Learn Bellydance (Raqs Sharqi): Around Sydney, Newcastle or Online
We’d love to meet you! Please come along to our upcoming event:
Want to learn bellydance?
Bellydance Fundamentals
Start with Level 1: Bellydance Fundamentals. Choose from locations around Sydney, plus Newcastle, or self-paced learning at home!
For Beginners or anyone with less than 1-2 years of training. This includes women who dance culturally in social settings, and self-taught dancers, who want to improve.
(If you’ve been studying bellydance for at least one year, please write to us and tell us about your experience in detail.)
Sydney South, West, South-West areas
with Rachel, Thursdays 6pm from now until 17 December. Pay upfront $145 for the 7-week block.
WOMEN ONLY
Social Belly Dance (رقص شرقي / رقص بلدي) plus Your Requests
The class with a bit of everything.
Wish you felt more confident and comfortable on the dance floor at Lebanese or Egyptian (or even Iraqi, Turkish or Greek) parties and weddings? We’ll learn and practice the most common steps that women use in social bellydance, on your favourite music.
Build your skills by exploring variations on those foundation moves and applying them on a range of songs. We’ll pay attention to the structure of the music, creating combos and giving you strategies to make your dancing more interesting, varied and connected to the music.
Developing technique is important to make your moves look better. Expect some exercises to refine your body awareness and range of motion.
Plus learn a few bonus ‘fancy’ moves or combos for when you want to show off and impress your friends!
Send us your requests and personal goals. Song requests welcome: we’ll pick one song each week for a deeper dive, including mini combos and choreography.
LEVEL: Open. Some dance experience recommended, not suitable for absolute beginners. Dancers with more experience will be invited to consolidate, deepen and refine their skills - our teachers are experts at helping you continue to improve.
Hijabi participants welcome (private studio space, women only).
with Laura, Tuesdays 7pm (55 mins x 10 weeks), 13 October - 15 December
Bankstown (Condell Park) studio
Bellydance Fundamentals: “Batwannis Beek”
Learn (or improve) your moves while putting them into action with routine! This term, we’ll dance on a modern version of the beautiful classic song “Batwannis Beek”.
LEVEL: All Welcome. Perfect for all levels. Beginners will get a step-by-step intro to the core bellydance moves. Dancers with more experience will get to refine familiar moves and learn new ones; you’ll build your repertoire, explore a new genre of Egyptian music, learn new ways to combine steps, and finish up knowing a whole new routine (with optional performance opportunities).
Choreography helps you understand the dance better by seeing how movements fit to various kinds of music, how they connect together into phrases, and how we can use space. It builds your memory and consolidates your skills. We might even have a performance opportunity down the track. Plus, improve your fitness, co-ordination, elegance, core strength and more, alongside other women who often become good friends by dancing together.
Private studio, women only. Hijabi women welcome.
Catch-up options: This course will also be taught on Wednesdays 7pm in Liverpool (Chipping Norton). Plan ahead if you’ll miss any lessons, and contact us to arrange attending the alternative location - ideally in the same week.
Pricing: $180 per person for the 10-wk course.
with Laura, Wednesdays 7pm (55mins/wk x 10wks), 14 October - 16 December 2026
Chipping Norton (Liverpool) studio
Bellydance Fundamentals: “Batwannis Beek”
Learn (or improve) your moves while putting them into action with routine! This term, we’ll dance on a modern version of the beautiful classic song “Batwannis Beek”.
LEVEL: All Welcome. Perfect for all levels. Beginners will get a step-by-step intro to the core bellydance moves. Dancers with more experience will get to refine familiar moves and learn new ones; you’ll build your repertoire, explore a new genre of Egyptian music, learn new ways to combine steps, and finish up knowing a whole new routine (with optional performance opportunities).
Choreography helps you understand the dance better by seeing how movements fit to various kinds of music, how they connect together into phrases, and how we can use space. It builds your memory and consolidates your skills. We might even have a performance opportunity down the track. Plus, improve your fitness, co-ordination, elegance, core strength and more, alongside other women who often become good friends by dancing together.
Private studio, women only. Hijabi women welcome.
Catch-up options: This course will also be taught on Tuesdays 7pm in Bankstown (Condell Park). Plan ahead if you’ll miss any lessons, and contact us to arrange attending the alternative location - ideally in the same week.
