See details and register here

Technique classes

• Beginner I, I/II, and II – see this blog post for more details!
• Low Intermediate Technique with Gretchen
• Low Intermediate / Intermediate Sassy Shawl Fusion Combos with Ami
• Intermediate Technique and props with Omoladun (virtual only)
• Intermediate / Advanced Technique with Nicolette
• Intermediate / Advanced Technique with Jennifer
• Advanced Technique with Jennifer and Julie
• Advanced Technique with Chiaki
• Belly Dance Fusion Technique with Crystal
• Folkloric Technique with Leilah Moon

Specialty topic classes

• Muwashahat Rhythms and Reda Technique with Jennifer
• Floorwork and Conditioning with Leilah Moon
• Tabla I (Beginner drumming) with Randy
• Tabla II/III (Advancing Drumming) with Randy
• Belly Dance Cardio with Leilah Moon
• Samba with Sonia

Performance classes

• Baladi performance with Florencia
• Bollywood performance with Malina
• Belly Dance Fusion performance with Crystal
• Raqqesat Indigo (Sassy Shawl Fusion!) with Ami
• Raqqesat Kitty with Leilah Moon
• Raqqesat Samia with Gretchen
• Raqqesat Naima with Nicolette
• Raqqesat Arabi (Folkloric performance) with Leilah Moon
• Raqqesat Nadia with Jennifer
• Raqs Caravan East with Jennifer and Julie

Register today!

Unsure about which technique or performance class is right for you? Your Sahara Dance teacher is here to help! You can also review our class levels article for answers to frequently asked questions.

Listen to a Classic Shaabi playlist on Spotify

In its early days, Shaabi served as a platform for social commentary, reflecting the lives of ordinary Egyptians and their struggles. It conveyed a unique blend of humor, satire, and celebration of everyday life through dance. The lyrics of Shaabi songs often touched on topics like love, work, family, and societal challenges, making it a powerful medium for self-expression and dissent. Shaabi played a crucial role in uniting communities during times of political unrest. It was often performed in public squares and at demonstrations, becoming a symbol of resilience and solidarity. The dance brought people together, transcending class and status, and creating a sense of belonging and shared identity.

More recently, there has been a resurgence of interest in traditional and folkloric dance forms, including Shaabi. With a growing emphasis on preserving cultural heritage, dancers and choreographers began incorporating more authentic elements of Shaabi into their performances. This revival brought attention to the importance of understanding the roots and significance of the dance style.

Interested in learning more about this fun, energetic dance style? Perform a Shaabi choreography at the Sahara Dance Winter Caravan, directed by Florencia! [REGISTER – Shaabi Performance]

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!  

Carioca was known for her striking beauty, expressive style, and compelling stage presence. She was especially lauded for her fluid movements, intricate hip articulations, and charismatic performances. One of her signature traits was her ability to convey emotion and narrative through her dance, making her performances not just visually spectacular, but also deeply engaging on an emotional level.

In addition to her dance career, Carioca starred in over 100 films, which further cemented her status as an iconic figure in Egyptian entertainment. Despite her controversial personal life, which included numerous marriages and outspoken political views, Carioca remained a beloved figure both within and outside Egypt. Her influence on the world of belly dance is immeasurable and continues to inspire generations of dancers today.

We are excited to announce that we are restarting our Raqqesat Tahia Company with this fall’s class schedule.  Directed by Florencia, the Raqqesat Tahia Company is a low-intermediate level company that specializes in choreographies that include props (cane/assaya, zills/segat, veil, and balancing props) along with a focus on expressive stage presence.

NOTE: This company is a prerequisite for all intermediate and above student companies. Students wishing to progress to Intermediate level and above student companies should perf

Want to start your prop performance journey at our Winter Caravan in December? Register for the Raqqesat Tahia Company performance class here!