🧿 Our Belly Dance Classes 🧿

Since 1997, our academy has been a vibrant hub for Egyptian-style and folklore-inspired Middle Eastern dance, founded by the internationally acclaimed Samay. Today, we proudly continue her legacy—offering a wide variety of classes for dancers of all ages and levels. Our curriculum celebrates the diverse traditions of Arabic dances, providing an authentic and inspiring experience. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned dancer, you'll dive deep into the rich history, music, and movement of this captivating art form.

Mid East Performing Arts Academy (MEPAA) is now partnering with Spotlight Dance Academy (in Kendall!) to bring our classes to a beautiful new home! This move marks a powerful new chapter for our community. Our new space features a brand-new dance floor, plenty of easy parking, and a streamlined enrollment system to make joining us smoother than ever. It’s not just a relocation—it’s a reinvention, and we couldn’t be more excited!

We now offer 75-minute classes, in monthly sessions. Whether you’re dipping your toes in with a single class or ready to dance your heart out all month long, we’ve got packages that fit your groove (and your budget)! Here are our package prices:

  • 💃 Drop-in Diva – Just want to pop in? It’s $30/drop in class!

  • 🎶 Shimmy Queen – One course a month: $100.00 ($20/hr)

  • 🌹 Oriental Muse – Two courses a month: $190.00 ($19/hr)

  • 🌟 Raqs Royalty – Three courses a month: $270.00 ($18/hr)

  • 🩰 The Showgirl - Four courses a month: $360.00 ($18/hr)

  • Do you want to dance even more?! Email us and let’s create a package just for you. 🥰

Click the class link and sign up via our Square site today (multiple-course discounts are automatically applied at checkout), or send us a message if you prefer to Zelle (and skip those pesky credit card fees!). The more you dance, the more you save! So go ahead, treat yourself to a little extra sparkle on the dance floor. 💖

📍 Studio Location: 11735 SW 147 Avenue, #10, Miami, FL, 33196


Choreography Courses are here!

Experience the magic behind MEPAA’s sold-out productions with our new Choreography Courses. Train with our award-winning teachers, learn beautiful choreographies, and become part of the next Arabian Voyage. This year’s theme, The Wonders, brings the ancient, natural, and new wonders of the world to life. Each class highlights a different wonder while staying true to the rich belly dance styles we all love.

These courses will start the week of January 5th and will run until showtime (official show date TBA). See our full schedule below!

🧿 Technique Courses

Level 1: Beginner*

Learn the FUNdamentals of Egyptian-style belly dance with award-winning artist Danna Yasbet. Build confidence with core technique, simple combos, and musicality—all in a fun, beginner-friendly class.

* Technique-focus, No Choreography.
Start Date: 2/2/2026
Days: Mondays
Time: 7:30 - 8:45 pm
Room: C

Register

Level 2: Intermediate*

Level up your dance training with Kelly as you dive into layering, complex footwork, traveling, and musicality. This fun, challenging Intermediate class is ideal for dancers ready to expand their skills and technique. This class will begin in March 2026.

* Technique-focus, No Choreography
Start Date: 3/3/2026
Days: Tuesdays (starting in March)
Time: 7:00 - 8:15 pm
Room: C

register

Movement Mastery*

Join Kelly in a deep dive into the art of movement. Refine lines, transitions, balance, and control through technical drills and flowing combinations that elevate precision, grace, and strength. Perfect for dancers looking to sharpen technique, enhance expression, and discover a more polished, confident version of your dance.

* Technique-focus, No Choreography.
Start Date:
TBA (Summer 2026)
Pre-Requisite: Level 1 & 2
Days: Thursdays
Time:
Room: C

 

🧿 Choreography Courses

Nazca Rhythms*

In this Nazca Lines inspired course, Danna Yasbet will blend the sharp darbuka with the earthy cajón, sketching powerful patterns through hip drops, grounded footwork, and expansive arms. Experience the vibrant tapestry of belly dance and Afro-Peruvian groove, where every accent becomes a cultural dialogue, and every step leads to a dynamic finale.

Start Date: 2/2/2026
Wonder: Nazca Lines, Peru
Pre-Requisite: Open Level
Belly Dance Genre: Drum Solo
Days: Mondays
Time: 8:45 - 10:00 pm
Room: C

Register

Luminous

Step into Kelly’s choreography inspired by one of Earth’s most magical natural wonders—the Aurora Borealis. With glowing LED wings and vibrant hues, this piece transforms the stage into a sky of dancing lights. Get ready for grand movements that radiate color, power, and celestial beauty. Are you ready to light up the night?