Pricing: $180 per person for the 10-wk course.
with Rachel, Thursdays 7pm (55 mins x 10 weeks), 15 October - 17 December
Bellydance Fundamentals: Technique (Moves and Musicality)
Sorry, this class is sold out. Please join the 6pm class instead.
… is our signature course. It’s a perfect introduction to Oriental Dance, or a tune-up and refresher for those who have learnt a little already. You'll learn lots of moves - from hip drops to shimmies to circles - plus how to combine them and set them to music. Along the way you’ll also explore posture, foot and arm positions and pathways, and enjoy an intro to Arabic music and cultural aspects of the dance. By the end of the course, you’ll be ready to join the dancefloor at the next Arabic party!
The systematic course structure helps you understand and remember, plus there’s video support so you can practice in between if you choose. Improve your fitness, co-ordination, elegance, core strength and more, alongside other women who often become good friends by dancing together.
LEVEL: All Welcome. Perfect for beginners; for those with some bellydance experience, your teacher will challenge you to go deeper, to refine your movements and develop finer control and elegance.
Pricing: 10 class course / $180 per person.
Catch-up options: Recordings are available to stream at home.
Sydney North and North-West areas
with Rachel, Mondays 7pm (55 mins/wk x 10wks), 12 October - 14 December
Bellydance Fundamentals: Upbeat Routine
Learn (or improve) your moves while putting them into action with routine to a catchy, upbeat Egyptian song. We’ll bring out the party vibes with “Yaho”, an iconic early 2000s track by famous shaabi pop singer Hakim.
LEVEL: All Welcome. Perfect for all levels. Beginners will get a step-by-step intro to the core bellydance moves. Dancers with more experience will get to refine familiar moves and learn new ones; you’ll build your repertoire, discover a new genre of Egyptian music, learn new ways to combine steps, and finish up knowing a whole new routine (with optional performance opportunities).
Choreography helps you understand the dance better by seeing how movements fit to various kinds of music, how they connect together into phrases, and how we can use space. It builds your memory and consolidates your skills. We might even have a performance opportunity down the track. Plus, improve your fitness, co-ordination, elegance, core strength and more, alongside other women who often become good friends by dancing together.
Pricing: $180 per person for the 10-wk course.
Catch-up Options: We’ll record the lessons, and send you the link to stream at home if you miss a class.
with Vibha, Wednesdays 7pm (55 mins x 10 weeks), 14 October - 16 December 2026
Bellydance Fundamentals: “Batwannis Beek”
Learn (or improve) your moves while putting them into action with routine! This term, we’ll dance on a modern version of the beautiful classic song “Batwannis Beek”.
LEVEL: All Welcome. Perfect for all levels. Beginners will get a step-by-step intro to the core bellydance moves. Dancers with more experience will get to refine familiar moves and learn new ones; you’ll build your repertoire, explore a new genre of Egyptian music, learn new ways to combine steps, and finish up knowing a whole new routine (with optional performance opportunities).
Choreography helps you understand the dance better by seeing how movements fit to various kinds of music, how they connect together into phrases, and how we can use space. It builds your memory and consolidates your skills. We might even have a performance opportunity down the track. Plus, improve your fitness, co-ordination, elegance, core strength and more, alongside other women who often become good friends by dancing together.
Private studio, women only. Hijabi women welcome.
Pricing: $180 per person for the 10-wk course.
Sydney City and Inner West Areas
with Rachel, Tuesdays 5.30pm (55 mins x 10 weeks), 13 October - 15 December
Bellydance Fundamentals: Upbeat Routine
Learn (or improve) your moves while putting them into action with routine to a catchy, upbeat Egyptian song. We’ll bring out the party vibes with “Yaho”, an iconic early 2000s track by famous shaabi pop singer Hakim.
Choreography helps you understand the dance better by seeing how movements fit to various kinds of music, how they connect together into phrases, and how we can use space. It builds your memory and consolidates your skills. We might even have a performance opportunity down the track. Plus, improve your fitness, co-ordination, elegance, core strength and more, alongside other women who often become good friends by dancing together.
LEVEL: All Welcome. Perfect for all levels. Beginners will get a step-by-step intro to the core bellydance moves. Dancers with more experience will get to refine familiar moves and learn new ones; you’ll build your repertoire, discover a new genre of Egyptian music, learn new ways to combine steps, and finish up knowing a whole new routine (with optional performance opportunities).
