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.”

Reflecting upon the 20th anniversary Under a Desert Moon show, I feel privileged to witness Sahara Dance’s growth and so proud to provide a creative home for countless dancers over the years. For this special commemorative show, I was so touched to see our tributes to life changing inspirations. The diversity of both dance styles and dancers was showcased so beautifully. The warmth of the performers and audience was moving, and I’ll hold the memory of this show close to my heart. I’m feeling appreciative of our teachers, studio assistants, students, and supporters who have worked to make this milestone possible, and all those who have kept the studio vibrant, steady, welcoming, and full of creativity.

After over two decades of watching our shows, the artistry which springs forth through the dancers is both humbling and inspiring. When the stress of producing shows and running a small business is mounting, I try to remember how lucky we are to still be able to do this together (and even through a pandemic)!

Live music is such an important part of the art form and it was especially sweet to have a band as part of our anniversary show. I want to thank Saltanah Ensemble (Chakib Hilali, Kylie Hilali, and Abderrahim Amthqal), as well as Randy and Sahara Tabla students, for making music for us, which made the show more wonderfully memorable.

I feel especially blessed that we have so many long-standing teachers still choosing to teach and grow at Sahara Dance. And, I feel equally fortunate that the studio continues to attract new talent, keeping our leadership inspired and fresh. The beloved teachers involved in making this commemorative show include Alma, Ami, Brianne, Chiaki, Crystal, Florencia, Gretchen, Jennifer Anya, Jennifer, Julie, Katy, Leilah Moon, Laura, Malina, Maria, Megan, Mohamed, Nicolette, Omoladun, Randa, Randy, and Sophianna. I recognize the tremendous energy and thoughtfulness teachers put into both providing students feedback, building community in their classes, coordinating among the team to create consistency across the school, and tapping into their creativity to produce interesting choreographies several times a year. Thankfully, teachers and helpers have really stepped up during these past few years while I’ve been raising little ones, and less active in the studio. It is because of them that Sahara Dance is thriving, and that we’re all still dancing together.

Special thanks to Maria for working so creatively and consistently to keep Sahara Dance’s social media presence relevant and compelling, which is its own craft on top of dance understanding. And thanks to Liz, and now Katie, for keeping communications flowing well through the Sahara Dance newsletter. These roles take a lot of heart and effort to do well and I’m happy we have talent and interest in-studio to keep us connected.

The studio assistants (SAs) continue to be the essential caretakers of our dance home, keeping the doors open, technology running, and everyone welcomed. We rely on their competency, patience, and good care for so much. The SA team that carried us through the show includes Bina, Bo, Erin, Farida, Kelly, Maddie, Maria, Marina, Negeen, and Tamara! The studio runs because of them and I really appreciate the many ways they pour such love into Sahara Dance.

Further behind the scenes I realize just how much of a tiny “family and friends” endeavor this has been since day one. Without countless hours of support from the Wilsons (James, Marianne and Anne), my husband (Jake), my mom (Cindy), my father-in-law (Jeff), my sisters (Autumn and Amber), and many others, there would be no Sahara Dance. We have lots of invisible hands and hearts helping to keep our dance shows and studio going, and I’m not sure how I can ever thank these loved ones enough. Truly.

At the heart of Sahara Dance I know that the relationships which blossom within the studio are most important. There is something special about the friendships forged through making art together combined with the exhilaration of dancing as a team. The bonding that happens through movement and self expression feels real and honest. The enjoyment of moving together in unison spills over to the audience. There is a felt sense of connectedness that is alive in shared steps, and a shared dance journey. For me, dancing together over years is a direct and unspoken knowing of my fellow dancers, which is comforting and grounding. I’m so grateful for the time and space Sahara Dance has given me to grow such friendships, and share in the contagious joy of others doing the same. It is a true honor.

There have been many gifts in my life because of Sahara Dance, but knowing the people who make the studio possible is the best gift. It is their good energy that makes Sahara Dance feel like home, and for this I am forever grateful. 

I look forward to seeing the studio evolve in the years to come. This summer will be especially fun with renowned guest artist, Esmeralda, headlining our Summer Caravan show! I’m glad to be able to continue growing and dancing with such an uplifting community.

Love,

Rachel 