Music playing a little louder. People staying after class a little to run sections again. Costumes laid out in corners. That mix of excitement and nerves that builds right before something big.

That’s where we are right now.

Under a Desert Moon is this Saturday, April 25. 

For a lot of our dancers, this show is a milestone. Not just because it’s on a big stage, but because of everything that leads up to it. Months of practicing, figuring things out, getting stuck, getting better, and slowly seeing a piece come together.

What ends up on stage isn’t just choreography – it’s all of that.

Every piece you’ll see has been shaped by students and their teacher. There’s structure, yes – but there’s also interpretation, personality, and a lot of care in how the movement is carried.

One of our teachers, Leilah Moon, put it really well:

“UDM always feels like an annual culmination of the best Sahara Dance has to offer. Every piece is a collaboration between the students and teacher/choreographer and I’m proud of the dedication my students always put into sharing the living cultural legacy of raqs sharqi and the folk dances of Egypt, The Levant, and beyond.”

That idea of a living cultural legacy really matters to us.

These dances don’t exist in isolation – they come from real places, histories, and communities. Being able to learn them, practice them, and share them is something we don’t take lightly.

At the same time, this show isn’t meant to feel distant or formal.

This year feels especially meaningful as Under a Desert Moon turns 21, and we’re leaning into that – making it more celebratory, a little more playful, and full of those moments that bring people together. Expect a bubbly, fun-filled atmosphere where the line between performer and audience softens.

There are moments where you won’t just be watching – you’ll be part of it.

We’ll have a dabke line moving through the audience, live drumming you can actually feel, and an open invitation to join us on stage for a simple, joyful piece (Zeina, from our Beginner 1 class). At its core, this is what dance is about – connection.

Some of the most meaningful moments of the night are the ones where you can see someone step into something new, take a breath, and go for it anyway.

One of the things we see again and again is how performance becomes a turning point for dancers. Sahara Dance Founder, Rachel Brookmire put it best:

“For a lot of people, that sense of confidence and blossoming – and the changes they experience in their own bodies and lives through belly dance – really come into focus through the experience of performance.”

That’s the part we hope you leave remembering.

If you’ve been thinking about coming, we’d love to have you there.

Under a Desert Moon
Saturday, April 25
3:00 PM & 6:00 PM
American University Greenberg Theater

Purchase tickets for the 3:00 PM show
Purchase tickets for the 6:00 PM show

If you do come, your ticket includes a free Intro to Belly Dance workshop on May 3, which you can enjoy yourself or pass along to a friend who’s been curious about trying belly dance.

Hope to see you there!

As another year comes to a close, we find ourselves reflecting with deep gratitude on all that we’ve created together. This year was filled with meaningful milestones, beautiful performances, shared growth, and moments of connection that remind us why Sahara Dance continues to be such a special home for dancers.

Thank you for being part of this vibrant, creative, and supportive community. Let’s enjoy a little time to relive the highlights of the year, basking in all the beauty and good times we made together.

With love and appreciation,
Rachel

Performances: Celebrating Artistry & Milestones

Under a Desert Moon – 20th Anniversary

This year, Under a Desert Moon marked a profound milestone for Sahara Dance as we celebrated the 20th anniversary of this beloved production. The evening offered a meaningful opportunity to reflect on two decades of artistry, dedication, and community, honoring some of the inspirations who have shaped Sahara Dance’s journey over the years.

The commemorative performance was rich with intention and warmth, featuring live music by the Saltanah Ensemble, teacher solos, and special appearances from longtime Sahara Dance faculty. Moments onstage felt like a living tribute – celebrating not only the beauty of the dance itself, but the relationships, mentorship, and shared history that continue to sustain the studio.

Rachel shared a deeply personal reflection on this milestone evening, capturing the gratitude, resilience, and creative roots that have carried Sahara Dance forward through seasons of growth and change. We invite you to read her full reflection and revisit the magic of this unforgettable celebration. View highlights from our 20th Annual Under a Desert Moon celebration, including behind-the-scenes moments and performance clips.

Summer Caravan

Our Summer Caravan brought warmth, joy, and bold artistry to the stage, highlighted by a special appearance from world-renowned guest artist Esmeralda Colabone. Audiences were captivated by her performance, alongside powerful contributions from Sahara Dance teachers and students who brought a wide range of styles and voices to the stage.