If you’ve taken at least 2 terms of Bellydance Fundamentals already and want to accelerate your learning (or just dance more!), we highly recommend adding our mixed-level “Bellydance Skill Builder” class, at 6.30pm right after this class. Take both and receive a $100 discount!
Pricing: $180 per person for the 10-wk course.
Catch-up Options: We’ll record the lessons, and send you the link to stream at home if you miss a class.
with Andrea, Wednesdays 8pm (55 mins x 10weeks), 14 October - 16 December
Bellydance Fundamentals: Technique (Moves and Musicality
… is our signature course. It’s a perfect introduction to Oriental Dance, or a tune-up and refresher for those who have learnt a little already. You'll learn lots of moves - from hip drops to shimmies to circles - plus how to combine them and set them to music. Along the way you’ll also explore posture, foot and arm positions and pathways, and enjoy an intro to Arabic music and cultural aspects of the dance. By the end of the course, you’ll be ready to join the dancefloor at the next Arabic party!
The systematic course structure helps you understand and remember, plus there’s video support so you can practice in between if you choose. Improve your fitness, co-ordination, elegance, core strength and more, alongside other women who often become good friends by dancing together.
LEVEL: All Welcome. Perfect for beginners; for those with some bellydance experience, your teacher will challenge you to go deeper, to refine your movements and develop finer control and elegance.
If you’ve taken at least 2 terms of Bellydance Fundamentals already and want to accelerate your learning (or just dance more!), we highly recommend adding our mixed-level “Bellydance Skill Builder” class, on Tuesdays 6.30pm at Broadway. Or if you love learning choreographies, the 5.30pm Tuesday Fundamentals class will be perfect for you too. Take any 2 courses and receive a $100 discount!
Pricing: 10 class course / $180 per person.
Catch-up options: Recordings are available to stream at home.
Do you have more than 6 months of training?
with Rachel, Tuesdays 6.30pm (55 mins x 10 weeks), 13 October - 15 December
Bellydance Skill Builder
Build the skills that make bellydance feel more natural, more expressive and ultimately more enjoyable! We’ll work through focused drills, technique, footwork and combos; and explore variations on foundation moves to expand your repertoire and open up new expressive options. If you love learning and performing choreography, this class will help you by strengthening underlying skills such as coordination, transitions, musicality and movement quality. Let’s fine-tune those small but important details that help you dance with greater confidence and ease.
Level: This is a mixed-level class for dancers who have completed at least 2 terms of Fundamentals and want an extra challenge (and/or a bridge to BBs), as well as Beyond Beginner students who want to keep honing their foundations while developing their skills further.
Pricing: $180 per person for the 10-wk course. Remember that when you take 2 courses in the same term, there’s a big discount.
Catch-up Options: We’ll record the lessons, and send you the link to stream at home if you miss a class.
Other Locations
Learn from home in your own time, with a series of 10 lessons available for streaming for 3 months.
Choose from Technique or Choreography options: read the descriptions of each course below.
Each course is structured to build skills / fitness over the series. Ideally, stream them in order, taking each class once or twice a week before moving to the next one.
Fundamentals is suitable for absolute beginners, or dancers with up to a year or so’s experience. Both general technique and choreography courses are available.
Lessons were recorded in Standard Definition (640x480) in real-time classes, so will include the voices and questions of previous class participants. Minor glitches may be present, especially when the recording was made in a hybrid context.
Upper Level Bellydance (Raqs Sharqi)
Level 2: Beyond Beginners is suitable for dancers with more than about a year of recent, structured training, who have completed several terms of Fundamentals. It’s available by audition or invitation only.
Talk to us! If you haven’t taken this level of class with us before, please write to us and tell us about your experience in detail, so we can find the class to suit you best.
with Tara Yasmin, Tuesdays 6.30pm (55 mins x 10 weeks), 13 October - 15 December
Bellydance Beyond Beginners (Level 2): Songs You Should Know
There are some Arabic songs that every bellydancer seems to encounter sooner or later: on the dance floor, at a hafla, in a restaurant, or at a wedding! In this Beyond Beginners course, we’ll get to know 10 iconic songs, exploring their rhythms, musical structure, mood and the movement vocabulary they inspire. Each week we’ll learn a combination to a different song, building your familiarity with classic bellydance music while developing your technique, musicality and confidence in dancing to songs you’ll hear again and again.
