During the pandemic, we have restructured our classes for the safety of all attending. Most of our classes now offer a blended learning environment. Dancers can attend in person (space permitting) or from the safety of their own home (via our virtual learning platform). This means that dancers from out of town can also attend! Please see below for our adjusted schedule of classes during these times.
Classes
Our academy began in 1997 under the direction of world-renowned artist Samay—specializing in the Egyptian style and folklore-inspired dances. Today, we are proud to continue her legacy and still offer a wide range of courses. Students of all ages and levels will immerse themselves into all aspects of the art form, including the history and dance that encompasses diverse styles from the Middle East.
Dancers that have taken classes from other studios are welcome to jump into our intermediate, advanced, and specialty courses. Our instructors are bilingual, fluent in English and Spanish. You do not have to be enrolled in college to register. Just register online, via fax or phone! In addition to the program, all students are welcome to participate in our highly-anticipated, annual Middle Eastern Dance production!
For Registration Assistance, please note the class Reference Number and call 305-237-0321 or email ececilia@mdc.edu. For a full list of our courses on the MDC site:
SUMMER 2025 | LEVEL COURSES
Belly Dance Level 1 - Beginner Technique & Fundamentals
Learn the essentials and proper execution of movements in this six-week course, designed to get you started on your journey through Middle Eastern Dance – taught by award-winning Co-Director Danna Yasbet! This intro class consists of basic technique, fundamentals and cultural aspects focused on the Egyptian style. Whether you’re a complete newbie or just looking to brush up on the basics, this class is designed to be fun, energetic and easy to follow along.
What You’ll Learn:
Basic Moves: Start with the fundamentals of belly dance, including hip drops, shimmies, figure 8s and lots of beautiful arm work. Repetition is key, we’ll break down each move step-by-step and make sure you feel comfortable and confident.
Simple Combinations: Put your new skills to the test with simple combinations that will have you dancing in no time. These mini-routines are perfect for building confidence and getting a feel for the dance.
Rhythm and Music: Get in tune with the music! Learn how to move to the beat and understand the rhythms that make belly dance so mesmerizing.
Body Awareness: Improve your posture and body awareness as you learn to isolate different parts of your body. This will help you move with grace and fluidity.
No experience is needed, just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to have fun!
* Students are encouraged to remain in this level as long as necessary to master the fundamentals.
Class Ref No
0210-019
Semester Dates
6/17 - 7/22
Days
Tuesdays
Time
7:00 - 8:30 pm EST
Room
G208
Instructor
Danna Yasbet
For immediate registration, note the reference number and call 305-237-0321 or email ececilia@mdc.edu
Belly Dance Level 2 - Traveling, Layering & Drills (Prereq: Belly Dance 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.
Class Ref No
0211-019
Semester Dates
6/17 - 7/29
Days
Tuesdays
Time
6:20 - 7:50 pm EST
Room
G303
Instructor
Kelly
For immediate registration, note the reference number and call 305-237-0321 or email ececilia@mdc.edu
Belly Dance Level 3 - Advanced Technique & Musicality (Prereq: Belly Dance Level 1 & 2)
Take your dancing to the next level with award-winning Co-Director Amara Sayid in this challenging and inspiring Level 3 course. Designed for experienced dancers ready to refine their craft, this class dives deep into advanced technique, elaborate combinations, and dynamic footwork—all while nurturing your unique stage presence and expressive power.
Each week throughout the SUMMER, we’ll explore a different genre of belly dance, complete with a fresh combo, a touch of history, costume inspiration, and signature footwork. From the earthy rhythms of Saidi to the glamour of Golden Era Egyptian, every class is a new adventure—fun, peppy, and packed with personality!
Amara’s teaching style is fun-loving and patient, with a laser focus on detail. Her technique breakdowns are crafted to protect your alignment, enhance your body awareness, and help you move with authenticity and elegance. You’ll also be introduced to the nuances of performance, including musicality, emotional expression, and audience connection. Whether you’re preparing to perform or dancing for the joy of it, this course will leave you feeling empowered, inspired, and stage-ready.
Class Ref No
0212-019
Semester Dates
6/18 - 7/23
Days
Wednesdays
Time
7:00 - 8:30 pm EST
Room
G303
Instructor
Amara Sayid
For immediate registration, note the reference number and call 305-237-0321 or email ececilia@mdc.edu
SUMMER 2025 | SPECIALTY COURSES
Belly Dance Specialty: The Fine Art of Belly dance (Prereq: Belly Dance Level 1)
Join Master Instructor, Jihan Jamal, in this educational and inspiring course. The Awalim (plural for Almeh) is a terminology used during the 19th century to refer to the professional dancers of Arab Egypt - Educated girls and women of good social standing, trained in dancing, singing and poetry, present at festivals and entertainment venues. Course 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.
Class Ref No
0216-020
Semester Dates
6/16 - 7/21
Days
Mondays
Time
7:30 - 9:00 pm EST
Room
G303
Instructor
Jihan Jamal
*Jihan will only be teaching during the first half of the Summer.
For immediate registration, note the reference number and call 305-237-0321 or email ececilia@mdc.edu
Belly Dance Specialty: CURVACEOUS COMBINATIONS (Prereq: Belly Dance Level 1 & 2) *
SUMMER A
Vivacious vibes, luscious technique and juicy combos. Let's work with what your momma gave ya! In this class we will work with different techniques and approaches to suit all bodies. Ever find yourself saying, "That move isn't for me. My body doesn't look like hers."? You're right! Your body doesn't look like anyone else's because it is ONE OF A KIND. You are capable of doing ALL the moves in YOUR body with your UNIQUE touch. Let's explore that together!
SUMMER B + FALL A: ✨ Belly & Britney: A Mystic Night Choreography Experience ✨
Step into the spotlight and unleash your inner pop goddess in this sultry choreography course blending the hypnotic allure of belly dance with the slow, seductive beats of Britney Spears. Specially crafted for Mystic Night—Miami’s premier annual Halloween bellydance showcase—this fusion number drips with mystery, attitude, and unapologetic glam.
You’ll learn a brand-new choreography set to a haunting, reimagined Britney track that’s equal parts Toxic and totally intoxicating. With fluid isolations, sharp accents, and fierce stage presence, this number is designed to make your audience say, “Gimme more.” Costumes will be daring, dazzling, and just the right amount of dangerous. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just feeling not that innocent, this course invites you to embrace the drama, the sparkle, and the sheer power of commanding a stage. This Halloween, don’t just dance—bewitch them, baby one more time.
Class Ref No
0936-019
Semester Dates
6/17 - 7/29
Days
Tuesdays
Time
7:55 - 9:25 pm EST
Room
G303
Instructor
Kelly
For immediate registration, note the reference number and call 305-237-0321 or email ececilia@mdc.edu
Pricing
Our courses are $120.00 per 6-week session. Classes are 1.5 hours long, giving us plenty of time to safely warm up your muscles, dance our hearts out, and then cool-down to prevent injury.
Here’s a price breakdown:
1.5 hour weekly classes = 9 hours per semester = Less than $13.50 the hour!
Note: This is more affordable than most dance studios in Miami!
We partner with MDC Kendall Campus, and MDC requires students to sign up for full semesters online. If you have to miss a class, don’t fret! You can make up the lost time in another class or in another semester. Not only is our dance room one of the largest in the city, these prices can’t be beat!
Location
Miami Dade College, Kendall Campus
School of Continuing Education & Professional Development
11011 SW 104th Street, Miami, FL 33176
Room G303 is located in building G, on the 3rd floor
Room G208 is located in building G, on the 2nd floor
Room 2108 is located in building 2, on the 1st floor