Over 2 decades ago, Rachel Kay Brookmire launched what has become one of the largest belly dance studios in the United States: Sahara Dance. Based in Washington, DC, Sahara Dance has evolved and grown since 2005, offering over 30 weekly belly dance classes, a variety of belly dance intensive retreats, an intensive teacher training program, as well as multiple performances each year. Most recently, Sahara Dance celebrated its 20th anniversary Under a Desert Moon Gala in April 2025, and had the honor of representing Middle Eastern Dance at the World Culture Festival in 2023 with Jillina.

“For a lot of people, that sense of confidence and that blossoming and the changes they make in their own bodies and lives that come from belly dance tend to come under the pressure cooker of performance.”

Earlier this year, Rachel was interviewed on Iana Komarnytska’s Belly Dance Life podcast, where she shared:

• her own personal belly dance story beginnings
• how she got into teaching belly dance and who her early teachers and influences were
• valuable lessons from her mentors
• how to understand if you’re ready to teach belly dance
• how she manages Sahara Dance’s curriculum and teaching staff
• how she has witnessed dancers evolve through Sahara Dance’s performance opportunities
• and so much more!

“I feel just very lucky to be in this place, in this time, in this world with these people who want to be part of this dance. I think it attracts a special kind of person to share this dance.”

Learn more about Sahara Dance’s history by listening to the full podcast here or on Spotify! Want to see the Sahara Dance community evolve over the years? Check out our photo albums!

“The overarching hope is everybody leaves feeling uplifted by being a part of Sahara Dance.”

Q: What makes this intensive different from a typical belly dance class?

Q: Why focus on our relationship with our body?

A: Our relationship with our body shapes not just our dance, but how we show up in life—how confident we feel, how vibrant and grounded we are, how much we allow ourselves to be seen. So many of us carry unspoken judgments or stories about our bodies that makes us shrink, afraid to stand out, and to numb out. In this class, we’ll gently work with those limiting factors so that our bodies can become a source of love, not struggle.

Q: Is it just about learning to “love yourself more”?

A: Great question, and no, it’s not that simple. You can’t simply will yourself into self-love. That’s why this class includes reflective work to help us identify and move through emotional blocks that get in the way, such as early-life experiences, limiting beliefs, or past wounds that have shaped how we see our bodies. Through guided self-reflection, discussion, and compassionate movement, we’ll work to release what no longer serves us, and make space for something kinder and truer, and more joyful.

Q: What does a typical class include?

A: Each class blends traditional belly dance technique, combinations, and joyful choreography with mindfulness practices, gentle movement, and space for reflection. We’ll move together, breathe together, and share (only if you want to). It’s a safe space where all parts of you are welcome.

Q: What will I walk away with?

• Gain new belly dance skills and learn a fun, body-celebrating choreography
• Grow your sense of connection to your body and your emotions
• Let go of some beliefs or stories that were holding you back
• Feel more at home in your skin, and
• Make some beautiful new friendships along the way

Q: Who is this class for?

Q: When and where are the classes held?

A: When: Saturdays from 9:00–10:20 a.m. (80-minute classes)
Classes run weekly from September 6 through December 20.

Please note: There are no classes on September 20, October 4, and November 29, and December 13.

Q: How do I sign up?

A: You can register through the Sahara Dance Studio website.

We are thrilled to announce an exciting new offering at Sahara Dance: Technique Assessments! In case you missed it, we revamped our curriculum earlier this year to better serve our students, foster creativity, and nurture talent. The new Technique Assessment goes hand in hand with our updated curriculum by giving students the opportunity to evaluate their current mastery of dance fundamentals and technique level.

For those new to the studio, guest passes are good way to help figure out which class(es) are best for you.

If you want a thorough technique evaluation, or feel like your dance is stagnating and want feedback on how you could improve as an artist, the new Technique Assessment provides you with a framework to understand your current technique mastery and receive detailed feedback and technique recommendations from any two teachers of your choice (based on availability). Technique Assessments are a comprehensive way to help you determine which classes to take the following session, including performance groups or companies!

How Does It Work?

Upon registration, dancers will automatically receive an email with a video(s) of the curriculum choreography to perform for the assessment. Dancers may further learn the choreography in classes and/or purchase the curriculum choreography workshop recording (see bottom of page).

