Testimonials
Expert Testimonial
International Superstar & Master Teacher
It is with great pleasure that I write this letter recommending Stephanie Chiang as a performer and educator of bellydance.
I am April Rose, a dance teacher and performer specializing in bellydance, raqs sharqi, and transnational fusion. I hold an M.A. in Culture and Performance from the department of World Arts and Cultures at UCLA, and I have taught and toured my choreographic work in over 25 countries. I have had the pleasure to work with Stephanie in my teacher training and performance development program, The Cohesion Collective. Of all the dancers I’ve worked with, Stephanie is among the most talented, organized, dedicated, kind, community-oriented, generous, and reliable.
During our time together, Stephanie proved to be not only a technically skilled dancer but also a skilled frame drum player, finger cymbalist, performer, and teacher. Her expertise in bellydance, frame drum, cued improvisation, and teaching was a huge asset that led to a positive classroom environment and many successful enjoyable performances.
It is with great pleasure and confidence that I recommend Stephanie because I know her skills, professionalism, and resourcefulness will be an asset to any organization.
If you need more information or specific examples, please do not hesitate to contact me at contact@aprilrose.dance.
April Rose DaPrato
M.A. Culture and Performance | UCLA
B.A. Dance | UCLA
Creator of Dance Cohesion
Student Testimonials
“You (Stephanie) are passionate about your craft and it's contagious. You excel at your craft and it's inspiring. As a teacher, you always have something prepared that is fun, feels like a complete routine that we can actually dance (as opposed to a chore) and is at the right level so we can learn it during the time that we allocate. I like how you build on separate components, both during a session and across sessions. We always start with something that's easy and feel very doable and as soon as we're comfortable with it we embellish it with layers upon layers that make it interesting and pose the right amount of challenge. You stimulate the desire to be continuously improving and manage to help us do it at our own pace.”
Patricia D.
“I am a lifelong learner, which means I have never stopped taking classes of all sorts, and you are one of the best teachers I've had. Specifically, your layering teaching style has been fantastic for my brain-body connection. Something that looks intimidating, you can break down into bite-sized pieces. I love this!”
Michelle A.
“Your instructions are very clear and detailed. I also enjoy hearing you share the background information of belly dance and the music. You are very knowledgeable about belly dance and you are also very passionate. That passion is inspiring.”
Ninger Z.
Collaborator Testimonials
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Fundraisers
“Stephanie, I cannot thank you enough for everything you did, to help bring my vision to life with your performance and mingling with the guests. I appreciate your attention to detail, communication and your thoughtfulness. I can’t say enough about your incredible performance and generosity."
2023 | Shannon E., Organizer of GVHC Gala 2023
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Events
“As a studio owner, I’m very selective about who I recommend, and Stephanie exceeds every expectation. Her technique is impeccable, her movements are captivating, and her ability to connect with the audience creates an unforgettable experience. If you’re planning an event, trust me — you need Stephanie because she is a powerhouse performer! Don’t hesitate — book her and prepare to be amazed!”
2025 | Gabrielle F., Owner of Alegria Performing Arts Academy
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Collaborations
"Stephanie, thank you so much for your lovely performance, for all the treats, and the special bouquet. Everyone enjoyed the evening. I loved how you brought up audience members to join you - especially the children."
2024 | Judy K., Coordinator of the Village Dancers
Google Reviews
Jenny Winzey | 5 Stars
If you don't want to read the whole thing, let me just tell you- this is a rave review. Hire Stephanie or take her classes. Trust me. I would give Stephanie 10 stars if I could. I have had the pleasure of being her student for beginning, intermediate and private lessons. I have also seen her perform in a professional capacity.
Are you a beginner looking to try something new, feel great about yourself, and get your heart rate up in a fun environment? Stephanie is the teacher for you! Are you a seasoned dancer looking to learn a new genre from a teacher with professional experience and profound technical ability? Stephanie is the teacher for you too! Are you looking for a performer with charisma, beauty, professionalism, and a high level of skill? Hire Stephanie!
As a former ballet dancer and teacher myself, I can tell you that this level of skill and personal dedication is rare amongst dance teachers in the Central Valley. I have had many wonderful dance teachers in many different genres for decades, and Stephanie is right at the top. She is a once-in-a-lifetime teacher for Central Valley dancers of all experience levels. Thank you, Stephanie!
Kilolo Brodie-Crumsey | 5 Stars
I booked Stephanie for my daughter's 18th birthday, and her belly dancing was absolutely captivating.
What truly sets her apart is her genuine warmth and connection with the audience, making everyone feel part of the magic.
She's a total professional, a joy to work with, and will elevate your event from great to extraordinary. Trust me, your guests will be talking about Stephanie's performance long after the music fades. Book her now!
Patricia Diaz | 5 Stars
Stephanie is the best! I say this as a dancer and former performing artist who is learning belly dancing via online lessons with Stephanie.
I've seen Stephanie perform live and the energy she brings into the room is indescribable; I strongly recommend attending her shows to get a true sense of her talents.
As a teacher, Stephanie has a knack for scaffolding the routines so they're really easy to follow even as a beginner and, at the same time, easy to embellish with layers upon layers that make it interesting and pose the right amount of challenge.
