Interview with Briel Edmonds: Awakening the Body Through Sacral Sensuality

This September, The Red Shoes welcomes Baton Rouge-native Briel Edmonds, an experienced belly dancer and spiritual practitioner, to guide a transformative new workshop: Sacral Sensuality: A Belly Dancing Workshop on Saturday, September 13. Through movement, meditation, and history, participants will reconnect with their body’s wisdom and awaken the creative, sensual energy of the sacral chakra.

We sat down with Briel to learn more about her journey into belly dance and what participants can expect from this immersive experience.

Q: Can you share a bit about your journey into belly dancing and how it became a central part of your spiritual practice?

Briel: I’ve felt drawn to Middle Eastern music and artistry since my teenage years. I worked closely with a Jordanian family for nearly seven years, and during that time I was immersed in their culture—music, food, traditions—which gave me a special appreciation for its beauty.

My passion truly ignited in 2014 when I stumbled upon a live performance by Zoe Jakes, a founding member of the band Beats Antique, at a festival in Atlanta. Zoe’s style of tribal fusion belly dance was unlike anything I had ever seen—it was storytelling through movement, deeply connected to rhythm, energy, and body. I was completely mesmerized.

Soon after, I began training in Baton Rouge at Violet Lotus Studio, first in ATS (American Tribal Style) and later in more traditional belly dance with my teacher and mentor, Gwenda Bourgeois. My studies expanded to include props like zils, swords, and veils, and in 2019 I trained directly with Zoe Jakes at her DanceCraft Intensive in New Orleans. That training was grueling—over six hours of dancing a day with both physical and written exams—but deeply rewarding.

Over the years, I’ve continued training with Zoe, earning certifications in both Key of Diamonds and Key of Spades levels of DanceCraft. Belly dancing has remained one of the most powerful tools in my spiritual practice. It connects me to ancient energy, my own body, my femininity, my strength, a greater sisterhood, and divinity itself. For me, belly dance is much more than movement—it’s sacred.

Q: What experiences or knowledge have shaped your approach to teaching belly dance?

Briel: Yoga and meditation have been foundational. The connection between breath and movement is essential, especially when evoking the sensual and ritualistic energy that belly dancing awakens. I bring mindfulness and presence into my teaching so students can fully embody the movements. Yoga also supports the strength, balance, and flexibility needed for belly dancing, so I weave it into warm-ups to prepare the body.

Q: What inspired the theme of Sacral Sensuality for this workshop?

Briel: I wanted to offer something deeper than a dance class. This is about more than fun, fitness, or even feeling sexy—it’s about exploring the roots of the dance, the energy it carries, and how it moves through us. The sacral chakra governs creativity, emotions, and pleasure—all of which are core to belly dance. Sacral Sensuality is designed to combine history, meditation, and intentional movement so participants leave with a felt sense of connection and transformation.

Q: How do you define sensuality in the context of this workshop, and why is it important to reconnect with it?

Briel: Sensuality is simply the pleasure of experiencing our senses. In this workshop, we’ll immerse ourselves in multiple layers of sensation—hearing entrancing rhythms, seeing our bodies move in new ways, feeling muscles engage and stretch, noticing the flow of breath and energy.

We live in a world of overstimulation, instant gratification, and screen addiction that often pulls us away from the present moment. Reconnecting with sensuality allows us to slow down, notice the subtleties of life, and reclaim joy in simple, embodied experiences.

Q: For participants new to belly dance, what do you hope they gain beyond just learning dance moves?

Briel: I hope they leave with a new appreciation for the cultural depth, technical discipline, and spiritual power of belly dance. It’s an art form that requires years of dedication to master, but even at a beginner level it can open profound connections—physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Q: What should attendees know or prepare before coming to the workshop?

Briel: Come with an open mind and a willingness to connect with your sacral chakra. Some participants may experience emotional release, and that’s part of the process. Wear comfortable, close-fitting clothes, bring a water bottle, and eat a light, protein-rich snack beforehand. Yoga mats are provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own. I’ll also have some coin belts available to borrow. Expect to sweat, and to feel your hips, core, and shoulders engaged in new ways.

Q: For someone who has never danced before, what would you say to encourage them to join?

Briel: This workshop is for everyone—experienced dancers, total beginners, and those simply curious about movement. Sacral Sensuality is about opening, learning, flowing, and connecting. All that’s required is an open mind and presence. If you bring those, you’ll discover a whole new way of experiencing your body and energy.

Join us for Sacral Sensuality: A Belly Dancing Workshop on Saturday, September 13 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at The Red Shoes.

Space is limited so please pre-register.

No dance or yoga experience needed. Come as you are, and leave with a renewed connection to your body, your energy, and your spirit.