Thursdays 5 Nov - 17 Dec ; 6.30pm (7wks x 1hr)

Broadway studio

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

Bankstown studio

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.