"I was attracted to April Rose's Cohesion program because it combined dance technique practice with the music, culture, and history that I believe is critical to every belly dancer's education, regardless of stylization. I was so impressed by April Rose's clear instruction, clean technique, and attention to efficient and safe biomechanics. As a student, this is the sort of program I want to take; as a teacher, this is the sort of program I wish I had been teaching this whole time."

- Mariza, Stage 1 Cohesion Trained Teacher

"April has built something truly incredible with her program: teaching bellydance skills, musicality, playing instruments with correct technique AND how to dance with them, music theory, how to craft impactful choreographies, accurate historical context, and how to be prepared for professional gigging when her students are ready. Dare I say it? It’s COHESIVE. She’s training THE WHOLE PERSON to be great at what they do."

- Cheyney, Cohesion Coach

"I love the dedication that I feel to my dance journey, and I love how Dance Cohesion is supporting me to spread my wings and expand. It's almost a year now and I learned so much, I am mind blown and grateful."

- Sana, Stage 3 Cohesion Trained Teacher

"My favorite part of Dance Cohesion Stage 1 (besides listening to different musical instruments) was experiencing 'aha moments' while learning about the history of bellydance. The research April Rose presents and the open conversations about cultural and historical context were invaluable to me."

- Somaria

“Improvisation was scary to me, but now the feeling in the moment of “being danced” is truly magical! Every decision is a conscious choice, not a gamble. It feels great.”

- Drake, Stage 3 Cohesion Trained Teacher

"The session we had really gave me a profound insight on the choreographic process. Very technical and well structured. It helped me work on techniques that brought my visions to life in a very clear form. Up until then I never really understood what goes into planning a choreography."

- Josephine

"Each course and choreography that I have learned from you produced multilateral improvements in my technique. I love to learn any course with you!"

- Diana

"One of my favorite parts of this program has been returning to playing music with a lighter heart and smarter approach. Dance Cohesion has inspired me to compose, sing, play percussion, and even flute again after a decade-long burnout. It’s been extremely medicinal to get lost in a rhythm again, and I’m looking forward to further exploration."

- Cheyney, Cohesion Coach

"I find that either if you are a beginner, intermediate, or very experienced dancer you can gain so much from this course: Body awareness, musical and historical learning, perfecting your movement quality. April gave us a lot of material to keep us working for several months and she is also a very generous teacher that genuinely wants you to grow! I felt very fulfilled."

- Raquel

"The content helped me understand all the different aspects of bellydancing with sophistication and professional knowledge: choreography, performing, mental preparation, costumes..."

- Lansley, Stage 2 Cohesion Trained Teacher

"April is not only an amazing and patient teacher, she is a lovely person shining from the inside out and always brings a smile. She was extremely encouraging and positive throughout, always making sure to compliment and give positive affirmations. Dance Cohesion has helped me have more confidence in myself as a dancer. Thank you so much to April Rose for your guidance, positivity, and encouragement."

- Kathryn

"The fact that I was able to take a long break from dance and then get back into Cohesion is a testament to the excellent pedagogical methods you have employed. Thank you so much for creating the most awesome format."

- Nephele, Stage 1 Cohesion Trained Teacher

"I was teaching belly dance class last night, and it was the first time I felt really connected to bellydance again in a long time. As I was breaking down the movement, I briefly watched myself in the mirror and could see my body move with ease and clarity, and this made me happy. Dance Cohesion helped me get my mojo back. :) "

- Kelly, Stage 1 Cohesion Trained Teacher

"I'm beyond grateful that you brought me back to loving the art form of transcultural fusion. It is extremely valuable what you give to our dance community with this format and all the education, technique and connection which comes with it. This is indeed a safe space for creativity and for growth. I'm happy to be here and so motivated to continue to create. I'm looking forward to practicing, learning, and connecting with you and the Dance Cohesion format for many more years."

