ABOUT CHANTAL
Influenced by vintage and modern Raqs Sharqi, Folkloric, and Fusion Bellydancers alike, Chantal is a graceful and enchanting performer described as "liquid gold" and "a skillful and enigmatic catalyst between the music and the audience."
She has performed on a variety of stages, from the Silk Road Caravan and Arcana sets at the Northern California Renaissance Pleasure Faire to the renowned Great American Music Hall; from small private house concerts and hookah bars to the famed Tipitina's and Joy Theater of New Orleans! Whatever the setting, she brings a fresh, inspired, and artistic performance.
She has performed on a variety of stages, from the Silk Road Caravan and Arcana sets at the Northern California Renaissance Pleasure Faire to the renowned Great American Music Hall; from small private house concerts and hookah bars to the famed Tipitina's and Joy Theater of New Orleans! Whatever the setting, she brings a fresh, inspired, and artistic performance.
Chantal studied from the age of 10 to 15 with Katarina Burda, a Bay Area teacher who emphasized dance ethnology, folkloric styles, finger cymbal patterns, improvisation, costuming, and traditional songs. She then studied for several years with Miriam Peretz in Berkeley, with a focus on Central Asian dance forms including Persian, Afghan, Uzbek, and Tajik styles. Over the years, she has taken Turkish Roman with Elizabeth Strong and Jessaiah Zure, both students of the well-known Turkish dancer Reyhan Tuzsuz. She has taken, and continues to take, workshops with esteemed dancers including Mira Betz, Kami Liddle, Zoe Jakes, Ebony Qualls, Lebanese Simon and more!
Chantal lived in Istanbul for a year in 2015 and 2016 with her husband and daughter, teaching English and Bellydance lessons, raising her toddler, and soaking up the culture through food, music, and dance. She then spent five years in New Orleans and was greatly influenced by the fun, playful side of variety shows and audience interaction. She toured and was featured with local troupe "Big Deal Burlesque" as a variety act and performed in "Bariq Bellydance Co." with dear friends KerryLynn, Ashley Blair, and Misty.
Since 2019, Chantal has focused primarily on teaching both in-person and over Zoom with students all over the world. She frequently shares popular "mini-lessons" on her social media platforms which has garnered international recognition. She taught a course on Social Media for Artists at the 2026 Al Raqs Conference and was a judge for their Film Festival.
"Chantal's attuned teaching methods, comprehensive technique breakdowns, and guidance into exploring my own movement creativity have added another layer of love to my dance. She is not only a master at what she does, but her passion and integrity in teaching bellydance flow to her students. Doesn't matter your level or where you are in your dance journey - if you have the opportunity to learn from Chantal, don't think twice!"
-Michaela Marr
Chantal is located in Oakland, CA where she teaches and performs on a regular basis, happy to be surrounded by friends, old and new, in this beautiful community of dancers, musicians, and artists. She recently joined the Bay Area Chapter of Qabila Dance Co. with direction and lessons by Alia Saeed and is looking forward to performing with them locally and nationally!
Chantal lived in Istanbul for a year in 2015 and 2016 with her husband and daughter, teaching English and Bellydance lessons, raising her toddler, and soaking up the culture through food, music, and dance. She then spent five years in New Orleans and was greatly influenced by the fun, playful side of variety shows and audience interaction. She toured and was featured with local troupe "Big Deal Burlesque" as a variety act and performed in "Bariq Bellydance Co." with dear friends KerryLynn, Ashley Blair, and Misty.
Since 2019, Chantal has focused primarily on teaching both in-person and over Zoom with students all over the world. She frequently shares popular "mini-lessons" on her social media platforms which has garnered international recognition. She taught a course on Social Media for Artists at the 2026 Al Raqs Conference and was a judge for their Film Festival.
"Chantal's attuned teaching methods, comprehensive technique breakdowns, and guidance into exploring my own movement creativity have added another layer of love to my dance. She is not only a master at what she does, but her passion and integrity in teaching bellydance flow to her students. Doesn't matter your level or where you are in your dance journey - if you have the opportunity to learn from Chantal, don't think twice!"
-Michaela Marr
Chantal is located in Oakland, CA where she teaches and performs on a regular basis, happy to be surrounded by friends, old and new, in this beautiful community of dancers, musicians, and artists. She recently joined the Bay Area Chapter of Qabila Dance Co. with direction and lessons by Alia Saeed and is looking forward to performing with them locally and nationally!
Qabila Dance Co at Revival Bellydance Festival, 2026
ARTIVISM
Over the past 2 years, Chantal has used dance as activism through social media posts, teaching, and performing to raise money for the Palestine Children's Relief Fund and other aid organizations. If you'd like to help the causes directly:
MY PRIMARY INSTRUCTORS
TREASURED DANCE INSTRUCTORS
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