A particularly memorable moment was seeing dancers come together to perform a Lebanese pop piece developed through workshops, celebrating collaboration, musicality, and shared exploration. Performances from the Al Fanaanat Project further showcased dancers’ growth and courage, highlighting the dedication required to step into deeper artistic expression. Explore highlights from the Summer Caravan and Esmeralda’s intensive workshops.

Fall Caravan

We closed out the performance season with a Fall Caravan that felt intimate, cozy, and deeply connected. This show offered a space to witness dancers’ continued evolution and artistry in a warm, supportive setting. Check out our highlight photos from our most recent and last show of the year.

The Fall Caravan also marked the debut of Raqqesat Soheir, directed by beloved founding teacher, Ziyaki. Raqqesat Soheir welcomes a new vision and energy into our performance family, offering advanced students additional opportunity for development and expression. The evening served as a beautiful reminder of how Sahara Dance continues to grow – honoring tradition while making space for new creative beginnings.

Retreats: Connection Beyond the Studio

19th Annual Heart of Belly Dance Retreat 

In May, we traveled to Blue Spirit in Costa Rica for our 19th Annual Heart of Belly Dance Retreat, led by Esmeralda Colabone as part of her Silver Tour. This year’s retreat centered on themes of artistry, aging, and longevity, inviting dancers to reflect on how their relationship to dance evolves over time.

Through daily classes, discussion, and shared experiences, dancers explored not only technique and expression, but also the wisdom, depth, and self-knowledge that comes from sustained artistic practice. Set within a lush natural environment, the retreat offered space to step away from daily routines and reconnect – with dance, with nature, and with one another.

The Heart of Belly Dance Retreat continues to be a meaningful space for reflection, renewal, and community, honoring the many ways dance supports us across different stages of life. Our next retreat in May will be the special, commemorative 20th anniversary edition with the theme of self-care and rejuvenation, and led by the legendary, Jillina! Register to join us in Costa Rica.

Each year, Sahara Dance retreats offer dancers the chance to step outside the studio and into spaces designed for reflection, renewal, and deeper connection. These gatherings invite participants to slow down, listen inward, and reconnect with the joy and intention behind their dance practice. View moments from the Heart of Belly Dance Retreat in Costa Rica.

In the Spotlight: Podcast and TV Feature

This year also included a special podcast interview featuring Rachel Kay Brookmire in conversation with Iana Komarnytska, offering thoughtful insight into Rachel’s journey, teaching philosophy, and the evolution of Sahara Dance.

The conversation provides a deeper look into the values that guide the studio and the experiences that have shaped its growth. We invite you to listen and learn more through the linked blog post and podcast.

Most recently, Rachel Kay Brookmire, alongside dancers Gretchen, An, and Nailah, had the joy of being invited to WUSA9’s Get Uplifted on December 17, 2025. The segment offered a beautiful opportunity to share the artistry, joy, and cultural richness of belly dance with a wider audience, highlighting movement as a source of connection, expression, and uplift.

We’re grateful for the chance to represent our community on such a vibrant platform and to celebrate dance as a living, joyful art form. Watch the segment here.

Teaching & Faculty Updates

This year brought both new beginnings and heartfelt farewells within our teaching community, reflecting the care, intention, and diversity of approaches that shape the Sahara Dance experience.

We were delighted to welcome Jacinda to the teaching team. Jacinda’s work centers on belly dance as a practice of body acceptance, healing, and self-connection, inviting dancers to move from the inside out. Her classes blend traditional belly dance technique with mindfulness, gentle movement, and reflective practices, creating a supportive space where dancers can explore not only how they move, but how they relate to their bodies. Jacinda’s Belly Dance for Body Acceptance & Healing intensive offered a deeply personal and compassionate approach to dance, and she will be returning to teach again in the spring.

Learn more through Jacinda’s Q&A feature.

We also warmly welcomed back Cynthia, whose teaching brings together the joyful energy of Brazilian samba and the grounded expressiveness of belly dance. Her Samba–Belly Dance Fusion classes emphasize rhythm, musicality, and full-body movement, blending samba footwork and hip accents with belly dance isolations, shimmies, and expressive arm patterns. Cynthia’s classes are energetic, confidence-building, and celebratory – offering dancers a vibrant, movement-forward experience rooted in connection to music and joy.

At the same time, we shared a fond farewell to Julie, honoring the artistry, care, and creativity she has offered so generously over the years. Julie’s presence has shaped many dancers’ journeys, and we invite you to revisit her impact through a farewell post shared on social media. Cynthia will be working with Julie to take over directorship of her long-standing, Raqqesat Latin performance company as it moves to Monday evenings.

