Belly Dance Classes
Belly Dance classes (Raqs Sharqi & Fusion) are held in person and online. Whether you are a complete beginner or have some experience in belly dance, we have a class for you! You’ll learn the movement and techniques in detail along with the historical and cultural context of the dance. Be prepared to sweat, shimmy, and have fun!
All our classes are divided into:
Progressive: Progressive classes are designed to provide a logical, step-by-step map for belly dance training. Progressive classes start with the necessary foundations and slowly build up to more intermediate and advanced levels at a pace that's comfortable yet challenging for the dancers.
Open Level: Open-level classes are designed to supplement progressive classes. These classes don't follow a sequence and can be attended as a standalone. Open-level classes are generally multi-level, however, it's not recommended for someone who's an absolute beginner. Anyone is free to attend these classes after completion of Beginners-1.
Specialty Classes: Independent classes or class series focused on a particular topic. Specialty classes are also multi-level, however, it's not recommended for someone who's an absolute beginner. Anyone is free to attend these classes after completion of Beginners-1.
Check out the class descriptions, schedule, and policies below.
Progressive Classes
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If this is your first time taking a belly dance class, this is where you’ll start. We’ll cover the foundations of belly dance from the top. You’ll also be given a toolbox of tips and tricks on how to practice at home (or park, or office…you get it 😉)
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In this class, we’ll kick the foundations up a notch and add more techniques, embellishments, and drills, refine them so it becomes a part of the muscle memory.
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This is where things start to get more complex. You’ll learn to move around and explore the space and add more variations to the foundational movements.
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We’ll start to add in layering and learn to move different parts of the body at the same time while moving around in the space. This will not only challenge the body but also the brain.
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Advanced levels are focused on making you an aware and effortless dancer. The focus here would be on building more muscle memory through challenging layering, combinations, and in-depth work on musicality.
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We’ll focus on fine-tuning Advanced 1 + learn performance skills, and improvisation and go through a different set of challenging movement phrases in each class.
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Comprehensive in-class Teacher’s Training program with everything one needs to learn about teaching belly dance. The final module of the program would conclude in Egypt. Opportunity to work within the company is provided.
Open Level Classes
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Medium to high intensity, power-packed sweat sesh! A perfect fusion of body weight cardio, High Intensity Interval Training and Belly Dance!
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"Drills" refer to the constant and focused repetition of a movement. Drills help to refine the technique, create muscle memory and condition the muscles. This class is ideal for dancers of any level.
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This class is exclusively focused on shimmies and its various types! Be prepared to be challenged with different intensities, directions, pace and combinations.
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The main focus of this class is learning clean and smooth isolations. We'll work on diving deep into the muskulo-skeletal principles and practice to achieve those razor-sharp isolations.
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Practice what you want! Music will be played in the class and you can choose any techniques to practice. The intructor would be prsent to guide you and answer any questions.
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Learn to isolate multiple parts of your body at the same time with this mind-bending series
Specialty Classes
Class Etiquette & Policies
Please arrive 5-10 mins before the class begins to use the restroom, change and prepare yourself. Please mute your phones as soon as you’re on the studio premises/Video call.
In case you’re late to the class, please proceed to join quietly to avoid disrupting the class.
Please keep your belongings in your bag. away from the dance floor. You may bring a water bottle to keep with you.
Any kind of physical or verbally abusive'/hateful behavior WILL NOT be tolerated. The instructor reserves the right to ask the individual to leave the class in this case.
Respect the space, the instructor, and the fellow dancers. If you have any questions, always ask the instructor either in class or after class (whichever is appropriate).
Registration Policies
Once you have registered and paid for the class, the classes are non-refundable and non-transferrable. If it’s an emergency/ unsure/or have any questions, please ask Dhara.
If you miss one class, you will get a make-up class within the session either in-person or online. If you miss more than one class, we cannot offer you make-up sessions for all the missed classes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a typical belly dance class look like?
We start the class with a 5-10 min warm-up so your muscles are primed ready to dance. The next 40-45 mins would be focused on dance (techniques and drills) and the last 5-10 mins would be a cool-down stretch.
I have no dance experience. Can I still join?
Absolutely! You are welcome to join with zero dance experience. Don’t worry, we’ll go through every technique and step in detail and keep drilling (repeating) it till it starts to feel natural.
What should I wear in the class?
Please wear comfortable clothing that will give you freedom of movement. Typically, yoga pants and leggings are the preferred choices. Please carry a hip scarf or a normal scarf you can use to tie around your waist. Hip scarves are also available to purchase online in the Bazaar or in person before the class.
Do you provide performance opportunities?
Yes! You will have the opportunity to perform in our own showcase and other shows. Keep your eyes and ears open for more details on that.
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Dive into the magical and dramatic world of props
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Focused on developing cultural understanding and technicalities of folk dances from Middle-east and India
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Study middle-eastern music and depth and learn to develop improvisation techniques for any kind of music
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Learn key make-up skills for stage and camera. We’ll cover skin prep, basics of colour theory, how to decide your look, application, make-up kit essentials, and differences between both types of make-up. This class includes demonstration and practice on self.
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This class will cover everything one needs to know about being a great performer on-stage and off-stage.
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Deep dive into middle eastern rhythms and different instruments commonly used in Arabic and Turkish music. We’ll study with a live drummer, work on interpreting the music and engage in rhythm-based games.