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.

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.

Spring 2024 classes for beginner dancers

Beginner I technique classes (8-week session)
This class is perfect for anyone brand new to belly dance! We recommend all new belly dancers take Beginner I for four 8-week sessions for a total of 32 weeks. In the first round dancers are exposed to the movements and in the second round dancers are able to integrate the movements with attention to alignment and musicality more fully.

• Tuesdays at 6pm with rotating belly dance instructors
• Wednesdays at 8:15pm with Florencia
• Saturdays at 12:30pm with Florencia

Beginner I/II technique class (16-week session)
Have you completed 16-32 weeks of Beginner I? Join us for Beginner I/II technique, which will expand your movement base to include foundational undulations and accents, turns and layering, and explore Middle Eastern music rhythms and structure. This class will set you up for success for joining Beginner II, while reinforcing all the technique you learned in Beginner I.

• Saturdays at 10:30am with Jennifer Anya

Beginner II technique (16-week session)
Continue your dance journey after you’ve completed 32 weeks of Beginner I or combined Beginner I/II by expanding your dance vocabulary and expression and awareness of cultural context. Beginner II will solidify your belly dance foundation and prepare you for the next level of classes and a wide range of specialty topics.

• Saturdays at 12:30pm with Jennifer Anya
• Thursdays at 8:15pm with Gretchen

FAQ: How many beginner belly dance classes should I take?

Great question, and one we hear a lot at Sahara Dance! We broke it all down in this blog post. Do not hesitate to reach out to your teacher or to Rachel (rachel@saharadance.com) if you have questions.

Beginner and Low Intermediate performance opportunities at Under a Desert Moon 

We are already excited for our glamorous annual spring show, Under a Desert Moon, at the American University Greenberg Theatre on Saturday, April 27. But it will be even more special to have you with us!

Performing early and often is one of the best ways to accelerate your dance journey, share what you’ve learned with your family and friends, and deepen your dance friendships. The entire Sahara Dance community loves to cheer on our new and early dance journey performers.

We hope you will join us for this special show.

• Saturdays at 11:30 am: Beginner I Performance class with Florencia – perfect for those enrolled in Beginner I or Beginner I/II.
• Saturdays at 11:30am: Raqqesat Badia Company Beginner I/II performance class with Jennifer Anya – perfect for those enrolled in Beginner I/II or Beginner II technique.
   
• Thursdays at 7:15pm: Raqqesat Samia Company – Beginner II/Low Intermediate with Gretchen – perfect for those enrolled in a Low Intermediate Technique class, who have completed the BII curriculum.

Check out a video from one of our past Under a Desert Moon (UDM for short) shows to get a sense of what to expect from this exciting show! 

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Questions about which class and performance opportunity would be best for you? We want to hear from you! Don’t hesitate to reach out to your teacher or to Rachel at rachel@saharadance.com.

Total newbie? We want you and can’t wait to welcome you!

Our beginner level classes are eight weeks (sometimes seven weeks if there is a major holiday falling during the series), with a choice of hybrid (in-person and online) or virtual (online only) sessions.  Beginners should take Beginner I classes in eight-week increments, as many times as you like, until you feel ready to move up to Beginner II, at which point the series are sixteen weeks.

Here’s the list of classes available for newer dancers (yes, that means you!):

>> Beginner Classes

(You can also go here to see all classes, and filter by “beginner level”.)

Consider yourself a beginner, but you’ve already taken some classes?

Maybe you’re ready to take it up a notch with Beginner I/II classes or the Beginner level performance class (you know you’re dying to try…!) We also have fun open-level classes that beginners are welcome to join, such as Strengthen, Stretch & Flow, Belly Dance Cardio, Tabla I (drumming) and more. Check the schedule to see what’s on!

This will be the best gift you have ever given yourself.  Register today!

We recommend all new belly dancers take Beginner I for at least four 8-week sessions (32 weeks). In the first round dancers are exposed to the movements and the second round dancers are able to more fully integrate the movements with attention to alignment and musicality. 

Before moving on to Beginner II, dancers make the most progress when they’ve fully internalized the foundational movements from Beginner I into muscle memory. Because the Beginner II curriculum adds lots of layering movements, it’s easy to practice movements incorrectly without a strong and clear foundation. I like to remember and apply one of my favorite sayings from mediation, “no time to rush”.

This condensed Beginner I class is ideal for new students to belly dance, or those seeking to refresh the belly dance foundations.

After you have completed the first 8 week session, you should definitely also consider trying the Intro to Performance class (check the class schedule for start dates)!  You’ll be able to show off your new skills in a simple Beginner level choreography at a Sahara Dance show in front of family and friends… But this opportunity isn’t just about performing in front of an audience; it’s a chance to forge new friendships and play with beautiful costumes and makeup. Whether you’re an absolute beginner or have completed several sessions of our Beginner I (or Beginner II) technique, you’re welcome to participate. In this program, you’ll learn and perform a fun several minute-long choreography that draws upon the foundational skills covered in Sahara Dance Beginner I. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking the thrill of group performance, the beauty of artistic expression, and a chance to refine their fundamental dance technique.

See details and register here

New in Belly Dance Technique classes:

• Chiaki’s teaching a new Advanced Technique class on Saturday mornings
• Rachel is back teaching Advanced Technique class on Tuesday evenings
• Florencia is teaching a Low Intermediate Props Technique class focusing on cane/assaya on Monday evenings
• Beginner II is back on Thursday evenings with Gretchen
• New Beginner I class with Nicolette on Wednesday evenings
• New Samba class with Sonia on Wednesday evenings
• Omoladun’s online only Intermediate Technique class will focus on props brush up (especially veil) this semester!

