Learn How to Belly Dance in 5 Steps!
The Belly Motions School has developed step-by-step 8-week Programs designed to prepare you to become enriched in the ancient art of Belly Dance!
Whether your intention of study is for fun, fitness, or future performing, you will be introduced to a new world of thinking, feeling, and moving. Here at Belly Motions you will learn to dance, meet new friends, laugh, exercise, and make many memories that will be cherished forever!
Step 1: The Beginner 1 Program
The Fundamentals
Students begin their course of study with the Beginner 1 Program. This introductory 8-week Program is designed to teach the fundamental isolations found in Belly Dance. Students will be exposed to the proper execution and technique of movements such as circles, figure eights, pops and locks, shimmies and hip work. Basic Veil and Finger Cymbal technique will also be introduced. Once enrolled, students are encouraged to attend as many additional Beginner 1 classes as they would like. They may do so in one of two ways: $18.00 per class or purchase a prepaid 10 Class Card for $150.00.
Upcoming Beginner 1 Program Start Dates:
Mondays 6:30 – 7:30 PM with Luisa: June 24th
Tuesdays 10:30 – 11:30 AM with Portia: July 9th
Wednesdays 6:30 – 7:30 PM with Portia: May 22nd
Saturdays 11:00 – 12:00 PM with Luisa: May 25th
Register for a Beginner 1 Program Now! ->
Ste
p 2: The Beginner 2 Program
Movement Applied
Students continue their study of Belly Dance with the Beginner 2 Program. In this 8-week Program, students will learn to layer and travel with movements learned in the Beginner 1 Program. Additionally, students will be introduced to arm and foot positions, counting music, basic combinations, as well as more complex movements, Finger Cymbal and Veil technique. Once enrolled, students are encouraged to attend as many additional classes per week at or below their level as they would like. They may do so in one of two ways: $18.00 per class or purchase a prepaid 10 Class Card for $150.00..
Upcoming Beginner 2 Program Start Dates:
Tuesdays 11:45 – 12:45 PM with Portia: July 9th
Thursdays 6:30 – 7:30 PM with Portia: May 16th
Saturdays 12:15 – 1:15 PM with Luisa: May 25th
Register for a Beginner 2 Program Now! ->
Step 3: The Intermediate 1 Program
Footwork, Turns, & Intricate Combos
Students progress to the Intermediate 1 Program. In this 8-week Program, students will be introduced to advanced footwork and intricate combinations. Students will also learn to incorporate turns and transitions as well as more advanced use of Finger Cymbals and Veil technique while dancing! Once enrolled, students are encouraged to attend as many additional classes per week at or below their level as they would like. They may do so in one of two ways: $18.00 per class or purchase a prepaid 10 Class Card for $150.00.
Upcoming Intermediate 1 Program Start Dates:
Mondays 7:45 – 8:45 PM with Caitlin Ray: August 19th (This time rotates with Intermediate 2 Program)
Tuesdays 1:00 – 2:00 PM with Portia: July 9th
Saturdays 1:30 – 2:30 PM with Caitlin Ray: May 25th
Register for an Intermediate 1 Program Now! ->
Step 4: The Intermediate 2 Program
History, Culture, and Choreography
The final 8-week program is the Intermediate 2 Program. In this program, students are introduced to cultural and musical understandings of Egyptian/Oriental Dance. Students will learn choreography, and will be exposed to various props and their significance. Upon passing the Dance Evaluation and a written test, the student will “Graduate†from their foundational studies, and are now ready to advance their education in the art of Belly Dance! Once enrolled, students are encouraged to attend as many additional classes per week at or below their level as they would like. They may do so in one of two ways: $18.00 per class or purchase a prepaid 10 Class Card for $150.00.
Upcoming Intermediate 2 Program Start Dates:
Mondays 7:45 – 8:45 PM with Caitlin Ray: June 24th(This time rotates with Intermediate 1 Program)
Saturdays 2:45 – 3:45 PM with Caitlin Ray: May 25th
Register for an Intermediate 2 Program Now! ->
Step 5: Advanced Classes, Performance Teams, Workshops, Choreography Programs & more!
