Our classes are held at various studio locations in Ottawa and surrounding areas. Check our contact page for current locations. Full details are provided at registration, including directions and parking information.
Bellydance builds strength, flexibility, balance, endurance and coordination. It also boosts creativity, memory, cultural appreciation and social connection. And it is fun!
These names are all connected but may have slightly different meanings depending on the context in which they are being used. Bellydance is the commonly-recognized English term used internationally for Raqs sharqi which is Arabic for “Eastern dance” and is the name often used in Arabic-speaking regions. Oriental dance (danse orientale in French) is simply another common English translation of raqs sharqi, and is widely used in Europe and other parts of the world. Baladi (meaning “of the country” or “my home”) refers to a folkloric style of this dance that is more grounded, earthy and often improvisational. All of these styles are part of the broader tradition of Middle Eastern, or South-West Asian and North African, dance.
Email us anytime and we will be happy to help.
If you have less than one full year of previous Bellydance class experience take Level 1 Beginner
Those with experience in other dance styles still start with Level 1 Beginner to learn the posture, movement vocabulary, and styling that unique to this dance form, but with teacher’s guidance may move up quickly if they have strong sense of proprioception (body awareness).
If you grew up dancing raqs sharqi/baladi socially, we still recommend you start with Level 1 Beginner to learn the dance class structure and safe body technique, but with teacher’s guidance you may move up quickly due to having musical and cultural context foundations.
Read the details about our class levels here: https://duniyastudio.com/about-us/about-raqs-sharqi-duniya-classes/. While everyone learns at different speeds, we typically recommend taking a few sessions of each level before progressing to the next level.
Yes. If you register for one level, you’re welcome to attend other levels to see which feels like the best fit. If you decide to switch, we can easily move your registration to another class.
If you’d prefer to try before registering, you can sign up for a trial class (see trial class info below).
Most sessions run 10 to 12 weeks, with one class per week. Exact length may vary depending on season and schedule. Summer sessions tend to be shorter at four to six weeks, while September to June sessions typically run around three months.
Level 1 Beginners focus on technique and movement vocabulary. Levels 2 to 4 Intermediate and advanced students may learn routines and work on improvisation.
Yes. Informal performance opportunities for students are typically available at least twice a year. These recitals are dancer-focussed community events that can be very enjoyable.
No. Performances are optional. We encourage participation but never pressure anyone.
Professional performance requires years of training in dance, music, culture, costuming and audience work. Speak with your teacher if this is a long-term goal.
There are a few ways you can progress even more quickly. Take multiple weekly classes (we have discounts available). Practice on your own regularly to drill your basic movement technique, improve skills, and train your body, plus also improvising for your personal creative inspiration. You can book private lessons or coaching to work on specific skills or projects. We also recommend attending workshops locally, online, or at destination locations (we can make some recommendations). Try learning from a variety of teachers to broaden your perspectives and influences.
Wear comfortable clothes for movement such as yoga wear, dance skirts, crop tops or leotards. Many students dance barefoot, but ballet or gym slippers are recommended. No outdoor shoes are allowed in the studio.
While not required, many students enjoy wearing hip scarves which can be purchased online or sometimes through the studio.
We also have Duniya Studio t-shirts and rhinestone iron-ons available for sale. They are sparkly and fun, and guaranteed to get you many compliments any time you wear it!
While not required, many students enjoy wearing hip scarves which can be purchased online or sometimes through the studio. Additional props are sometimes used in levels 2 to 4, such as veils, finger cymbals, or sticks. These can be purchased online or through the studio. For performances, group costumes may be arranged as discussion with participants.
The easiest way to register is through our online portal (detailed instructions are available here: https://duniyastudio.com/how-to-register-for-classes-at-duniya-studio/), where you can pay securely by credit card. We also accept e-transfer (info@duniyastudio.com), cash, cheque or credit card in person.
Note: Some of our classes are run through the City of Ottawa, which requires separate registration. You can still join our online portal to receive class files and email notifications (detailed instructions on how to register with the city will be sent to you).
If you have trouble registering, email us and we will be happy to help.
We use Studio Pro, a secure administrative and student portal designed for dance and fitness studios. Your information is private and never shared with third parties. You will only receive:
No spam, just relevant communication.