LEVEL: For dancers who have completed at least 4 terms (1 year) of Fundamentals. There’s no upper limit: students who’ve been dancing for years are welcome, and will be encouraged to delve deeper into technique and presentation.
(If you’re brand new to bellydance or have only danced in social contexts, this class is not suitable. Please choose Fundamentals at 7.30pm instead.)
Pricing: 10 classes $180 in person. Recordings are available.
with Rachel, Tuesdays 7.30pm (55 mins x 10 weeks), 13 October - 15 December
Bellydance Beyond Begs: Entrance Choreo
"Majense" is a term used in the Egyptian dance community to describe a piece of music written specifically to be the dancer's entrance piece. The music usually contains a prelude where you wait offstage; a fast section for you to come on stage (lots of travelling steps, turns, often with veil); and then a series of other segments to give a taste of the dancer's style, and what the rest of her show may contain; often this may include some folkloric flavours. All those changes will help attune you to a range of feelings and rhythms in the music. It's a little of everything, all in one piece; making it exciting and interesting, both for the dancer and the audience.
EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Minimum 1 year. This class is not suitable for beginners. You’re expected to be familiar and confident with all the basic moves of bellydance, as taught in our Bellydance Fundamentals Technique course, as well as putting them into combos. Moves like shimmies, hip drops and circles will not be broken down and explained. More advanced dancers are very welcome and can expect to be challenged!
Want to accelerate your learning (or just dance more!)? We highly recommend adding our mixed-level “Bellydance Skill Builder” class, on Tuesdays 6.30pm at Broadway. Take any 2 courses and receive a $100 discount!
Catch-up options: Join on Thursday in North Parramatta or on Zoom; or catch up later with the recording.
Pricing: 10 classes $180 in person. A discounted Zoom option is available on Thursdays.
with Rachel, 8pm Thursdays (55 mins x 10 weeks), 15 October - 17 December
Bellydance Beyond Begs: Entrance Choreo
"Majense" is a term used in the Egyptian dance community to describe a piece of music written specifically to be the dancer's entrance piece. It typically contains a prelude where you wait offstage; a fast section for you to come on stage (lots of travelling steps, turns, often with veil); and then a series of other segments to give a taste of the dancer's style, and what the rest of her show may contain; often including some folkloric flavours. All those changes will help attune you to a range of feelings and rhythms in the music. It's a little of everything, all in one piece; making it exciting and interesting, both for the dancer and the audience.
EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Minimum 1 year. This class is not suitable for beginners. You’re expected to be familiar and confident with all the basic moves of bellydance, as taught in our Bellydance Fundamentals Technique course, as well as putting them into combos. Moves like shimmies, hip drops and circles will not be broken down and explained. More advanced dancers are very welcome and can expect to be challenged!
Catch-up options: This course is held Tuesday in Broadway, and Thursday in Parramatta and on Zoom. Catch up missed classes by attending another location, Zooming in, or using the recording. Enrolled students may request access to the recordings to practice or catch up.
Pricing: 10 classes $180 in person. A discounted Zoom option is available if you can’t make it in person.
with Andrea, Wednesdays 6pm (55 mins x 10 weeks), 14 October - 16 December
Bellydance Beyond Begs: Repertoire Revival
Some choreographies are just too good to leave behind! This term we’ll revisit our favourite past choreographies, giving them a fresh lease of life while building valuable performance skills along the way.
As well as refreshing the movement and combinations, we’ll explore group dynamics and formations, musicality, and performance presence. There’ll be plenty of opportunity to polish those little details that make a familiar choreography feel fresh and exciting again, so you can perform it even better.
Didn't learn the originals? As long as you're already at BBs level, you're welcome to join in the fun. You may not learn every routine from start to finish, but you’ll get to jump into selected sections, build your repertoire and experience the fun of dancing these much-loved pieces with the group.
EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Minimum 1 year. This class is not suitable for beginners. You’re expected to be familiar and confident with all the basic moves of bellydance, as taught in our Bellydance Fundamentals Technique course, as well as putting them into combos. Moves like shimmies, hip drops and circles will not be broken down and explained. More advanced dancers are very welcome and can expect to be challenged!
