Raqs Sharqi – also known as Oriental Dance, Baladi, Middle Eastern Dance, or Bellydance – is a vibrant and expressive art form rooted in centuries of tradition. It’s an accessible and deeply rewarding practice that nurtures grace, creativity, and self-confidence, while improving balance, strength, flexibility, and circulation.
Our classes combine fitness, culture, art, and joy in every session. Whether you’re new to dance or a seasoned mover, we recommend spending several sessions at each level before progressing.
Many students benefit from taking multiple classes a week, even across different levels (even advanced dancers can benefit from reviewing and drilling the basics covered in a beginner class).
Your Duniya Studio instructor will be happy to guide you to the level that’s right for your experience and goals.
Class Level Descriptions
Level 1: Basic Beginner Bellydance
Discover the foundations of Raqs Sharqi.
Perfect for those who are brand new to bellydance, this welcoming class focuses on essential posture, basic movements, and foundational technique. Students will explore a variety of beginner moves, transitions, and combinations while gaining familiarity with the rhythms and melodies of Middle Eastern music.
No choreography is taught in this level – the focus is on building comfort, confidence, and body awareness. Come as you are – no prior dance experience needed.
Level 2: Beginner-Intermediate Bellydance
Deepen your skills and start expressing yourself.
This level is ideal for students who are comfortable with beginner technique and ready to grow. We’ll expand your movement vocabulary with new steps, movement variations, and simple layering, while different sessions will introduce various props such as veil, cane (assaya), or finger cymbals (sagat).
You’ll begin to explore musical interpretation, stylization, and improvisation in a fun, supportive environment. A choreographed routine may be taught, helping students transition from technique practice to expressive performance.
Level 3: Intermediate Bellydance
Refine, express, and expand your artistry.
This level is for dancers with solid foundational skills who are ready to advance their technique and deepen their artistry. We’ll work on precision, control, and expression, with more complex combinations, layering, and improvisation.
You’ll develop proficiency in popular props such as veil, cane (assaya), finger cymbals (sagat), and throughout multiple sessions may explore additional tools like Isis wings, or sword (sayf). Students will also engage more deeply with the regional styles and rhythms of Middle Eastern music. A choregraphed routine may be taught.
Level 4: Advanced Bellydance
Perform with confidence, grace, and mastery.
Designed for experienced dancers, this advanced class challenges students to bring their technique, musicality, and performance quality to a professional level. You’ll work on complex layering, dynamic transitions, stylization, and improvisational confidence, along with advanced use of props such as assaya, sagat, melaya leff, tray, sayf, or candelabra (shamadan).
We’ll delve into a wide variety of Middle Eastern dance genres and aesthetics, enhancing both your technical mastery and cultural depth. A challenging performance routine choreography may be taught to prepare students for the stage or solo development.
…But wait, there’s more!! …
Subject to availability of dancers who are ready to take the next levels (and by invitation only), we can also offer:
Level 5: Professional Performance Track
For dancers ready to take the stage with confidence and artistry.
This learning track is for advanced dancers who wish to pursue professional or semi-professional performance opportunities in Raqs Sharqi and related Middle Eastern dance styles. Training focuses on stage presence, artistic expression, and choreographic refinement, with individualized feedback to help dancers develop their unique performance identity.
Dancers will work on:
- Advanced choreography creation and composition
- Improvisation mastery across a variety of regional and musical styles
- Polishing technique, stylization, musicality, audience connection
- Tailoring performances to different venues (stage, weddings, restaurants, night clubs, etc.)
- Performance ethics, professionalism, marketing, business practices
- Prop specialization (e.g., shamadan, sword, veil, melaya leff, sagat)
- Costuming, makeup, and stage readiness
- Opportunities to perform in showcases, festivals, or special events
This is ideal for dancers aiming to perform solo, in troupes, or at cultural events with professionalism, respect, and artistic integrity. Instructor recommendation or audition may be required.
Level 6: Teacher Training Track
For dancers who feel called to share and lead.
This learning track is designed for advanced students who want to become skilled, responsible, and culturally respectful teachers of Raqs Sharqi. The focus is on developing teaching techniques, classroom leadership, and curriculum design, while deepening cultural and historical understanding.
Dancers will explore:
- Teaching methodology for beginner through intermediate levels
- How to break down movement for different learning styles
- Class planning and curriculum development
- Verbal cueing, musical breakdowns, and demonstration skills
- Teaching safe dance practices and injury prevention
- Classroom management and inclusive teaching practices
- Discussions on cultural context, representation, ethics, and community engagement
- Optional practice teaching with feedback from experienced instructors
This is a rich opportunity for dancers ready to give back to the community, shape the next generation of dancers, and teach with knowledge, clarity, and compassion. Entry is typically by application or instructor invitation.