Skip to content

Belly Dance

$60.00 4 Week Month, $20.00 Drop-In

Register Now

Oriental Belly Dance

Beginner (Lv 1) 
Tuesdays 7:45-8:45 pm
Sundays 3:15-4:15 pm
Improvers (Lv 2) Thurs. 7:45-8:45pm
Improvers Drills (Lv 2) Sun. 6:45-7:30pm 
Intermediate (Lv 3) Tues 7:45-8:45pm
Advanced (Lv 4) Thurs 6:30-7:30 pm

The dance which Americans know as “belly dance” has gone by many names. The French who found the dance named it “dance du ventre”, or dance of the stomach. It is known in Greece as the cifte telli (also the name of a Turkish rhythm), in Turkey as ‘rakkase’ and in Egypt as Raks Sharki. Middle Easterners also call it “danse orientale” to distinguish it from the “balady”, or country, dance. It developed through the influence of many different areas and continues its long process of development today.

After its appearance at the Chicago Exposition at the turn of the 20th century, Americans experienced this dance style for the first time, and the French name, “danse du ventre”, was translated into the “belly dance”. “Oriental dance” and “belly dance” can be used interchangeably. “Eastern dance” is usually referred to include belly dance, Indian dance, or Persian dance.

Belly Dance is traditionally danced barefoot and is known for use of intricate body locks, pops, shimmies, and isolations. Belly Dance is a low impact, weight bearing dance form that is appropriate for all ages & body types!

Beginner Belly Dance Curriculum:

Body Isolations

Shoulder Rolls
Rib Cage Slides
Glute Squeeze Isolations
Rib Cage Slides
Undulations
Wrist Rolls
Rib Cage Circles
Hip Slides & Twists
Hip Drops and Lifts
Tummy Rolls

Hip Movements

Hip Twists
Horizontal Figure 8’s
Vertical Figure 8’s (Mayas & Sways)
Exterior and Interior Hip Circles
Ups
Downs
Crescents
Choo-choo’s
3/4 Ups & Downs

Traveling Moves

Basic Egyptian Step
Arabic 1: Flat Ball
Arabic 2: Flat Ball Ball Ball
Arabic 3: Forward Center Back to Front
Arabic 4: Forward Center Back Center
Semihas, Glide, Choo Choo

Arm Movements

Snake Arms
Shoulder Presses
Hand Undulations

Shimmies

Shoulder Shimmy
Freeze
Tummy Flutter
Egyptian Straight Leg
Hip Shimmy

Classes

Drop-ins are welcome if space is available!

Beginner Belly Dance

This class is designed as an introduction to Middle Eastern movement where students will learn the foundations of belly dance technique. You will develop the tools to strengthen your presentation including body isolations, proper muscle memory, strength building, posture, and flexibility. In addition to technique and drills, each week students will put their newly acquired movements into fun, short combinations to create mini routines. The instructors also blend an element of improv into every class to build musicality and individuality in your personal dance experience & style. An introduction to belly dance props including the veil & zills will also be taught throughout the year. No prior dance experience necessary!

Intermediate Belly Dance

This class will take your basics of belly dance movement and start to integrate the art of layering different moves with one another. More focus will be spent on Middle Eastern rhythms, individual musicality, improvisation, isolations, pops, locks & shimmies. A continuation of belly dance prop technique including zills, veil, & cane will also be taught throughout each year. At least 1 year belly dance class experience at our studio required to learn our curriculum.

Advanced Belly Dance

Bella Diva’s advanced class utilizes combos and choreography to focus on technique, drills, and choreography structure. You will deepen your understanding of how each movement is created, add precision to your movement, and expand your dance vocabulary by using various techniques and layering when executing each movement. Learn to create beautiful transitions, add dimension and texture to each movement as well as developing an understanding of creating choreography. Explore expression of emotion and body language as it relates to music structure and expression of music through dance. Throughout the year, advanced technique and styling of all belly dance props will also covered. This class is offered by invitation only.