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EVENT DETAILS:
Northwest Bellydance 2026 Gala Starring Zoe Jakes
October 3 – Showtime 7:00-9:00pm | Doors 6:00pm | Opening Act 6:45pm
Bing Crosby Theater | 901 W Sprague Ave Spokane, WA 99212
Tickets available through Ticketswest
Northwest Bellydance Academy presents its 2026 Annual Gala, this year featuring international sensation Zoe Jakes of Beats Antique. Northwest Bellydance Academy is known for expressive choreography and stagecraft that celebrates diversity and emphasizes embodiment. The local student ensemble is joined by dancers from across the country, from California to South Carolina! The Academy brings together professional artists and student performers for an evening of dynamic choreography and powerful storytelling. Directed by Nefabit, Saleenx and Thorn Trinity, their annual gala has become known as a must-see event bringing the legendary art of bellydance and fusion dance to new audiences. Special guest star Zoe Jakes is one of the industry’s leading professional fusion dancers. She tours internationally and is well known for her work with Bellydance Superstars, Beats Antique, her mesmerizing solo performances, and her certification program DanceCraft ™
ZOE JAKES began her belly dance journey in 2000 and is known as a pioneer of the fusion style. Zoe’s signature technique of dance incorporates pop and lock isolations, elements of classical indian dance, jazz foot work and modern lines, with abundances of folk belly dance inspiration.
Zoe is a founding member of the electronic and world fusion group Beats Antique, where she composes music and is the lead dancer. Since Beats Antique’s 2007 inception, Zoe has been renowned around the world for her unique form of belly dance.
To share her expertise with the next generation, Zoe is an accomplished teacher and incorporates playfulness and ease to create an engaging training experience. Above all, Zoe desires to create an inclusive environment so all may enjoy the art of belly dance. There is grace that comes with training in this artistry, and Zoe aspires to teach everyone in her classes to embody this fluidity.
Northwest Bellydance Academy is an award-winning dance studio recognized for its bold theatrical productions, exceptional instruction, and commitment to artistic excellence. Our highly trained and nationally recognized instructors guide students through a diverse range of bellydance styles from fusion to folkloric while encouraging every dancer to develop their own unique artistic voice. Through expressive choreography that celebrates individuality and diversity, the studio emphasizes embodiment, performance, and authentic storytelling, creating dancers who are not only technically skilled but captivating performers
Thorn Trinity has been immersed in multiple styles of dance since her teenage years and is a lifelong devotee of movement and artistic expression. In 2019, she became a certified Dancecraft instructor after completing four years of intensive study under the mentorship of Rachel Brice through the 8 Elements Program. Known for her striking stage presence, meticulous character work, and captivating intensity, Thorn creates performances that are both technically refined and emotionally immersive. She is the Datura instructor at Northwest Bellydance Academy and a member of Northwest Bellydance Company, performing throughout the Pacific Northwest and Canada. In 2025, she earned back-to-back first place titles in the Professional Fusion divisions at both Belly Dancer USA and The Wild Rose Competition.
Saleenx is an award-winning fusion belly dancer, instructor, and choreographer celebrated for her intensity, precision, and expressive storytelling. She brings a distinctive artistic perspective to every performance add choreography. As the fusion instructor of Northwest Bellydance Academy, as well as a principal dancer in their professional Comopany, she is passionate about cultivating confident, expressive artists through both technical excellence and creative exploration. Her captivating stage presence has earned her recognition throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond, and earned her multiple awards including Fusion Pro Winner at Bellydancer USA 2026.
Nefabit is a second-generation dancer in Spokane, Washington. Known for her bold, maximalist artistry, emotive performances, and commanding stage presence, she has captivated audiences throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond. As director of one of the region’s largest and most accomplished bellydance studios, she is passionate about developing dancers into confident performers while celebrating artistic individuality and theatrical storytelling. Nefabit has had the pleasure of teaching and performing nationally and internationally as both a soloist and with Bellydance Evolution and Northwest Bellydance Company. Through her innovative choreography and modern theatrical vision, she continues to push the boundaries of Middle Eastern dance while honoring its rich traditions. She holds over 20 national and international titles, including Bellydancer USA 2022, and Bellydancer of the Universe 2022
