Dancer * Instructor * Event Producer

Finding Joy and Empowerment Through Dance

Joanna Abel discovered her passion for belly dance in 2005 and has been on fire ever since! With an unwavering devotion spanning nearly two decades, she channels her fiery enthusiasm into performances and dance workshops across the country. As the founder and owner of 3rd Street Belly Dance Studio in her beloved hometown of Pittsburgh, PA, Joanna’s focus is to empower her students to fearlessly explore movement and dance in a safe and nurturing space through her weekly classes, monthly workshops, and annual retreats.
 
Adding to her repertoire, Joanna has found great delight in mesmerizing audiences and enchanting the East Coast for five years with her self-produced fantastical event, Enchanted Creature Ball. This larger-than-life spectacle showcases her creative vision with its fantasy creature themed dance performances, live music, and elegant atmosphere.
 
In addition to performing as a dance soloist, Joanna has been deeply honored to be a part of the esteemed professional dance ensemble, Starry Moon Dance Company, since 2019, alongside the incomparable Maria Hamer and Christine Andrews (The Hamer Sisters); two dancers who have always been a beacon of inspiration for her.
 
Joanna is the director, choreographer, and founder of two student troupes, Dear Heart Dance and 3rd Street Belly Dance. She guides her talented teams in imaginative fusion, ITS, creative movement, and theatrical belly dance performances locally and regionally.
 
Her journey in dance began with her first teacher, Kari Arrington, in Pittsburgh, PA. She then embarked on training with renowned dancer and instructor, Amy Sigil, in her style of ITS (Improv Team Sync) before honing her skills to train and perform with Olivia Kissel’s Hybrid Dance Project, both nationally and internationally. She has also had the privilege of training in Zoe Jakes’ prestigious DanceCraft program. Each of these legendary dancers has profoundly influenced and shaped Joanna’s artistic identity. 
 
Ever the tenacious student, Joanna has also delved into the thrilling world of circus and aerial arts, diligently training for the last three years. She intertwines belly dance with her circus arts practice, infusing her aerial performances with a unique charm! Joanna has been filled with joy and gratitude for this newfound artistic expression!

From studying the intricacies of her crafts to performing dance on grand stages nationally and internationally, Joanna strives to have her passion, creativity, and dedication shine through.