At St. James’ Wednesday night class, her students rehearsed in capri pants and coined veils, swaying their hips and clapping.
The classmates represent a range of sizes, ethnicities and occupations. Students range in age from early teens to retirees.
“I think the people who want to do this just show up,” St. James said.
“After the first class, your nerves go away.”
She and her group, JJ and the Habibis (sweethearts or beloveds), perform annually at the Sawdust Art Festival and other events.
The troupe will be at this year’s Sawdust at 6 and 7 p.m. June 29, July 13 and 27, and Aug. 10 and 24.
In her other life, St. James is an on-demand secretary and notary, and volunteers for the Commonground 191 project, which collects soils from around the world.
She was awarded the people’s choice award in the Belly Dancer of the Universe competition’s divine category, and auditioned with her troupe for Simon Cowell’s “America’s Got Talent” reality show, where they became one of the final 120 contestants out of thousands who applied before declining to participate due to the strict contract.
For more information, call St. James at (949) 494-5031 or e-mail jheristjames@yahoo.com.
IF YOU GO
WHO: JJ and the Habibis
WHAT: Belly dance party
WHEN: 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday (free class from noon to 1 p.m.)
WHERE: Legion Hall, 384 Legion St.
HOW MUCH: $5; bring a potluck dish to share
INFORMATION: (949) 494-5031
CANDICE BAKER can be reached at (949) 494-5480 or at candice.baker@latimes.com.
