance, jazz footwork, and modern lines, with predominant belly dance inspiration.
Regarding her teaching style, she is known for her strong technique, drill-sergeant style workshops, and her ability to break down each movement for greater understanding by students of any level.
To share her expertise with the next generation, Zoe is an accomplished teacher and incorporates playfulness and ease to create an engaging training experience.
It is her goal for belly dance to get a wider recognition and respect, and her classes definitely reflect that with a main focus on technique and long term motivation.