A L E G R I A
EL CARNAVAL DE LA VIDA
Alegría was born from a shared love of dance, culture, celebration, and the moments in life that bring us back to joy.
This project brings together the dances that have shaped us, inspired us, and connected us to communities around the world. Through movement, music, and storytelling, we honor the rhythms and traditions that have filled our lives with happiness and meaning.
Our vision is simple: to create spaces where dance becomes a celebration.
At the heart of Alegría is the belief that joy is powerful. Life moves through many seasons, yet the sun always rises again, and there is always something to celebrate—new beginnings, friendship, culture, resilience, healing, and the beauty of shared experiences.
Our work blends the dances we love, embracing tradition while allowing creativity and connection to guide us.
Alegría is more than a show. Is a celebration of life through dance and we want you to celebrate with us
With love,
Yuriko & Gabriela
SALSA & SHIMMY
rhythm, culture, and connection. This class blends the vibrant dinámicity of movements and musicality of salsa dance with the fluid isolations of bellydance.
CLICK HERE for more info or to sign up
CONGA
The conga is a popular Cuban dance of African origin that has a syncopated rhythm and is accompanied by drums. It serves as accompaniment for carnival parades (comparsas) and originated in the festivities held by enslaved Black people.
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BELLY SAMBA
Experience the fusion of Brazilian samba and belly dance—where high-energy footwork meets grounded, fluid hip movement, a joyful choreography , colorful costumes and a Carnaval of our own
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MELAYA LEFF
Melaya Leff is one of Egypt’s most beloved folkloric dances, inspired by the lively streets of Alexandria—it blends playful flirtation, confidence, humor, and charm. Melaya Leff celebrates the spirit, wit, and everyday elegance of Egyptian culture.
SAIDI
Saidi is a vibrant folkloric dance from Upper Egypt, known for its energetic rhythms, joyful spirit, and rich cultural heritage. Traditionally performed with a cane (assaya), it celebrates strength, community, and the playful exchange between tradition and dance.
The Organizers & Instructors
Gabriela Figueroa
Yuriko Higa
Yuriko Nuria was born in Lima, Peru, where her love for dance began at the age of eight through Peruvian folkloric dance. Growing up surrounded by music and cultural traditions, she discovered that dance was more than movement—it was a way to tell stories, celebrate heritage, and bring people together.
Her artistic journey led her to Oriental dance, where she completed the Teacher Certification Program at Bellyqueen by Kaeshi Chai in New York. She later joined the faculty as an instructor and directed the student performance troupe Radiance of Nuria, inspiring dancers to find confidence and expression through movement.
In addition to Oriental dance, Yuriko has trained in salsa and a variety of Latin dance styles and is a proud member of the Afro-Cuban dance company Oyu Oro. Her commitment to growth continues through the study of salsa, Afro-Cuban rhythms, and Iraqi folklore, embracing the traditions and history behind every dance she performs.
For Yuriko, dance has always been a source of joy, strength, and healing. It has lifted her during difficult moments and reminded her that, regardless of our language, background, or culture, music and movement have the power to unite us. She believes that every dance carries a story, and every shared rhythm creates a connection.
As co-creator of Alegría, Yuriko brings together the styles and cultures that have shaped her life to celebrate the beauty of diversity, resilience, and community. Through each performance, she hopes audiences leave with lighter hearts, renewed hope, and the reminder that even after life’s challenges, there is always joy to be found and always something worth celebrating.
Gabriela Figueroa is a movement artist, somatic practitioner, and the creator of Movimiento Ananda — a philosophy and embodied pathway born from her own journey of emotional healing. Her method emerged not from theory alone, but from years of learning how to return to herself through movement, presence, and deep inner work.
With more than 14 years immersed in Middle Eastern dance and researching diverse movement lineages — including Middle Eastern folklore, Romani/Roma traditions, flamenco, voice & movement explorations by Meredith Monk and choreographic creation — Gabriela developed a unique understanding of movement as a language of the soul.
Her personal path led her to deepen her knowledge through the Trauma Stress Studies Certificate Program with Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, grounding her intuitive discoveries in neuroscience and somatic principles. Yet the heart of her work comes from lived experience -- rebuilding inner safety, and learning to meet her emotions through the body.
Through Movimiento Ananda, Gabriela offers a method that awakens the pulse of life — a practice that uses the body as a pathway to inner freedom, emotional integration, and self-remembrance. Her work invites softness, courage, pleasure, and embodied presence.
Her guidance blends movement, breath, sound, and intuitive exploration to help others integrate their inner parts and remember their innate wholeness.
Gabriela has been a weekly faculty member at Bellyqueen School of Dance in New York for the past eight years, leads the performance troupe The Hadarians, develops original Raqs Sharqi artistic projects, and is the co-creator of Alegría, an immersive performance celebrating joy, music, and community.