Need more technique training to support your learning - or just want more dance in your life? Add the new Bellydance Skill Builder course, Tuesday 6.30pm at Broadway.
Catch-up options: Sorry, there are no full recordings and no repeats of this lesson. Please make every effort to attend in person each week. Only limited recordings are available.
Pricing: 10 classes $180 in person.
with Vibha, Wednesdays 8pm (55 mins x 10 weeks), 14 October - 16 December
Bellydance Beyond Begs: Baladi Song Choreo
Journey into the world of Egyptian baladi, while developing your technique and musicality. El Hilwa Di is one of those much-loved songs that captures the warmth, character and spirit of everyday life for Baladi people. This Beyond Beginners choreography will deepen your love and understanding of Egyptian culture. From juicy hipwork and grounded steps to expressive accents and playful musical details: expect earthy movement, plenty of personality and that unmistakable Egyptian feeling.
EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Minimum 1 year. This class is not suitable for beginners. You’re expected to be familiar and confident with all the basic moves of bellydance, as taught in our Bellydance Fundamentals Technique course, as well as putting them into combos. Moves like shimmies, hip drops and circles will not be broken down and explained. More advanced dancers are very welcome and can expect to be challenged!
Catch-up options: Recordings available
Pricing: 10 classes $180 in person.
with Laura, Wednesdays 8pm (55 mins x 10 weeks), 14 October - 16 December
Chipping Norton (Liverpool) studio
Bellydance Beyond Begs: Classic Choreo
Immerse yourself in the richness of powerful and emotional Egyptian music, with a choreography to the famous song “Baeed Annak”. Originally performed by the legendary Om Kalsoum, this musical masterpiece features luscious layers of instrumentation, exciting rhythm changes, and heartfelt lyrics.
If you took “Next Level Technique” BBs class with Laura last term, this choreography will put all those skills into practice. You’ll discover how technique can serve as the foundation for expression. The texture and feeling that we bring to movements and combos can highlight melody, follow rhythm, and tell a moving story. Get ready to bring this story to life and fall even deeper in love with raqs sharqi.
EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Minimum 1 year, ideally you also attended “Next Level Technique” BBs class with Laura last term. This class is not suitable for beginners or for self-taught dancers without formal training. You’re expected to be familiar and confident with all the basic moves of bellydance, as taught in our Bellydance Fundamentals Technique course, as well as with putting them into combos. Moves like shimmies, hip drops and circles will not be broken down and explained. More advanced dancers are very welcome and can expect to be challenged!
Catch-up options: This course is held Tuesday in Condell Park and Wednesday in Chipping Norton. If you need to miss your usual class, plan ahead to switch to the alternative location for that week. Recordings are available to stream at home.
Pricing: 10 classes $180 in person.
with Laura, Tuesdays 8pm (55 mins x 10 weeks), 13 October - 15 December
Bellydance Beyond Begs: Classic Choreo
Immerse yourself in the richness of powerful and emotional Egyptian music, with a choreography to the famous song “Baeed Annak”. Originally performed by the legendary Om Kalsoum, this musical masterpiece features luscious layers of instrumentation, exciting rhythm changes, and heartfelt lyrics.
If you took “Next Level Technique” BBs class with Laura last term, this choreography will put all those skills into practice. You’ll discover how technique can serve as the foundation for expression. The texture and feeling that we bring to movements and combos can highlight melody, follow rhythm, and tell a moving story. Get ready to bring this story to life and fall even deeper in love with raqs sharqi!
EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Minimum 1 year, ideally you also attended “Next Level Technique” BBs class with Laura last term. This class is not suitable for beginners or for self-taught dancers without formal training. You’re expected to be familiar and confident with all the basic moves of bellydance, as taught in our Bellydance Fundamentals Technique course, as well as with putting them into combos. Moves like shimmies, hip drops and circles will not be broken down and explained. More advanced dancers are very welcome and can expect to be challenged!
Catch-up options: This course is held Tuesday in Condell Park and Wednesday in Chipping Norton. If you need to miss your usual class, plan ahead to switch to the alternative location for that week. Recordings are available to stream at home.
Pricing: 10 classes $180 in person.
Learn your chosen topic from home in your own time, with a 10-class course available for unlimited streaming for 3 months.
Beyond Beginner (BBs) courses assume confidence with all the Fundamentals movements and concepts; we recommend at least a year of bellydance training.