- Sway, Stage 2 Cohesion Trained Teacher

"I still can’t believe that while I’ve been struggling for years to internalize Middle Eastern rhythms, after one year of studying Dance Cohesion not only can I identify them, but confidently play them on the frame drum as well as multi-tonal finger cymbals ambidextrously!

- Themis, Stage 3 Cohesion Trained Teacher

"I grew up as a dancer thanks to April's program, which is very complete. I learned the fundamentals of bellydance history and how to identify the main instruments of MENAHT music. I also realized one of my dreams: learning how to play duff, a frame drum. I love this instrument so much, which symbolizes the connection with my grandmothers (I come from a Moroccan family, and I was born and grew up in France). While learning the rhythms on drum, I learned an amazing way to play those rhythms with finger cymbals. The dance technique part is brilliant. I have more control of my movements now."

- Nora, Stage 1 Cohesion Trained Teacher

"I really appreciate the care and precision in the way the material in Dance Cohesion is laid out. I've always wanted to learn to play the drum and finger cymbals, and it has seemed a daunting task, but with this training I feel like that goal is now attainable. I also enjoyed learning the layering system of trunk movements, footwork, arm patterns, and finger cymbals. I highly recommend this program!"

- Abby, Stage 1 Cohesion Trained Teacher

"I love your drills. They challenge my mind and keep me present and engaged. I appreciate this of you as a teacher because I struggle with getting focused."

- Milly

"I've often joked that it would be so convenient to be able to learn through osmosis, but April Rose has actually achieved this through her Dance Cohesion program. The deceptively simple activities seem to focus on single, foundational aspects of dance, and that is extremely important. The learner is largely unaware, however, of how the other various elements of the dance are being interwoven throughout the program. After the first couple of sections of the program, I realized that I had somehow internalized not only the movements, but the associated rhythms, multi-instrument musical compositions, connections of the frame drum tones to the dance, underlying foot and arm patterns, and the rich dance history. I entered the lesson expecting to focus on one thread of the dance, but I left the lesson with a complete tapestry."

- Krista

"For the practical application of dance as a meditative practice in order to cultivate solid technique using a choose-your-own-adventure approach to layering, all wrapped in an academic perspective on the origins of the dance, Dance Cohesion is one of my favorite programs. An excellent endeavor to make bellydance as stylistically neutral as possible - to learn the "rules" before you break them, movements are presented in their basic biomechanical forms so the student can focus on efficiency and accuracy before adding influences of style or other dance disciplines. From it's multidisciplinary nature, to its thoughtful progression of Arabic rhythms in conjunction with movement and history, as well as the philosophical lessons on how consistent practice without judging yourself is important for your dance growth, April Rose has created an excellent intensive for all levels of study."

- Seraph

"April Rose is the bomb.com! There’re so many wonderful things I could say about Dance Cohesion. April doesn’t just care about technique, she also places a high importance on the integrity of the movement by incorporating proper body mechanics. This is huge for me because my training thus far has been just mimicking what someone is doing. Most important was the way I felt during the program. Yes, it was fast-paced, and sometimes overwhelming. But I never felt like I didn’t belong. April welcomes diversity and goes out of her way to make sure that EVERYONE feels included. As a minority dancer, this is such a crucial aspect. I appreciate her tremendously for that because she creates a safe space for all dancers to learn and grow."

- Tiquisia

"Dance Cohesion has completely transformed my approach to bellydance—spiritually, physically, and pedagogically. What I love most about it is how, no matter where you are in your dance practice, this format will tease out areas for improvement and show you exactly where the "data is missing."

As a personal example, I used to think I could walk and do hip isolations at the same time no problem... until I tried to walk half-time downbeat right with hip tilts full-time while switching arm positions and stage directions every 8 counts... and then switch to downbeat left. It showed me that I had gotten in a habit of using the same timings and foot pathways over and over again, and something as simple as walking hip tilts became a challenge after 10+ years of dancing."

- Drake, Stage 3 Cohesion Trained Teacher