BellyDance Classes
Egypt is Calling
In-person classes classes run from September to June of each year.
We offer a few levels of classes. If you have taken classes with other teachers but are new to our technique and teaching style, we suggest that you start with Level 1. Each teacher has a different style, technique and way of describing moves so you and we will find it easier to work from the same perspective.
We use a building block method of teaching. This means that you will learn a number of moves at each level of dance that you can put in your dance “toolkit” and bring out when you free dance. We will add variations to these basic moves as you progress through the classes.
Our primary focus in the classes is improvisational dance – dancing to the music as it inspires you at the time. This is, in essence, the most traditional type of Egyptian dance so we feel it is critical that students learn this. This means you can put on any type of music and be able to dance. It also means that you can more easily develop choreographies down the road if you so choose because you know what steps work with what part of music.
Interested in performing? Contact us to find out more about our DancEgypt Troupe!
Classes
Here’s a quick overview of our current class info:
- 2025 Classes are in-person
- Level 1 and Level 2 Technique classes run for 8 weeks and are 1 hour each
- Drumming class runs for 8 weeks and is a 1/2 hour each
- Cost for 8 week dance class
$120 + GST
Cost for 8 week drumming class $100 + GST - Drop in rate (per dance class)
$25 - Drop in rate (per drumming class) $15
- Choregraphy classes vary in price depending on whether its a 1 hr or 1.5 hr class (see details below)
- For DancEgypt Troupe Practice pricing please contact us
- Minimum registration is required for a session to run
*See below for more details on start dates and class descriptions.
January 8th – 29th (4 weeks)
6:00pm – 7:30pm Raqs Sharqi Choreography ($90 +gst)
7:30pm – 8:30pm Saidi Choreography ($80 + gst)
8:30pm – 9:30pm Troupe Practice
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February 2nd
1:00pm – 3:00pm Drumming Workshop
current students = $40 + gst
all other registrants = $60 + gst
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February 5th – March 26th (8 weeks)
6:00pm – 7:00pm Level 1 Technique ($120 + gst)
7:00pm – 7:30pm Drumming ($100 + gst)
7:30pm – 8:30pm Level 2 Technique ($120 + gst)
8:30pm – 9:30pm DancEgypt Troupe Practice
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*Minimum registration required in order to run each class.
Please send us an email to register.
January Choreography Classes
In January we’ll be teaching 2 choreographies over 4 weeks. Previous dance experience is recommended.
Our raqs sharqi piece includes a lovely little veil entrance and is full of great technique to help build your skills.
We also have a fun folkloric Saidi piece with a cane! Folkloric dances have their own energy and movements so learning a choreography is a great way to see how it all connects.
What to bring: Comfortable clothes that stretch but that are not so big that we can’t see movement in the legs, pelvis and upper body. Please ensure you have something to cover your feet (eg. socks, slippers, dance shoes) and bring a veil as well if you are learning the raqs sharqi choreography.
Jan 8 – 29th, Wednesday nights
6:00pm – 7:30pm Raqs Sharqi choreo
7:30pm – 8:30pm Saidi choreo
February Drumming Workshop
Expand your musicality while you learn to play some commonly used Arabic rhythms.
We’ll work on the basic sturcture of some rhythms and how to embelish them. Plus you’ll get the chance to play in a group setting as we work onimprovising and ornamentation.
What to bring: Your own drum – Arabic style darbuka/dumbek is ideal for the technique, but other styles of drums are welcome.
Sunday February 2nd
1:00pm – 3:00pm
Level 1 Technique
In this beginner level class we will work building Egyptian technique, breaking down movement, adding more layers and combinations, and include time for personal development during free dance. We will build on what you have learned and keep adding new moves to your repertoire.
What to bring: Comfortable clothes that stretch but that are not so big that we can’t see movement in the legs, pelvis and upper body. Please ensure you have something to cover your feet (eg. socks, slippers, dance shoes) and bring a veil as well.
Wednesdays 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Feb 5th – Mar 26th
Drumming
Join us this for for some drumming!
In this class we will learn some common arabic rhythms and drumming technique with which to play them.
No previous drumming experience is required as this class will be delivered as an all-levels class. We will give you different layers to work with and how you can decide how much you want to layer together.
What to bring: Your own drum (tabla/darbuka)
Wednesdays 7:00pm – 7:30pm
Feb 5th – Mar 26th
Level 2 Technique
In this class we continue to build on Egyptian technique, breaking down more complex movements, adding more layers and combinations, with a bit more time spent on musicality and music interpretation through free dance. We continue to work on what you have learned in Level 1 and keep adding new moves to your repertoire.
What to bring: Comfortable clothes that stretch but that are not so big that we can’t see movement in the legs, pelvis and upper body. Please ensure you have something to cover your feet (eg. socks, slippers, dance shoes) and bring a veil as well.
Wednesdays 7:30pm – 8:30pm
Feb 5th – Mar 26th
DancEgypt Troupe Practice
This is rehearsal for DancEgypt Troupe members to learn and build performance repertoire. Members of the Troupe are expected to register for the 7:30pm class as well in order to strengthen and build technique.
Wednesdays 8:30pm – 9:30pm
Jan 8th – Mar 26th