Shimmy Shakti - Belly Dance Goddesses

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Award-Winning Media Strategist Returns with Inthespotlight504
New Orleans, LA — March 17, 2026

Karla Marie Cochran, known to many as Karlita, is reclaiming her place as a leading voice in New Orleans media and marketing with the digital launch of Inthespotlight504, the editorial platform she founded in 2024 to amplify culture, business, and community.

The former founder of N.O.sotros Magazine, an award-winning New Orleans publication whose legacy is preserved in the Louisiana State Library and the archives of Tulane and Loyola Universities, Karla Marie brings nearly three decades of experience in storytelling, brand strategy, and cultural advocacy to her latest venture. Inthespotlight504 is designed to highlight local voices, spotlight small businesses, and elevate underrepresented communities across the city.

Born in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, and raised between Honduras and New Orleans, Karla Marie draws on a bicultural perspective that informs her approach to media and community engagement. A proud Latina and polyglot fluent in English, Spanish, and French, she is also a Middle Eastern/North African dance educator at Tulane University and her home studio: Studio Shakti, blending creativity and cultural fluency in every project.

“Inthespotlight504 was planted intentionally,” Karlita says. “Before relaunching, I took time to step back and observe the city’s landscape. In today’s media and influencer environment, it was crucial to understand what stories the community truly wanted to see. What began as a simple documentation of moments and spaces has evolved into a full digital editorial platform— a place to highlight voices and bring light to social media, which can sometimes feel negative. This year was never just a relaunch; it was a recommitment to amplifying New Orleans’ stories, its people, and its culture. And now, with our first cover story launching on March 15, the energy is building, and I feel more connected to the city’s pulse than ever.”

Beyond media and marketing, Karla Marie serves on the boards of the Bywater Marigny Business Organization and the National Alliance on Mental Illness, contributing strategic insight to economic development and mental health advocacy. She has built platforms that elevate Latino communities and other historically underrepresented groups, positioning herself as a true change maker in business, culture, and civic engagement.

With Inthespotlight504, Karla Marie bridges commerce, culture, and community, creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs, artists, and innovators to thrive. Her return marks a new era of intentional storytelling, strategic leadership, and cultural impact for New Orleans.

Contact:
[email protected]
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✨ OK, New Orleans! ✨

You’ve danced on the street. You’ve paraded in your costumes.
But have you ever performed on stage?

We’re starting a brand new season at Studio Shakti with the Shimmy Shakti belly dance performing troupe, and this is your moment.

This is your chance to try something new, challenge yourself beyond just costuming and parading, and step into personal growth through movement and performance.

From Under the Starry Night to Evening with a Vampire to Shimmies in Wonderland, Purple Rain, we bring magic to the stage and experience things in adulthood we once thought were only for children: recitals, performances, the thrill of showing up fully and shining.

Why not give yourself that gift?
I want to train you.
I want to teach you.
I want to bring you to the stage, and I promise- it’ll be an experience you’ll never forget.

And not just moves. Technique. Culture. History. The people and places that make up this dance- Raqs Sharqi- colloquially known as Belly Dance.

💃 Performance opportunities are coming in April and June. No dance experience? No problem! You can start now and perform with us then.

✨ Gather. Express. Challenge yourself. Celebrate. Shine. ✨

Email me [email protected]

Info Session Sat Mar 7 at 1pm

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVOjXDoDbZp/?igsh=M3pwaDYzN2N6b2Qz

✨ OK, New Orleans! ✨ You’ve danced on the street. You’ve paraded in your costumes. But have you ever performed on stage? We’re starting a brand new season at Studio Shakti with the Shimmy Shakti belly dance performing troupe, and this is your moment. This is your chance to try something new, challenge yourself beyond just costuming and parading, and step into personal growth through movement and performance. From Under the Starry Night to Evening with a Vampire to Shimmies in Wonderland, Purple Rain, we bring magic to the stage and experience things in adulthood we once thought were only for children: recitals, performances, the thrill of showing up fully and shining. Why not give yourself that gift? I want to train you. I want to teach you. I want to bring you to the stage, and I promise- it’ll be an experience you’ll never forget. And not just moves. Technique. Culture. History. The people and places that make up this dance- Raqs Sharqi- colloquially known as Belly Dance. 💃 Performance opportunities are coming in April and June. No dance experience? No problem! You can start now and perform with us then. ✨ Gather. Express. Challenge yourself. Celebrate. Shine. ✨ Email me [email protected] Info Session Sat Mar 7 at 1pm

Interested in joining Shimmy Shakti - Belly Dance Goddesses PERFORMING TROUPE? We have an info session next week, join us Email [email protected] for details.

Www.studioshaktinola.com

Studio Shakti New Orleans | Join Our Movement Today Studio Shakti New Orleans offers movement classes, studio rentals, and creative consulting services in a welcoming space for community and expression.

https://www.studioshaktinola.com/rsvp/rsvp

🎉 Saturdays 11:00am–12:15pm
6-week Session $105
Feb 28
Mar 7
Mar 14
Mar 21
Mar 28
Apr 4

Belly Dance Technique and Combos Class focused on technique, fun, connection, and community. Come move, laugh, and celebrate your body.

NO DROP INS. REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

https://www.studioshaktinola.com/rsvp/p/mindful-moves-core-control-awareness

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