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In our beginner classes, we teach you to move to the 3 rhythms that we hear in Middle Eastern Music.

We incorporate Veils, Zills and Tambourines to assist in the fun and learning of the basic steps.

With a proper warm-up and cool-down it also an excellent fitness activity with all the fantasy and excitement of the ‘dance’ included.


Belly Dancing Moves : online mini course

Bellydancing originated in the Middle East parts of Africa thousands of years ago. It has been associated with temples, fertility rites, harems, scandal and secrecy. Many firmly believe that is was originated by women for women. Hence the mystique.

Some moves are intrinsic to various countries. For example, Egyptian Baladi is very earthy and the most important movement is the hip drop, whereas Turkish dance uses more hip lifts.

Throughout the centuries the ‘dance’ has changed with gypsy, ballet, flamenco and even modern steps being added for variety and flair. There are many more veil movements now than were ever used in the time of the Pharaohs for example! The beauty of this artform is that it is constantly changing with the lives and emotions of the dancers being reflected in the style and beauty of the movements. Here are some basic moves that are recognised globally as ‘the dance’.


They are:
1. Hip movements - rolling or slow
2. Hip movements - sharp or fast
3. Torso /belly rolling movements
4. Shoulder and arm moves
5. Head and neck moves
6. Steps and turns

Belly dancing requires supple rolling motions of the hips. These moves are often done to improvised music and are called ‘taqsim’ (‘takseem)

Before we begin; Posture, Posture, Posture!
Bend your knees, plant feet hip width apart and tilt your pelvis forward. Lift your chest and your head and we can start.

1/ Hip circles - small rolling hip circles are performed with the pelvis pivoting on an axis in a continuous circular movement. Many believe this ancient move emulates giving birth in a fertility ritual.

2/ Big hip circles are similar but lower to the ground and very similar to the way you would move if you were spinning a hula hoop around your hips.

3/ Figure eights are so named because it looks like a sideways number 8 (OR a lemniscate) as on a tarot card) This is the symbol of eternity - the picture of a snake with its tail in its mouth. - a metaphor for ‘cyclic renewal’

*For the Basic 8, plant your feet, hip width apart and imagine drawing an ‘8’ on the floor, pushing alternate hips back and around to return to your ‘centre’. When comfortable with this 4 count movement, reverse the direction and make an ‘8’ in an inward pattern. “Maya’ is a vertical outward ‘8’ that is very controlled - it should look like ‘honey spilling out of a cup!’


To faster music, especially the drums, the hips move with more energy! The main hip moves are as follows:

1/ Hip lift - one foot in front on the ball, and both knees are bent with body remaining very still. Place weight onto front foot and straighten your leg. The hip will automatically lift up. Change feet and repeat. Then practice walking forward, changing legs and performing the move in a little circle. This is a 2 count movement.

2/ Hip drop - these are very Egyptian. This is a deep downward hip move. Make sure that the whole body doesn’t ‘drop’ when the hip goes down. From a flat foot or ball position, one foot is placed in front slightly and you pretend that you are sitting on a chair that is not there! Keep the body still and lifted through the chest and head. A 2 count move.

3/ Hip Shimmy - the most exciting of the hip moves and the most fun! Feet are apart and planted, pelvis is forward, chest is lifted and you quiver the flesh on the hips and the bottom. Relax and constantly vibrate from the knees until you are really shakin’ it. - 8 count movement at least!

Learn all of these moves and so much more from from one of the following teachers :




What do you wear?
Anything that is comfortable, from Indian skirts, trackpants, fitness gear, long skirts to full costumes. Tie a scarf around your hips and get it 'shakin'.

Beginners Dance Class
In this dance class we turn steps into choreographed routines. Building each week, we mix the 3 rhythms until our Belly Dance moves flow smoothly into one another. We incorporate veils, Zills, and Tambourines into 'little numbers' that are fun and easy to learn. CD and notes assist in the learning process, Egyptian Cabaret, Gypsy and Tribal Fantasy styles of dance and costume are taught in our classes.

Intermediate Dance Class
With the "Eastern Spirit" basic steps and choreography behind us, we progress into more complex steps. Some students choose to perform and are comfortable with solo's, performance techniques and designing their own numbers. Others just do it for fun - so all are welcome! The CD for intermediates has all the routines and voice-over for your learning pleasure.