Dancers submit their performance videos of the choreography for assessment of technique execution. Dancers may submit their performance video in costume if they would like additional feedback on artistic presentation, although this is not a requirement. Video submissions should be filmed twice, consecutively and without pause, for each choreography. For example, for the Beginner Level, you should submit one video of yourself performing Aziza twice and one video of yourself performing Zeina twice. You’ll then email your videos as unlisted YouTube links to techniqueassessment@saharadance.com.

Once we receive your videos, and depending on what option you selected when signing up, you will receive either one or both of the following evaluations:

Technique Assessment Forms

These are two separate one-page written forms, one by each evaluating teacher summarizing their recommendations for the dancer to most improve their technique and artistry.

Video Evaluations 

These are a supplemental option, and include two 10 – 15 minute recorded videos by each teacher. Both teachers expound upon, and demonstrate, how to best improve the key areas they outlined in the dancer’s Technique Assessment Forms, as well as offer additional insights.

Dancers receive personalized video and/or written feedback on their performance of the choreography for their individual dance development by two Sahara Dance teachers of their choice (based on availability, trained in Sahara Dance curriculum).

Evaluations are based on a rolling submission deadline, so you can sign up whenever you feel ready! Upon signing up for a Technique Assessment you will automatically receive access to the curriculum choreography video(s) for practice. You have 30 days to submit your video for evaluation after registration. If you find you need an extension, just let us know.

A Note About the Choreography

Technique Assessments primary objective is to see movement technique and transitions executed in time with music. If necessary, you may have the choreography playing on a screen while you film. The primary purpose is not to assess choreography memorization, though that is also a useful skill to build as you advance levels.

Additionally, curriculum choreography workshop recordings are not required for students to purchase to do a Technique Assessment, it is merely offered as a support for students who want to take advantage. It will be a spoon-fed preparation for students wanting to quickly and easily refresh or get ready for an assessment.

How Do I Sign Up for a Technique Assessment?

To sign up for a Technique Assessment, visit our Workshops page and scroll down to find the appropriate level. You can also find them listed out individually below:

• Beginner 1 and 2 (Aziza / Zeina)
• Beginner 3 (Sallam Allay)
• Intermediate 1 (Batwanis Beek)
• Intermediate 3 (Habibi Ya Eyni)

How Does This Differ From My Weekly Classes?

The technique assessment is a kind of comprehensive, personalized feedback that isn’t as easily offered in a group class as there isn’t the structured time or place for teachers to offer detailed feedback. While your teachers are likely offering feedback in class over time, it is not as a comprehensive and individualized. This opportunity is all about you!

How Do I Know Which Technique Assessment to Take?

We highly recommend all dancers, especially Advanced dancers, start with a Beginner Technique Assessment. Advanced students are often more concerned about progressing and may feel plateaued. To most effectively evaluate their technique, it’s best to start at the foundation. Challenges and problems that show up in later years causing plateau are often based in fundamental technique or posture. so looking closely to make sure the foundation techniques are all well executed helps addresses layering and complexity concerns before looking at the higher levels. By offering a rolling deadline for these technique assessments, we hope that students take the opportunity to get personalized feedback whenever best fits their schedule.

It’s always fun to look back at all we’ve accomplished as one chapter ends and another begins. This year we shared so many beautiful moments and milestones together. We’re excited to share our 2024 year in review with you. We hope you enjoy going down memory lane.

Thank you for being a part of this year in Sahara Dance’s history.

With love and shimmies,
Rachel

Sahara Dance Shows

We’d like to thank the more than 100 dancers, our in-house drummers, as well as the backstage crew who made our three annual shows such a hit! We take pride in being able to bring this art form to local stages in the Washington, DC area, and we hope you are very proud of all the hard work you put in to make each show a success.

Under a Desert Moon

In late April, we returned to the Greenberg Theatre at American University for our 19th Under a Desert Moon. Both shows featured a variety of companies and performance classes, plus special performances by Megan, Florencia, Julie and Alma, Leilah Moon, and Mohamed Ali, Raqs Sahara (Jennifer, Chiaki, Ronda, Megan, Nicolette, and Julie) and the Al Fananaat Project cast (Gretchen, An, Alma, and Liz). Reminisce with these official photos, check out our backstage Reel, or stream the full show. We hope you’re getting excited about joining us for the 20th anniversary in April 2025!