Something that sets Stephanie apart is that we're always dancing to music; there's, for sure physical effort but it's not just exercising.
Video Testimonials
Diana’s Student Testimonial
Diana is a belly dance student at Alegria Performing Arts Academy.
“Stephanie came out and did a belly dancing performance, and I saw how she did her moves and I was so inspired. Coming from a Middle Eastern background, I know the music and I wanted to get up and dance as well.
Anyone who wants to learn how to belly dance correctly should take it from Stephanie because Stephanie has the techniques down, she has thoroughly explained each dance move with us. The class is just amazing.”
April Rose’s Teacher Testimonial
April Rose, with a B.A. in Dance and Master's in Culture & Performance from UCLA, is known for her technical style and Dance Cohesion format. A former Bellydance Superstars performer, she now globally shares her expertise in performance and teaching.
This video is feedback from April Rose’s intensive Dance Cohesion program.
“It's extremely rare to pass [the Stage 2 Teacher Assessment] on the first try. Only a few people have done it. You're in the elite, cream of the crop — and I love love love watching you dance. I would be super excited to be your student.”
Gabrielle’s Studio Owner Testimonial
Gabrielle Aguiar-Forrest is the owner of Alegria Performing Arts Academy.
“We’ve had 5 other belly dancing instructors over the last 10 years and it’s just now that we are able to have more retention. I firmly believe that it is due to how Stephanie has created a welcoming environment and a community for her students. I highly recommend you try a class with Miss Stephanie.”
Andrea’s Student Testimonial
Andrea is a belly dance student at Alegria Performing Arts Academy.
“I think Stephanie is a wonderful teacher. I have noticed from taking belly dance classes that I have improved my posture and increased self-confidence. Overall, I present myself better. I'm looking forward to the advanced moves so that we can dance more like Stephanie, she's an amazing performer.”
Testimonials of Breakthrough Beyond Dance
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Nathan C. | Stanford student
“I reached out to Stephanie…and I’m so glad I did. She was incredibly kind, responsive, and shared thoughtful, personal insights that went far beyond anything I could’ve found online.
As a student exploring different career paths, I especially appreciated her practical advice on how to reflect on my experiences—like rating how much I enjoyed specific tasks across internships and projects to better understand my interests.
Overall, Stephanie was more than helpful—she’s an excellent communicator, and her energy is genuinely contagious!”
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Anna M. | Stanford graduate & Analyst
“I reached out to Stephanie because I wanted to better understand what skills to focus on in my career.
Our conversation was incredibly helpful — Stephanie’s positive energy and thoughtful questions pushed me to reflect more deeply on my own priorities and values as I explore career options.
Stephanie provided both big-picture insights as well as concrete, tactical advice which made next steps feel more manageable. Stephanie’s clarity, warmth, and generosity made the conversation both inspiring and grounding.“
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Romain L. | Stanford researcher
“I'd like to thank Stephanie for her advice and the time she devoted to me.
Planning to start my career in the technology industry after my research experience at Stanford, I was wondering how to optimize my internship search.
Stephanie helped me understand what I was really looking for and took the time to identify the different opportunities available to me. In the end, I found some opportunities and had a better idea of what to expect at my interviews.”
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Sebastian O. | Stanford graduate
“I came to Stephanie for help with my job search. I had just finished graduate school and was applying to roles in a new industry. I saw Stephanie had experience bringing her unique skillset into different domains. I wanted to know how to do it, too.
Stephanie was inspiring and supportive. She reminded me that my journey is mine to carve. Our conversation helped me remember the great things I've accomplished and made me excited for the future.
Stephanie is very receptive and a good listener. I did not need to sugar-coat the difficult parts of my job search experience. She opened a space in which we both kept it real.” -
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Ella C. | Stanford student
“I was beginning my freshman year, and wasn’t really sure which direction I wanted to go in in terms of a career path and major.
Ms. Chiang’s bio included that fact that she is the “mother of a rambunctious little boy” and detailed her love for dance, which suggested to me that she wasn’t someone who only cared about her work, but also about having time for family, passions, and an overall work-life balance, which is something I value as well.
She was extremely responsive, clear, and efficient in her communication. Overall, speaking with Ms. Chiang taught me a lot, and I recommend that others do the same.”
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Evy S. | Stanford student
“Stephanie was extraordinarily generous with her time and advice when describing her function, skills she thinks are necessary to succeed, and also realistic insights about the job market.
I appreciated the creative metaphors and ample amount of examples of her own experience that really instilled in me the necessity to pitch yourself as someone who can bring value no matter what stage of career development you are in.
Stephanie is full of insights and creativity, and I am very grateful for our conversation.”
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Elena M. | Stanford PhD Candidate
I had the pleasure of reaching out to Stephanie for career advice, and I am so grateful that I did! She was attentive and encouraging, and helped me identify my strengths as well as the areas where I could best pursue them.
Stephanie’s own journey inspired me and made me more excited about the future. I especially appreciated her perspective that if an opportunity does not exist, you can create it.
As someone studying math, I often feel overwhelmed by the limitless possibilities. I am truly thankful for the time she gave me and the confidence her advice instilled."
