Belly Dance Level 1: The FUNdamentals

Get started on your Middle Eastern Dance journey with award-winning artist Danna Yasbet! This fun and energetic class covers the fundamentals of Egyptian-style belly dance—perfect for total beginners or anyone wanting to refresh their basics.

What You’ll Learn:

• Core Technique: Hip drops, shimmies, figure 8s, arm work & more

• Simple Combos: Easy routines to boost confidence

• Musicality: Understand the rhythms and move to the beat

• Body Awareness: Improve posture, isolation, and control

No experience needed—just bring your energy and willingness to learn! Stay in this level as long as you like to master the fundamentals.

Session Dates
11/03 - 12/15
(No class on 11/24)

Belly Dance Level 2: Intermediate (Pre-requisite: Level 1)

This Intermediate level is designed for students who have a strong background in fundamental technique and are ready to explore the multifaceted nuances of Middle Eastern dance. Develop skills in traveling with all the movements learned in Level 1 and practice elaborate combinations as the weeks progress – taught by award-winning artist Kelly!

This course consists of extensive layering, complex footwork, across-the-floor sets, and development of Egyptian musicality and stylization. Perfect for dancers who want to continue building a strong foundation while having fun with a dynamic and engaging props!

* Students are encouraged to remain in this level as long as necessary to master the intermediate skills.

Session Dates
11/04 - 12/16
(No class on 11/25)

Days
Tuesdays

Instructor
Kelly

Belly Dance Level 3: Advanced* (Pre-Requisite level 1 & 2)

Refine your technique and elevate your stage presence in this dynamic course led by award-winning Artistic Director Amara Sayid. Perfect for experienced dancers, this class focuses on advanced combos, intricate footwork, and expressive performance skills. Amara’s fun, detail-oriented teaching style emphasizes safe alignment, musicality, and emotional expression—helping you dance with authenticity, elegance, and confidence.

For the last semester of the year, Amara is deep diving into technique, drills, musicality and performance elements. Each class will be a different focus. This session is focused on preparing dancers for stage by refining technique and pushing you to the next level.

* Drop ins welcome!

Session Dates
11/05 - 12/17
(No class on 11/26)

Days
Wednesdays

Time
7:00 - 8:15 pm

Room
C

Instructor
Amara Sayid

Mermaids of the Nile (Pre-Requisite level 1 )

Join Master Instructor, Jihan Jamal, every Monday for an exciting choreography and technique course designed for intermediate to advanced dancers and those at a performance level. These sessions focus on refining your technique, stage presence, and artistic expression — perfect for those looking to grow as dancers, perform, or simply continue evolving their craft.

Not limited to any specific show or event — all passionate dancers are welcome! This class is best suited for Intermediate to Advanced Dancers looking to hone their Choreography & Technique.

Jihan’s session is only 5 weeks so the total price is $125!

Session Dates
11/03 - 12/15
(No class on 11/24 and 12/1)

Time
7:30 - 8:15 pm

Room
A

“Zeina-Aziza” Choreography Course (Pre-Requisite level 1 & 2)

Celebrate the timeless magic of belly dance with “Zeina-Aziza” by Hanine El Alam. This choreography program is open to all levels, This piece blends elegance, expression, and connection through movement, giving dancers a chance to shine together at the local half on February 20th. Perfect for anyone who loves the beauty and joy of oriental music and dance.

*Costume purchase required unless purchased from a previous choreography.

Session Dates
11/04 - 12/16
(No class on 11/25)

Days
Tuesdays

Time
8:15 - 9:30 pm

Room
C

Instructor
Kelly

Azhar Dance Ensemble

This class is reserved for members of Amara’s professional dance troupe, Azhar Dance Ensemble. Stay tuned for their next performance at Spotlight’s End of Year Show on 12/19!

Session Dates
11/05 - 12/16
(No class on 11/26)

Days
Wednesdays

Time
8:15 - 9:30 pm

Room
C

Instructor
Amara Sayid

Belly Dance Specialty Class: Movement Mastery (Pre-Requisite level 1 & 2)

This 6-week course is a deep dive into the art of how we move - refining lines, transitions, balance, and dynamic control. Each class blends technical drills with flowing combinations designed to elevate your precision, grace, and strength.

You’ll explore the details that make movement effortless and expressive… From seamless turns and balanced weight shifts to the subtleties that bring your dance to life. Whether you’re building confidence or refining your craft, this is your space to strengthen technique, sharpen execution, and discover a more polished version of your dance.

Session Dates
11/06 - 12/18
(No class on 11/27)

Days
Thursdays

Time
7:30 - 8:45 pm

Room
C

Instructor
Kelly

Sword Choreography (Pre-Requisite level 1 & 2)

This class is currently closed to the public and is open for performers who performed the previous Sword choreography for Arabian Voyage.

Session Dates
11/6 - 12/18
(No class on 11/27)

Days
Thursdays

Time
8:45 - 9 :45 pm

Room
C

Instructor
Kelly

The Fine Art of Belly Dance (Pre-Requisite level 1)

Join Master Instructor, Jihan Jamal, in this educational and inspiring course. Class will focus on traditional steps and choreographed dance patterns, and introduction to playing finger cymbals, with an emphasis on “port –de-corps” (carriage of the body). 

Jihan's teaching method combines ethnic tradition and regional colloquialisms without sacrificing classical form and traditional technique. As a teacher, her objective is to educate the student in the structure of the dances as well as their cultural, regional backgrounds and the social, religious and political history that has impacted and altered the dance throughout the centuries, to present day.

Jihan’s session is only 5 weeks so the total price is $125!

Session Dates
11/08 - 12/20
(No class on 11/29 and 12/6)

Days
Saturdays

Time
11:00 am - 12:15 pm

Room
A

Instructor
Jihan Jamal