Summer Caravan

Summer 2024 was the summer to dance! In late August, we held our Sahara Dance Summer Caravan at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre in Rockville, MD, with performances by faculty and student companies. The first act ended with a reprisal of “Arabian Nights,” featuring Jillina (who choreographed the piece for our epic 2023 World Culture Festival performance on the National Mall), Raqs Sahara (Omoladun, Julie, Jennifer, Ronda, and Nicolette), Raqs East, and a select group of students. After a quick intermission, the audience got to experience the professional performance of “The Jungle Book” by Jillina and Bellydance Evolution. Raqs Caravan East showcased Sahara Dance in a special proptastic “City of Gold” piece, choreographed by Julie. Check out these official photos, check out our behind the scenes Reel, or stream the full show.

Fall Caravan

We ended the year on a high note with two sold out Sahara Dance Fall Caravan shows at the Imagination Stage in Bethesda, MD. In addition to our amazing student companies, we also welcomed back student solos with Developing Choreography students showcasing their creations in both shows. The Al Fananaat Project cast, including Maria, Randa, Crystal, Nicolette, Liz, and Florencia, showcased Jillina’s Lyrical Pop Choreography as well. Check out these official photos as well as our behind the scenes Reel.

18th Annual Heart of Belly Dance Retreat

In May, we headed to Blue Spirit in Costa Rica for our annual Heart of Belly Dance Retreat, this time with the world-renowned dancer and choreographer, Jillina. We had so much fun frolicking on the beach, soaking up all the dance and life wisdom from Jillina, and relaxing to the soundtrack of rain forest showers, ocean waves, and howler monkeys. Check out this video for a day in the life of a retreat attendee.

We are thrilled to set off to Nosara once again in 2025. Next year, our guest instructor will be the beautiful Esmeralda Colabone. She will explore the theme of experience and artistry in belly dance. There are a few spots remaining!

New Teachers

This year, we welcomed Sophianna and Katy to the Sahara Dance faculty. Sophianna’s Greek background and extensive training in Greek Tsiftitelli and folk dances brings a new flavor to the studio. Katy’s warm smile and welcoming attitude aims to make beginners feel right at home in the Sahara Dance community. We also celebrated the return of Megan, whose expansion into flamenco brings new fusion offerings to the studio.

New Curriculum

In the summer, we announced our newly refreshed curriculum. This was a massive undertaking by Sahara Dance faculty and major milestone for the studio as we move into our third decade of belly dance education.

The new curriculum was implemented in the fall, and consists of 9 levels, 3 each for beginner, intermediate, and advanced dancers. The simplified system of names should help to more clearly indicate the path students should take at Sahara Dance.

We offered a few workshops at each level to help students understand the main differences and assess their skill levels. The curriculum will continue to serve us into 2025. Read the recent blog posts to learn more about determining your level.

World-Touring Guest Artists

This year was full of opportunities to hone one’s skills by studying with one of our many guest master instructors. We were so lucky to be able to host so many incredibly talented and fun dancers, and we’re thankful to all of you who helped warmly welcome them to our studio. Your enthusiasm and support is much appreciated, and we look forward to welcoming new and familiar faces in 2025.

Shahrzad

We started and ended the year with the one and only, Shahrzad. In January, Shahrzad held an intensive workshop as well as an advanced drum solo workshop. Dancers had the opportunity to film themselves dancing to the drum solo for the second Al Fananaat Project, which was cast for UDM in April. Our last event of the year was also with Shahrzad. Dancers had the opportunity to attend her Isolations and Undulations Intensive, Mejance Intensive, and Modern Shaabi Choreography Workshop. It’s not too late to sign up for Al Fananaat Project to receive personalized feedback!

Sahra Saeeda

In June, we hosted the incredibly knowledgeable Sahra Saeeda for a sold out Journey Through Egypt 1 and 2 as well as a Classic Reda choreography workshop. JTE 1 provided students with a captivating overview of the movement, posture, clothing, history, and cultural diffusion across different regions of Egypt. JTE 2 allowed students to delve deeper into the Dance Zones of Egypt, including a variety of dance styles, from Bambouteyya to Hagallah. Participants who completed both courses proudly received certification from Sahra. Those who attended the Classic Reda workshop learned the historic “Gharib al Dar” Muwashahat choreography, which Sahra learned directly from Farida Fahmy as Mohamed Reda choreographed it for her and the original Reda Troupe. The Al Fananat Project cast for this workshop will perform the dance at the 20th Anniversary UDM in April 2025!