Choose from a range of styles.
Each course is structured to build skills / fitness over the series. Ideally, stream them in order, taking each class once or twice a week before moving to the next one.
Note that Technique in Depth has a fitness component. Not suitable for dancers who are less physically able.
Reach out for personalised recommendations or more detailed course descriptions.
Lessons were recorded in Standard Definition (640x480) in real-time classes, so will include the voices and questions of previous class participants. Minor glitches may be present, especially when the recording was made in a hybrid context.
with Johara, Tuesdays 7.45pm (55 mins x 10 weeks), 13 October - 15 December
Beyond Begs: Golden Era Inspire Choreo
Join Johara to relive the elegance and glamour of the Golden Era of Egyptian cinema, music and dance. From the 1940s to 1960s (ish), cinema reigned supreme. Stars like Taheya Karioka, Samia Gamal, Naima Akef; then later Kitty, Naemet Mokhtar, Zeinat Olwi and more became household names and defined the styles of bellydance at the time. The Golden Era is trending again now: jump on board the nostalgia train to build your technique and expression. This term we will build towards a choreography with an optional performance opportunity at our December womens-only show.
EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Minimum 1 year. This class is not suitable for beginners. You’re expected to be familiar and confident with all the basic moves of bellydance, as taught in our Bellydance Fundamentals Technique course, as well as putting them into combos. Moves like shimmies, hip drops and circles will not be broken down and explained. More advanced dancers are very welcome and can expect to be challenged!
Online-only course to enable students to attend from anywhere. Pricing: $120 for 10 weeks (with discounts for taking multiple courses).
RECORDINGS AVAILABLE: This class will be recorded for those who can’t attend in real time. You can catch up or review it at a time that suits you.
with Rachel, 8pm Thursdays (55 mins x 10 weeks), 15 October - 17 December
Bellydance Beyond Begs: Entrance Choreo
"Majense" is a term used in the Egyptian dance community to describe a piece of music written specifically to be the dancer's entrance piece. It typically contains a prelude where you wait offstage; a fast section for you to come on stage (lots of travelling steps, turns, often with veil); and then a series of other segments to give a taste of the dancer's style, and what the rest of her show may contain; often including some folkloric flavours. All those changes will help attune you to a range of feelings and rhythms in the music. It's a little of everything, all in one piece; making it exciting and interesting, both for the dancer and the audience.
EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Minimum 1 year. This class is not suitable for beginners. You’re expected to be familiar and confident with all the basic moves of bellydance, as taught in our Bellydance Fundamentals Technique course, as well as putting them into combos. Moves like shimmies, hip drops and circles will not be broken down and explained. More advanced dancers are very welcome and can expect to be challenged!
Catch-up options: Ask us for the recordings to practice or catch up.
Pricing: 10 classes $105. Recordings are available.
Level 3: Intermediate Bellydance. By audition or invitation only, for dancers with more than about 3 years of recent, structured training. If you haven’t taken this level of class with us before, please write to us and tell us about your experience in detail, so we can find the class to suit you best.
Learn from home in your own time, with an 8-class ($50) or 10-class ($60) course available for unlimited streaming for 3 months.
Choose from a range of levels and styles. Intermediate courses assume at least 2 years of consistent bellydance training. Each course is structured to build skills / fitness over the series. Ideally, stream them in order, taking each class once or twice a week before moving to the next one.
Note that Floorwork and Balancing has a fitness component. Not suitable for dancers who are less physically able.
Reach out for personalised recommendations or more detailed course descriptions.
Lessons were recorded in Standard Definition (640x480) in real-time classes, so will include the voices and questions of previous class participants. Minor glitches may be present, especially when the recording was made in a hybrid context.
with Rachel, Mondays 8pm (55 mins/wk x 10wks), 12 October - 14 December
Bellydance Intermediate/ Advanced Level: Turkish Romani
Discover the culture, music and dance of the Romani people of Western Türkiye!
Despite centuries of marginalisation, the Romani people are renowned for their skills in the performing arts; especially music and dance, which form an integral part of the culture and livelihood of many communities. Their way of life is embedded into their songs and movement. With its lively footwork, characteristic belly-throwing movement, and gestures from everyday life, this dance is a doorway onto a unique and precious culture. Your rhythmic awareness will grow through understanding the iconic 9/8 rhythm that forms the pulse of the dance. From steps and combos, gestures and postures, we will build to a full routine with performance opportunities.