Start Date: 1/6/2026
Wonder:
Aurora Borealis, Artic Circle
Pre-Requisite: Open Level
Belly Dance Prop: LED Isis Wings
Days: Tuesdays
Time: 8:15 - 9:30 pm
Room: C

Register

Wings of Luxor

Inspired by the timeless grandeur of Luxor Temple, this feather fan choreography unfolds to the song “Maktub”, weaving graceful lines and flowing movement that is both elegant and theatrical. This choreography emphasizes expansive arms, soft turns, and expressive pauses, inviting dancers to discover their inner showgirl. The result is a truly regal performance that honors the majesty of Egypt while celebrating the poetry and elegance of belly dance.

Start Date: 1/7/2026
Wonder:
Luxor Temple, Egypt
Pre-Requisite: Open Level
Belly Dance Prop: Feather Fans
Days: Wednesdays
Time: 7:00 - 8:15 pm
Room: C

register
 

Ascend

Reach new heights with a choreography by Kelly, inspired by majestic Mount Everest. This piece blends fierce feminine power with icy elegance, flowing through bold bellydance technique, airy movement, and cinematic winter-goddess energy. Together, we’ll create a performance that radiates mystique, altitude, and sensuality—no experience needed, just the desire to rise.

Start Date: 2/5/2026
Wonder:
Mount Everest, Himalayas
Pre-Requisite: Open Level
Belly Dance Genre: TBA
Days: Thursdays
Time: 7:00 - 8:15 pm
Room: C

Register

Silk Road Serenade

Experience the beauty of Uyghur folk dance with Master Instructor, Jihan Jamal, in this choreography inspired by the Great Wall of China. Graceful lines, delicate hand gestures, and lively footwork come together to tell a story rooted in Central Asian tradition. Perfect for dancers who want to explore cultural expression through movement.

Start Date: 3/7/2026
Wonder:
Great Wall of China
Pre-Requisite: Open Level
Dance Genre: Uyghur Folk Dance
Days: Saturdays
Time: 11:00 am to 12:15 pm
Room: A

Register

Kukulcan’s Descent

This dynamic choreography by Maya Lamil celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Mayan civilization blended with the beauty of belly dance. This piece combines ancient energy with modern belly dance flair in a vibrant, drum-driven piece. The vibe is earthy, mystical, and full of serpentine motion. This number is perfect for dancers craving something powerful and earthy.

Start Date: 1/10/2026
Wonder:
Chichen Itza, Mexico
Pre-Requisite: Open Level
Belly Dance Genre: Drum Solo
Days: Saturdays
Time: 12:15 - 1:30 pm
Room: C

Register
 

Zeina-Aziza*

Celebrate the magic of belly dance with Kelly’s “Zeina-Aziza” by Hanine El Alam. This choreography blends elegance, expression, and connection, giving dancers a chance to shine together at the local hafla on February 20th. Perfect for anyone who loves the joy of oriental music and dance.
* This course is continuing the choreography that started in the Fall and will run in January and February 2026 only.

Days: Tuesdays (Jan & Feb only)
Time: 7:00 - 8:15 pm
Room: C
Dress Rehearsal: 2/17 - 6:00 - 8:15 pm

Register

Mermaids of the Nile

Join Master Instructor Jihan Jamal for a revamped pharaonic piece inspired by the Great Pyramid of Giza. Refine your technique, stage presence, and artistic expression as you embody regal lines and ancient power through oriental belly dance choreography. Auditions will be open to all dancers who want to join Jihan’s student troupe!

Start Date: 3/2/2026
Wonder:
Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt
Pre-Requisite: Audition
Belly Dance Genre: Pharaonic with Isis Wings
Days: Mondays
Time: 7:30 - 8:45 pm
Room: A

Register

Saharan Steps*

Amara Sayid brings the Sahara Desert to life in a vibrant Haggalah-inspired choreography. Dive into bold, playful rhythms, intricate hip work, and dynamic group formations, creating a performance that’s full of desert-inspired magic. This style celebrates earthy technique, footwork, and the joy of Egyptian folklore.
* This course is for current Azhar Dance Ensemble members only.

Start Date: 1/7/2026
Wonder:
Sahara Desert, North Africa
Pre-Requisite: Invitation Only
Belly Dance Genre: Folk Dance, Haggalah
Days: Wednesdays
Time: 8:15 - 9:30 pm
Room: C

Register