Jillina and the Bellydance Evolution Cast

In August, we welcomed Jillina and the Bellydance Evolution Cast to the studio for a full day of workshops post-show. We had the privilege and opportunity to learn a Lyrical Pop choreography from Jillina, Mystical Drums from Luna, Bollywood from Shannon, Ori Tahiti from Kapua, and She’s Got Legs intensive from Sabah. We felt re-energized with new challenges after this amazing day of workshops!

Florence Leclerc

In October, we welcomed a new master teacher to the studio: Florence Leclerc. She offered a 3-day Grace and Beauty workshop intensive, touching on the pivotal role of the head, torso, and arms in expression emotion. She taught her distinct, elegant style through a workshop choreography and also drilled a variety of turns, arabesques, and traveling step combos over the course of the weekend. We had so much fun with Florence that we’re welcoming her back in June 2025 for a veil intensive workshop.

Mohamed Ali

Last, but certainly not least, Mohamed Ali, our locally-based Egyptian Folkloric dance teacher, provided students with a variety of opportunities to hone their understanding of folkloric dances. Throughout the year he taught Saidi, Bambouti, as well as his first-ever zar workshop! We look forward to learning from him again in 2025, starting with Shaabi.

Al Fananaat Project

We were pleased to offer 3 Al Fanaanat Project opportunities in 2024. This project aims to help dancers develop professional level artistry in raqs sharqi and receive professional, individualized feedback from leading dancers around the world. Each guest instructor hand selected which dancers would perform their choreographies on stage.

We are thrilled to see this project succeed and look forward to continuing with it into 2025.

Community Shows

In addition to our three main shows, Sahara Dance students and faculty also prepared for performances at the Travel and Adventure Show, Fiesta Asia, the Friendship Heights Makers Market, Tenleytown Art All Night, as well as the Fez Tones Hafla. The hafla featured Sahara Dance teachers, including Randa, Nicolette, Leilah Moon, Maria, Julie, and Gretchen, as well as live band, including a qanon, oud, riqq, and tabla musicians.

We look forward to showcasing our skills to our local community in the coming year. By performing at local events, we aim to spread the word about what we can offer those interested in learning this dance form. Please click here if you or someone you know is interested in having Sahara Dance perform at an upcoming event!

Final Thanks

We are so grateful for all who made 2024 a year of growth, friendship, artistry and fun. Please join us in thanking our teachers, studio assistants, marketing and social media team, and many volunteers. They pour so much time, energy, and love into our studio and community. Thanks also to the anonymous donors who helped us gift students with scholarships in 2024. We appreciate your generosity.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back in the new year! Let’s make 2025 unforgettable, starting with our 20th anniversary UDM!

For those new (or returning) to the studio, guest passes are also a good way to help figure out which class(es) are best for you.

How long should I stay at this level?

This is a question we get a lot, about how many times a student should repeat a level before moving on. The answer is not straightforward, as each student’s dance journey is unique and may be impacted by things like whether you have previous dance experience, if you’re looking for casual fun or are driven to progress quickly, how consistently you attend class, and lots of other factors. However, the guidelines below will help give you a general idea of the path you can expect to take.

Beginner Classes

Beginner 1 covers belly dance “A to Z” as a full 15- or 16-week semester. The full semester teaches the complete Beginner 1 curriculum, including both the Aziza and Zeina choreographies (thus belly dance “A to Z”).

Beginner 1 class can also be taken as an 8-week, half-term class. The half semester includes only half of the curriculum (either the Aziza or Zeina choreography, depending on the session).

Both options are designed to be an introduction to the joy of belly dance. Most students will only take Beginner 1 for 15 or 16 weeks, but all are welcome to repeat it as many times as they like!

Beginner 2 and Beginner 3 are where you develop your foundational technique to set yourself up for future success. Most students will take these levels 2-6 times each.