Many thanks to our guest choreographer, Toronto-based Turkish dancer Asli Rakkas, for sharing her work with Rachel and allowing us to pass it on to you.
LEVEL: This more advanced class is open by invitation only, for dancers who have consistently attended class and practised for at least 2 years. Confidence with all Fundamentals and BBs techniques, ability to learn and retain combinations, developing understanding of Middle Eastern music, readiness to dive deeper. In general you should always get in touch before registering for this class if you’re not already a regular.
Catch-up options: This course is recorded on Zoom. Enrolled students may access all recordings on demand.
Pricing: $105 / 10 weeks to join us online only.
with Andrea, Wednesdays 7pm (55 mins x 10 weeks), 14 October - 16 December
Bellydance Intermediate: Zill Patterns for Drum Solo
Combine movement, rhythm and finger cymbals with confidence. We’ll explore when and how to add zills, different playing patterns, arm positions and movement choices, then put them into practice through fun drum solo-inspired combos. A short choreography may provide a framework for practising the skills, but the focus is on understanding the building blocks. Learn to recognise the rhythms, make musical choices and eventually create your own combinations without the pressure of memorising a whole routine. The aim is to give you a toolkit of patterns and movement ideas that you can mix, match and play with.
LEVEL: By invitation for dancers who have completed at least 2 years of training. There’s no upper limit: students who’ve been dancing for years might appreciate this chance to refine their skills, especially if you are rhythmically challenged or have not mastered the art of playing finger cymbals!
(If you’re new to bellydance, this class is not suitable. Please choose the 8pm Fundamentals course instead)
Pricing: $180 per person for the course, strictly limited to 14 participants.
with Rachel, Mondays 8pm (55 mins/wk), 12 October - 14 December
Bellydance Intermediate/ Advanced Level: Turkish Romani
Discover the culture, music and dance of the Romani people of Western Türkiye!
Despite centuries of marginalisation, the Romani people are renowned for their skills in the performing arts; especially music and dance, which form an integral part of the culture and livelihood of many communities. Their way of life is embedded into their songs and movement. With its lively footwork, characteristic belly-throwing movement, and gestures from everyday life, this dance is a doorway onto a unique and precious culture. Your rhythmic awareness will grow through understanding the iconic 9/8 rhythm that forms the pulse of the dance. From steps and combos, gestures and postures, we will build to a full routine with performance opportunities.
Many thanks to our guest choreographer, Toronto-based Turkish dancer Asli Rakkas, for sharing her work with Rachel and allowing us to pass it on to you.
LEVEL: This more advanced class is open by invitation only, for dancers who have consistently attended class and practised for at least 2 years. Confidence with all Fundamentals and BBs techniques, ability to learn and retain combinations, developing understanding of Middle Eastern music, readiness to dive deeper. In general you should always get in touch before registering for this class if you’re not already a regular.
Pricing: $180 / 10wks per person for a place in the studio.
A discounted Zoom option is available. The Zoom class is run from the studio, in conjunction with our live class. Think of the laptop as just another student in the group! This means recordings are available for you on demand, for catch-up or revision.
Iraqi Dance
Learn the rhythms and steps unique to Iraqi culture. Hacha’a, Khashaba, Kawleeya, Basrawi and more.
Co-presented with Bayt Raqs al Iraqi.
Thursdays 5 Nov - 17 Dec ; 6.30pm (7wks x 1hr)
Iraqi Dance Foundations -
- Part 2: Overview of Iraqi Dance Styles
This course is held in collaboration with Bayt Raqs al Iraqi - Sydney’s home of Iraqi Dance
Building on Part 1, students expand their Raqs al-Kawleeya vocabulary while developing a deeper understanding of Iraqi music and rhythms. Introductory work in other Iraqi dance styles will also help students recognise differences in movement, context and musical character.
Women only, private space. Hijabi women welcome.
Price: $230
Did you miss Part 1? Get in touch with us for your options on how to catch up!
Important Notes:
This course contains moves that are not suitable for dancers with neck injuries.
No catch-up lessons or recordings are available, and no credits will be issued for non-attendance. Please only book if you can actually attend - we don’t want you to miss a thing!