Yes. If you discover that a different level would be a better fit, we can switch your registration to another class. Just let us know and we will make the adjustment.
Yes!
Yes! We have both digital and plastic (credit card sized) options available. Gift certificates are available and can be applied toward sessions (except City of Ottawa classes), drop-ins, workshops, or merchandise. They make great presents for dance enthusiasts.
Registration fees and drop-in packages are non-refundable. In some cases, we may agree to transfer your registration to a different class or a future session, or convert it into drop-ins. Email us to discuss options.
Yes. We can prorate registration fees or recommend drop-ins depending on how many weeks have passed.
In this case, a drop-in package would be preferable. Unfortunately, the way our system works we cannot process partial registration from the start of a session.
Drop-in packages may be a better fit if you know you will miss classes often.
If you miss a class in a regular session, you may attend a make-up class within the same session with prior approval from the teacher/studio admin.
If class is still running but you choose not to attend due to weather or personal reasons, no credits or refunds can be issued. You may attend a make-up class within the same session with prior approval from the teacher/studio admin.
If we cancel due to weather, power outage, or other unforeseen issues, you will receive either a make-up class or a credit to your account.
If you miss two classes in a row, we will send an email to check on you to make sure everything is ok. Don’t be shy to email us if you have any concerns about the classes.
Registration fees are not refundable if you stop coming to class. In some cases, we may agree to transfer your registration to a different class or a future session, or convert it into drop-ins. Email us to discuss options.
Yes. Trial classes and single drop-ins can be booked in the student portal, or email us to make arrangements. If after your trial drop-in you register for a session, we will apply the trial / drop-in fee toward your session tuition fee.
You can book a trial class (also called a single drop-in) through our student portal, or email us to make arrangements. The trial works just like a drop-in: pay in advance online, then let the teacher know at the start of class so your attendance can be recorded.
If you decide to register for the full session after your trial, the cost of your trial class will be applied toward your session tuition.
For more information about drop-ins and trial options, visit: https://duniyastudio.com/whats-new/duniya-studio-blog/
We do not refund unused classes, but we can extend the expiry if your schedule changes. Email us to arrange.
Yes. If you register for one level, you’re welcome to attend other levels to see which feels like the best fit. If you decide to switch, we can easily move your registration to another class.
If you’d prefer to try before registering, you can sign up for a trial class.
Everyone is welcome, regardless of gender, sex, age, size, race, ethnicity, religion, language, or ability. Respect and inclusivity are our only requirements.
Yes, if mature enough to join adult classes. A parent or guardian must sign the registration form. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
At this time we mainly offer adult classes. However, youth may join adult classes if mature enough and accompanied by an adult. Private family classes may be arranged upon request.
Primarily English. Jocelyne and Louise also speak French. Cathy also speaks Arabic and some Spanish.
While classes are open to all genders, experience has shown us that most of the time the people who choose to join are all women. If you prefer women-only spaces, let us know so we can confirm who is registered in the class of your choice, or recommend options for other women-only spaces.
Yes! Most of the time our classes are women-only, and we ensure privacy by closing doors and window blinds, so the studio space is modest and comfortable for those who are muhajjabah. You can email us before the start of class to confirm that only women are registered in the class you plan on taking.
Raqs sharqi (often called bellydance or Oriental dance) comes from Southwest Asian and North African (AKA Middle-Eastern), as well as Turkish and Greek cultures.
Learning and enjoying this dance style as a student or artist is not automatically cultural appropriation. Appropriation happens when cultural elements are taken out of context without respect, acknowledgement, or understanding of the source culture; often in ways that reinforce stereotypes or erase the people who created them.
At Duniya Studio, we teach raqs sharqi with respect for its cultural roots, music, history, and context. We encourage students of all backgrounds to approach the dance with openness, humility, and appreciation. This includes learning about the music, the languages, and the communities the dance styles come from, and recognizing that you are a guest in this tradition.
In short: participation is welcome and celebrated, but respectful engagement is essential.
Yes! We offer private and semi-private lessons, as well as custom lesson-parties for birthdays, community events, or corporate activities. Our teachers are also available to come teach a workshop to your dance community at your location. Contact us to discuss options.