Continuing Education
Upon completion of the Beginner and Intermediate Programs, students will move into Advanced Classes, Performance Teams, Workshops, Choreography Programs, Private Classes and other Enrichment Programs. Advanced classes and Workshops are open and on-going. These classes will cover technique, stylization, choreographies, Arabic rhythms, dancing with props, and many other challenging concepts! Choreography Programs will teach an entire dance routine and students will have opportunities to perform in upcoming Belly Motions theater productions!
On-going Advanced Classes
Tuesdays 2:15 – 3:15 PM Advanced with Portia
Wednesdays 7:45 – 8:45 PM Advanced with Caitlin Ray
Thursdays 7:45 – 8:45 PM Advanced with Portia
Sundays 12:00 – 1:00 PM Advanced with Alexandra
Performance Team Classes
Tuesdays 8:30-9:30PM Bollywood Performance Team with Narayani
Fridays 8:30-9:30PM Tribal Style Performance Team with Caitlin Ray
Open On-going Specialty and Fitness Classes
Mondays 5:30 – 6:20 PM HipNotica Fitness™ with Luisa (Open to All Levels)
Tuesdays 6:30 – 7:20 PM Zumba® Fitness with Portia (Open to All Levels)
Tuesdays 7:30 – 8:30 PM Bollywood with Narayani Maharaj (Open to All Levels)
Wednesdays 5:30 – 6:20 PM HipNotica Fitness™ with Portia (Open to All Levels)
Thursdays 12:15 – 1:05 PM HipNotica Fitness™ with Luisa (Open to All Levels)
Fridays 7:15 – 8:15 PM American Tribal Style (ATS) Belly Dance Technique with Caitlin Ray(Open to Beginner 2 and Up)
Sundays 4:15-5:15 PM Latin-Arabic Fusion with Michelle (Open to Beginner 2 and Up)
Workshops and Choreography Programs
Workshops, Choreography, and Specialty Programs range in length and price and are designed for specific dance levels, Beginner through Advanced. Instructors focus on level specific material and choreographies fundamental to strengthening technique and developing stylization. Please visit our Workshops and Events pagefor a list of Workshops, Choreography Programs, and other Events hosted by Advanced and Master Instructors here at Belly Motions!
Class Policies and Etiquette
Programs are Non-Refundable
Students registered for any Program or Workshop have a reserved spot in that class and are making a commitment to participate. For this reason, Programs and Workshops are non-refundable. Students may transfer from one Program session to another within the first three weeks, space permitting. Belly Motions must be notified and transfer must be acknowledged. Workshop transfers are not permitted.
Program Space
There are only 25 students accepted per Program for all Beginner and Intermediate Programs. Workshop participation is also limited depending on Instructor requirements; please refer to Workshop Announcement for details. We highly recommend pre-registering online, over the phone or in person AT LEAST TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE PROGRAM START OR WORKSHOP DATE to reserve your place in the Program or Workshop.
Program Completion
Students enrolled in the Beginner through Intermediate Programs will be evaluated throughout each Program and will receive a PASS or REPEAT on the last day of class. In the Intermediate 2 Program, students are also required to take a written test on the last day of class. Once passed, they will receive a Certificate of Completion.
Program Attendance
Students are permitted two make-up classes per 8-week Program. Please try to attend every class in order. Beginner 1 students may make up a missed class by attending any other Beginner 1 class offered during the week within the 8-week period. The same applies to Beginner 2 as well as Intermediate students. For students who miss 3 or more classes, a $18.00 walk-in fee will apply to each make-up thereafter. Make-ups must take place before the end of the 8-week Program! If Beginner or Intermediate students wish to take more than one class during the week, they may walk-in to additional classes for $18.00 or use their 10-Class Card for $150.00.
Class Etiquette
- Students will need a Coin Belt/Hip Scarf, Veil and set of Finger Cymbals for every class.
- Students should arrive early to class as classes begin on time. Late students must check in with their Instructor after class for attendance purposes.
- All personal belongings should be placed in the cubbies provided. Belly Motions is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
- Cell phones should be silenced during class.
- Gum chewing is not permitted in the studio.
We’re looking forward to seeing you in class!