Our instructor, Andrea, brings years of deep, hands-on experience, having studied directly with world-renowned master teachers through many hours of private lessons. She’s also a familiar and beloved performer in Sydney’s Iraqi community, known for her authentic style. As a teacher, Andrea is encouraging and experienced.
with Andrea, Thursdays 1-29 October (1hr x 5 weeks), 7-8pm
Iraqi Dance Foundations, Part 1: Short course with Andrea
This 5-week block is all about raqs el kawleeya. Get to know the rhythm, footwork, hip movements and distinctive aesthetic of this iconic dance form. Created for complete beginners, dancers wanting to revisit and clean their foundations, and experienced raqs sharqi performers who are new to Iraqi dance.
We will explore:
- foundational technique and movement vocabulary
- music and musical understanding
- cultural context
- stylistic foundations and how to recognise what belongs to the dance.
This short course is presented in collaboration with “Raqs al Iraqi”. It forms the first steps on a structured learning pathway, within a framework that goes beyond movement mechanics, created to build strong foundations through technique, music, cultural context and stylistic understanding.
If you’ve taken Iraqi dance classes before, this is an opportunity to consolidate your skills and deepen your connection to the movements, music and feeling of the dance. If you’re new to Iraqi dance, come discover what makes raqs el kawleeya so captivating—and maybe fall in love with it along the way.
Women only, private space: hijabi women welcome. Easy, free street parking.
Investment: $180
This specialised short course runs on a separate schedule from regular Inspire Bellydance terms. Please note that no catch-up lessons or recordings are available if you miss your class.
Our instructor, Andrea, brings years of deep, hands-on experience, having studied directly with world-renowned master teachers through many hours of private lessons. She’s also a familiar and beloved performer in Sydney’s Iraqi community, known for her authentic style and extensive knowledge. As a teacher, Andrea is encouraging and experienced; and rapidly developing a reputation as Australia’s leading teacher of Iraqi dances.
with Andrea. Sundays 12-1.15pm AEST (Sydney time)
28 June to 26 July (5 weeks x 75mins)
Iraqi Dance has become very popular recently, but online representations often highlight dramatic ‘wow’ moves (hair swinging and backbends) rather than the core movements. To truly learn and perform this style, it’s important to begin with the foundations! In this course, you’ll get familiar with the fundamentals of Iraqi Kawleeya dance: footwork, posture, dynamics, energy and aesthetic. From here, you’ll build up safely, with respect to your body and to the culture. You’ll also learn about rhythms and instrumentation; as well as important cultural aspects of the dance.
For dancers with some experience, it’s a perfect opportunity to deepen your practice, consolidating the movements into your body’s muscle memory and building a firmer foundation for future learning.
Important Notes:
This course contains moves that are not suitable for dancers with neck or foot / ankle injuries. You’re still welcome to join the course and simply observe the moves that don’t suit your body.
Recordings and Missed Classes
Each lesson’s recording will be available for 1 week, until the next class. This way you can catch up or practice during the week; and we can be sure to progress in each lesson. At the end of the course, a short summary will be provided for you to keep practising on your own.
Our instructor, Andrea, brings years of deep, hands-on experience, having studied directly with world-renowned master teachers through many hours of private lessons. She’s also a familiar and beloved performer in Sydney’s Iraqi community, known for her authentic style and extensive knowledge. As a teacher, Andrea is encouraging and experienced.
Habibti Hafla:
A women-only Bellydance Party and Show for Inspire Bellydance students and friends.
2-5pm, Saturday 5 December, Strathfield
This colourful afternoon will include:
Student showcase: bellydance students of all levels sharing what they have learned in class on stage
Guest performances: Inspire Bellydance teachers and friends
Social dancing: Arabic party music to get you up on the dance floor
Doors open 1.45pm, show starts 2pm.
General Admission: $28 in advance or $30 at the door if still available - please note it may sell out in advance.
(School-aged girls $14)
All women are welcome: performers and non-performers, dancers and non-dancers, family and friends. Come dressed to dance!
No cameras and no filming without permission. We will have a selfie booth area for you to remember the day, but otherwise ask you to respect our no-camera policy, for the comfort and safety of all our guests and performers.
Location:
The Russian Club, 7 Albert Rd, Strathfield NSW 2135
Please note that nearby parking is very limited. But it’s right beside the train station, so please come by public transport!