We are deeply grateful to all of our teachers for the skill, generosity, and heart they bring to the studio every week.

Growing Opportunities for Students

In 2025, Sahara Dance continued expanding ways for students to engage, grow, and be recognized, offering opportunities that support artistic development, consistency, and connection.

• New assessment opportunities across levels and choreographies, giving students structured ways to receive feedback, track progress, and celebrate their growth

• A $50 class credit Perfect Attendance Award recognizing commitment, consistency, and dedication to regular practice

• Expanded belly dance cardio drop-in options, creating accessible opportunities for joyful movement and community connection

• Guest passes to encourage sharing dance with friends and loved ones, extending the warmth of the studio beyond its walls

Together, these offerings reflect our commitment to accessible, joyful, and meaningful dance education, supporting dancers at every stage of their journey.

World-Touring Guest Artists

We were honored to host and collaborate with an extraordinary lineup of world-touring guest artists this year, offering dancers meaningful opportunities to study with leaders whose work has shaped contemporary belly dance across the globe.

This year’s guest artists brought a wide range of perspectives, styles, and cultural lineages to the studio. Mohamed Ali led workshops rooted in Egyptian dance traditions, including Modern Shaabi (Mahrajanat) and Saidi folkloric dance. His classes explored musical expression, cultural context, and technique – from modern street-influenced Shaabi choreography to the grounded, energetic cane work of Upper Egypt – offering dancers a deeper understanding of both contemporary and folkloric Egyptian styles.

Florence Leclerc returned for her second visit with Sahara Dance, offering an online exclusive focused on veil work, movement quality, and layered expression. We were thrilled to host Esmeralda Colabone and Rachel Brice for sold-out intensives, reflecting the community’s enthusiasm for immersive learning experiences. Esmeralda’s visit coincided with her Silver Tour, while Rachel – a longtime friend of the studio and one of the original voices of American fusion – shared her deep experience and creative lineage. During her visit, we were also delighted to welcome Esmeralda to Washington, DC, and share a bit of our city with her beyond the studio. Esmeralda and Rachel each led immersive workshops focused on deepening artistic voice, musicality, and embodied expression, offering dancers sustained, in-depth study rather than single-class experiences.

We also welcomed Athena Najat, whose workshops drew from Greek and Romani influences, expanding dancers’ cultural and stylistic awareness. In addition, we collaborated with Shahrzad, whose work in Advanced Modern Shaabi choreography and leadership of the Al Fanaanat Project provided dancers with opportunities for professional-level artistic development and performance experience.

Together, these experiences continue to deepen our collective understanding of movement, culture, and artistic voice, reinforcing Sahara Dance’s commitment to globally informed, thoughtful dance education.

Community Performances

Beyond our mainstage productions, Sahara Dance was proud to share our art with the wider community through performances at a variety of public events throughout the year.

Dancers represented Sahara Dance at the Travel & Adventure Show, Fiesta Asia, Tenleytown Art All Night, and as the opening act for 1001 Nights, featuring choreography by Jennifer, bringing Middle Eastern dance traditions into public spaces and community celebrations across the region.

These performances offer meaningful opportunities to connect with new audiences, foster cultural exchange, and celebrate the richness and diversity of Middle Eastern dance traditions beyond the studio.

Final Thanks

As always, our deepest thanks go to the teachers, studio assistants, students, volunteers, and supporters who make Sahara Dance what it is. Your presence, dedication, and care are the foundation of this community, and the reason the studio continues to feel welcoming, vibrant, and alive.

Sahara Dance is built on relationships – on the trust, creativity, and shared commitment that grows when people come together through movement. We are so grateful to dance alongside you and look forward to continuing this journey together in the year ahead.

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.

The student companies are thriving and performing at higher levels than ever before. This is fantastic! Dancers are developing within their companies, and the company levels needed to be recalibrated to match this accelerated improvement, as well as the recently revised curricula.

1. Review the Advanced Skills Level document on the curriculum page to self-assess your mastery of the Advanced movement repertoire
2. Inquire with your current company director(s) and curriculum technique teacher(s) for informal feedback on your dance progression
3. Participate in a full Technique Assessment for in depth feedback on your dance level from two teachers, and their recommendations on the best path for leveling up

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 

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.