New in Performance classes:

• Florencia is bringing back the Raqqesat Tahia student company, which focuses on props – all students at the low intermediate / intermediate level should make sure they have sufficient prop training before moving on to intermediate and above student companies, and this is a great way to practice the prop skills learned in technique classes!
• Rachel will direct our famed advanced company Raqs Caravan East for the Winter Caravan show
• Florencia’s directing a new Shaabi Performance class on Monday evenings
• Our Lebanese Style performance group, Raqqesat Beirut, will be doing double veil, directed by Alma!

New category of classes: Conditioning!

Conditioning is extremely important to help build the strength and stamina required to make all our belly dance moves seem so effortless.  Add one or more of these classes to your dance practice!

• Belly Dance Cardio
• Floorwork & Conditioning
• Strengthen, Stretch & Flow

Don’t forget to take advantage of Early Bird prices – check out the full schedule and register today!  

Want to perform bellydance on stage?  Join a Sahara Dance Performance Company!

There are several student performance companies from which to choose. Check the Classes Schedule to see what’s currently available! More on each company below.

The Raqqesat companies are Sahara Dance student companies specializing in preparing students for the stage. There are two types of Raqqesat companies: Egyptian-inspired belly dance companies and specialty companies. The Egyptian-inspired companies are named after famous Golden Age belly dancers, and are designed for students of raqs sharqi. We chose to honor these influential dancers to help students connect with their dance lineage and gain a deeper understanding of the history and evolution of belly dance. The specialty Raqqesat companies are named for style-specific dances. Members train in a specialized branch of belly dance, such as fusion and folklore.

Sahara Dance Resident Performance Companies:

• Raqqesat Arabi – folkloric student company
• Raqqesat Badia – Beginner I / II student company
• Raqqesat Beirut – Lebanese style student company (Low Intermediate and above)
• Raqqesat Indigo – Fusion style student company (Low Intermediate and above)
• Raqqesat Kitty –  Intermediate student company
• Raqqesat Nadia – Intermediate / Advanced student company
• Raqqesat Naima – Intermediate / Advanced student company
• Raqqesat Samia – Beginner II / Low Intermediate student company
• Raqs Caravan East – Advanced student company
• Raqs Sahara – Professional company

Join a student company today!

While providing a strong learning environment for students, from beginner to advanced, Sahara Dance also provides a creative outlet for faculty and students alike with our performance dance companies. Participation in the student companies is for students with goals of developing performance technique, stage personality, ensemble dance experience and enjoying the camaraderie of dancing together.

To participate in a dance company you must simultaneously be enrolled in the corresponding technique class. Beginners may enroll in Raqqesat Badia along with a beginner technique class. More specific information about prerequisite levels is here.

If you are a current student wondering whether you are ready to move up, consult with your current teacher for feedback about your appropriate level. In this process, please be gentle with yourself – remember everyone grows at their own pace, and there is not a preset amount of time to spend at each level. Please note, Raqs Caravan East and Raqs Sahara are by invitation only.

If you are not yet enrolled in any Sahara Dance classes but have previous belly dance experience, just email us about recommendations on levels – info@saharadance.com.

Beginner I is the class we recommend for starting a strong foundation in belly dance. No experience required!

We start a new 8-week Beginner I class every 8 weeks, and you can join the class up to 4 weeks in.

What is the Sahara Dance Beginner I curriculum?

Zeina (8 weeks) + Aziza (8 weeks) = Full Beginner I Curriculum (16 weeks)

The Beginner I curriculum is a total of 16 weeks, split across two 8-week sessions: Zeina & Aziza, named after Zeina Zeina and Aziza by Mohamed Abdel Wahab, timeless belly dance classic songs characterized by their enchanting melodies and rhythms. You can start with either Zeina or Aziza, and we recommend taking both. We alternate the Zeina and Aziza offering every 8 weeks, and all Beginner I classes follow the same curriculum each semester.

Aziza and Zeina are independent curricula and do not build upon one another, so friends are welcome to join the new 8-week session without any dance experience. However, both Zeina and Aziza are needed to learn the full Beginner I curriculum.

What brings you to belly dance?

Are you dancing for fun and fitness? Or do you wish to really master belly dance as an art form? Or both?

For dancers interested in becoming performance company members, and/or mastering the art form, we recommend taking Zeina and Aziza sessions each twice, which is the full Beginner I curriculum two times. The first time through is good for exposure to the movements and aesthetics; the second time is good for mastery. A strong foundation in the basics will serve your dance development in the long run.

For dancers joining classes for fun and fitness, you’re welcome to take Beginner I as long, or as little, as you like. Belly Dance Cardio or other conditioning classes are also a good option for a workout class.

For dancers who are unsure of their dance goals, take your time, enjoy the learning process, and get a good technical foundation in the Beginner curriculum. This way you’re prepared for performance, should it interest you.

Hybrid or Virtual?

Do you like learning movement in person? Then reserve a spot in a Beginner I class in-person by registering for the hybrid option. Do you prefer to learn at home, live-streaming? Then registering for a virtual option may be best for you. If you prefer to attend class with a mix of in-person and online options, reserve an in-person spot at the studio by registering for the hybrid option. Recordings for each class are included for both hybrid and virtual students.

Register here for a Beginner I Class! We can’t wait to welcome you to the Sahara Dance family.