Janelle Rodriguez is a native Californian and has been performing as a dancer since the age of 5. Janelle’s early background in dance includes jazz, tap, ballet, modern dance, gymnastics, and Mexican Folklore. In 1995, she decided to explore foreign dance territory by experiencing the exotic and mysterious Middle Eastern bellydance.

Janelle first studied bellydance with Cory Zamora in Fresno, California. Janelle was immediately enamored by the isolated movements and unique rhythms; feeling her body move in ways she had not realized possible. While the dance was completely new to her, the movements felt very natural---sprouting the seeds of inspiration which have flowered into a lifelong passion of study and personal growth.

Janelle moved to Santa Cruz in 1997 and began studying with Beth Frue, who became a wonderful friend and an undying source of inspiration and confidence. Beth’s supportive mentoring gave Janelle the courage to teach and choreograph a bellydance piece for Cabrillo College’s 1998 spring dance performance. This successful performance and review ignited her love for choreography and teaching.

Janelle continues to take countless workshops of various dance forms. Instructors who have become personal mentors include Beth Frue and Helene. Jamila and Suhaila Salimpour have also strongly influenced Janelle's journey in dance. These women have taught Janelle the importance of history, culture and professionalism that is intertwined with the dance. A strong physiological outlook of the dance has sharpened Janelle’s movements and given them a clarity and distinction that makes the subtleties of the dance visible to untrained eyes. The understanding of muscle use and development is primary in all of Janelle’s classes.

In 2003, by request, Janelle started teaching small classes for friends and fellow dancers. Janelle began to teach in more formal studio settings to accommadate her growing student body. Janelle’s talent for teaching has provided a natural evolution in her students that has led to the formation of the Desert Dream Dance Company, and has made Janelle a prominent instructor within the Santa Cruz community. Janelle enjoys sharing her knowledge through teaching, which further encourages her to improve and expand upon her own dancing.