Intermediate Classes

Intermediate 1 and Intermediate 3 are about adding complexity to your dance. At these levels, you will work on combining basic moves with traveling steps, turns, and more intricate layers. You’ll also work on developing skills such as spatial awareness, musically, and expression. Most students will take these levels anywhere from 2-6 times each.

Intermediate 2 is all about learning how to use props. A good foundation in using the 3 core props – veil, finger cymbals (sagat/zills), and cane (assaya) – is required to move up, but additional experience may be gained in balancing props, fan veil, Isis wings, or other fun accessories for your dance. Most students will take this level 2-6 times.

Advanced Classes

At the advanced level the focus shifts away from learning new movement vocabulary and towards developing a dancer’s individual skill set. There is no set length of time that a dancer will spend at each level mastering the skills needed to move up. It will depend on a variety of factors, including but not limited to:

• Consistency of class attendance
• Performing and rehearsing as part of a student company
• Participation in workshops and master classes
• Personal at-home practice
• Previous dance background
• Outside learning through books, articles, videos festivals,, or lectures
• Cross training for strength, endurance, flexibility and body awareness

At this level each dancer’s journey will be very individualized and will depend on how much dancing and training one does each day and week. One dancer might be ready to progress after a few semesters while another spends several years at the same level. Advanced classes are designed to keep a full repertoire of dance movements honed as a regular maintenance practice for professional dancers. Advanced dancers are also encouraged to occasionally return to lower levels to refresh the fundamentals.

Most importantly, remember to embrace dance as a journey of enjoyment. There’s no stagnant end point, or finish line. Our bodies are unique and ever-changing.  We can relish the fresh, new feeling of each movement, without expectations. Our experience of the music, and of dancing together, is always alive with newness. What will it be like this time, in this moment?

With intention, dance can be vehicle for cultivating curiosity, delight, and unconditional friendliness toward ourselves and the world around us. May we always let the inherent joy of movement and expression lead our dance.

Have More Questions?

If you still want additional guidance on what level you should sign up for, check out our blog post ‘What Class Should I Take Now?’ or talk to your teacher!

Level Map

To get started, check out this mapping of our new technique levels to the old class names. 

Core Techniques

One of the features of the new curriculum is a list of core techniques for all Beginner and Intermediate levels. Look at the Sahara Dance Curriculum Summary page for the key things you need to become proficient in at each level, alongside general skills of musicality, expression, and body awareness. Identifying the technique that you are still working to learn will help you know where you should be.

Core Elements Skill Levels

For the Advanced technique levels, we have identified the 6 essential elements of a dancer’s toolkit and provided a description of the skill level you should be able to demonstrate for each element before progressing onto the next level. A student should be able to perform at the Advanced 1 level for all 6 elements before moving to Advanced 2. 

For example, If you are brilliant at turns but still working on layering, we recommend that you sign up for the lower level class and focus your personal practice and in-class attention on developing the areas that you need to work on before moving up. 

Specialty Classes

Our workshops and specialty classes, such as fusion, samba, and bollywood, don’t fall under the curriculum revision; however, you can look for the 3 level labels (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced) in the class descriptions to help know if a workshop or specialty class is right for you.

Technique Assessments

Still need advice or have questions? Sign up for a Technique Assessment where you can get review the curriculum choreographies of each level. Select two Sahara Dance curriculum teachers of your choice to offer feedback and placement recommendations on how to best level up your dance.

For those new to the studio, guest passes are also a good way to help figure out which class(es) are best for you.

What’s New?

• The new Sahara Dance curriculum consists of 9 levels – 3 each for beginner, intermediate, and advanced dancers. You’ll see a simplified system of names to more clearly indicate the path students should take through the core levels
• For each beginner and intermediate level, we’ve identified core technique elements that a student needs to be proficient in before moving on to the next level. We hope this will provide greater clarity about what is most important at each level and will aid students in knowing when they are ready to move up.
• For the advanced levels, the focus moves away from learning new technique and shifts to developing as a dancer. We have identified 5 essential elements of the dance, along with the skill level for each, that a student should be able to demonstrate to make progress.
• There is a new focus on building improvisation skills across all levels.
• We’ve updated our cultural context lessons to:
  • • • emphasize more consistent learning of important Middle Eastern rhythms and musical genres
      • ensure basic understanding of common folkloric dance forms
      • provide more historical context
      • incorporate current cultural trends that dancers need to understand.

Fun fact: When Sahara Dance opened in 2002, mahraganat music hadn’t been invented yet! It’s one of the new additions to the cultural context part of the curriculum.

More Details Coming Soon

As we prepare for the fall class session in the coming weeks, we will be publishing more information about the refreshed curriculum, including helpful guidance on how to find the right level. 

In the meantime, mark your calendar for Saturday, September 7 from 1:30 – 4:30, when we will hold mini workshops to demonstrate the new levels. Teachers will be on hand to answer questions and provide placement advice.

Join Us in This Exciting New Chapter!

We are very excited about this refresh as we continue dancing together. We invite you to join us and experience the difference that our enhanced curriculum can make in your dance journey.

For more details, class schedules, and registration information, stay tuned to our newsletter and website.

Sign them up to dance the Silk Road this summer! Announcing Sahara Dance’s first-ever youth program: Kids World Dance!

Students will travel the world through music and dances from North Africa, the Mediterranean, and Asia.

Classes are offered on Wednesdays and Sundays in Tenleytown for two age groups: 6-8 years old and 9-12 years old.

This play-based class focuses on fun, creativity, and enjoying various cultural dances from the Silk Road. Designed as a perfect introduction for kids new to a formal dance setting, or dancers who have practiced other styles but would enjoy traveling to new lands through movement and music.

Children will learn:

• Cultural dances
• Kinesthetic skills
• Self confidence
• Spatial awareness
• Creative movement
• World rhythms & music
• All while dancing with props from around the globe

Similar to our adult classes, the youth program classes will be available as a 16-week series, or two 8-week sessions. This flexible schedule makes it easier for families with pre-planned vacations or other activities on the calendar. Classes follow the same class structure each week to provide young children a solid routine:

Class Structure:

• Etiquette Refresher + Follow the Leader (5 min)
• Stretch + Creative Movement (5 min)
• History Lesson/Video + Q&A (5 min)
• Movement Technique (10 min)
• Combination + Application to Music (10 min)
• Freestyle Song (3 min)
• Cool Down + Grounding Meditation (5 min)

Teacher Spotlight:

Sophianna will greet each student with her radiant smile and warm energy! Her love of dance comes primarily from her own Greek heritage. Her dance experience began informally from a young age at cultural festivals, birthday parties, and celebrations held by local churches, family, and friends.

Her earliest memories of family celebrations include her father lifting her up to dance on the chairs and tables while everyone sang and clapped along. Sophianna aims to create a safe space similar to the one she grew up with so that Kids World Dance students feel supported in experimenting with movement and self-expression!

Course Schedule:

We’ve outlined the full-term schedule below so you can get a sense of what will be covered each week, including any props. Feel free to share this with any interested little ones to help build their excitement leading up to class each week!

As a reminder, classes are also available in 8 week sessions. Classes will be held in-person at our Tenleytown studio located at 4433 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016.

Week 1-4: East Asia 

• Weeks 1+2: Dunhuang Chinese Ribbon Dance – Prop: Ribbon Streamers
• Weeks 3+4: Nihon Buyo Japanese Fan Dance – Prop: Dance Fans

Week 5-8: South Asia (Bhangra + Bollywood)

• Weeks 5+6: Bhangra Punjabi Dance
• Weeks 7+8: Bollywood Mumbai/Fusion Dance

Week 9-12: Middle East 

• Weeks 9+10: Raqs Sharqi Egyptian Dance – Props: Hip scarf
• Weeks 11+12: Veil Egyptian/Fusion Dance – Props: Veil

Weeks 13-14: Eurasia + Europe 

• Karsilamas Greek+Turkish Line Dance – Prop: None (hand holding- optional)
• Zeibekiko Greek+Turkish Eagle Dance – Prop: Plastic cup

Week 15-16: Review Day

• Review Day; Reviewing what we learned, freestyling with props, and dance party!

It is an honor to expand our loving, joyful community to include young children, and we look forward to celebrating our little ones’ creativity over the course of the summer. Please join us in spreading the word about Kids World Dance, whether on social media (Facebook, Instagram), by word of mouth, or by registering the little ones in your life!