If you have at least 1 -3 years of consistent prior bellydance experience, taking beginner with me is not required but it is still highly recommended no matter how much other experience you have! Every teacher has their own approach, and you might find something new or valuable in the way I teach the basics that is different from how you learned it. I've had many students over the years with tons of prior experience who have reported that they got a lot out of my beginner class. That being said if you’re truly confident that there is nothing for you to learn in beginner, you are welcome to join intermediate or int/adv providing you have the required amount of experience.

If you have OTHER dance experience that is NOT specifically Egyptian bellydance, then yes, you are required to start with beginner. I can pretty much guarantee that while some of your skills, body awareness, and knowledge in other dance styles will translate beautifully to Raqs Sharqi (bellydance) there will be content and ways of moving that will be new and challenging you. Please take at least one Beginner series before moving on.

For Bellydance: You get a FREE pre-recorded 20min demo class video when you sign up for my newsletter. This is a way to try a few moves and see if you like my teaching style and presence. Other than that, there are no freebies or drop-ins. You can sign up in “Free” section on the Home Page.

For Yoga: You get a FREE pre-recorded 1 hour demo class video when you sign up for my newsletter. Sign up in the “Free” section on the Home Page.

For Embodied Movement: I have a 2.5 hour Intro To Embodied Movement Workshop recording available On Demand for $30 CAD that gives you 1 year access. This gives you a chance to try out the practice and learn what it’s all about. Purchase the workshop on the Embodied Movement page.

For Bellydance: wear something comfortable that you can move, sweat, and stretch in. Form fitted clothing is preferable to see your movement, but not required. I often wear leggings or shorts and a sports bra or crop top, but if you feel more comfortable in sweatpants and baggy tee, you do you boo! Bare feet are best, but socks are suitable too (just not too slippery OR too grippy). Ballet slippers or jazz shoes work well too.

For Yoga: wear something comfortable and breathable that you can stretch in. Some classes are more yin or restorative based and are nice to do in cozy jammies or hoodies, while more hatha based flows may warrant a shirt that isn’t too baggy lest you get lost in it in downward facing dog or inversions. Bare feet or grippy yoga socks are best. Classes that do not require foot grip can be done in regular socks (I will usually give a heads up at the beginning of the recording).

For Embodied Movement: Come as you are. Just be comfortable! I recommend layers to adjust for temperature as your body dictates how much movement or stillness feels good. As this is not a visual or performative practice, there is no need to see your body movements unless that is a supportive part of your practice. I often opt for cozy, comfy clothes with a layerable option (think something between a restorative yoga class and ecstatic dance).

No! Bellydance is for everyone, and all my classes (Bellydance, Yoga, and Embodied Movement) welcome ALL sexes, genders, and gender expressions.

Respect for all persons’ safety and dignity is expected, and sexism or inappropriate sexual advances/comments will NOT be tolerated, NOR will homophobia or transphobia of any kind.

Unfortunately, because my classes are gender inclusive (and because the door on the dance studio has windows that can’t be blocked off from the public) that does mean that women who wear hijab may not feel comfortable to remove theirs in class. I’m sorry not be able to accommodate this need at this time. I have however had many muslim women choose to participate anyways and keep their head covering on during class. And of course my On Demand on Online classes can be done from the privacy of one’s own home, with cameras off.

My Beginner Bellydance and Bellydance Fundamentals classes are designed to be inclusive and accessible to total novices with no experience, but also fun and challenging for those with some dance background. Classes are for anyone ages 16+ (with some of my oldest students are in their 70s), with a wide range of abilities. If you can’t tell your right from left, don’t worry, will gain more coordination, flexibility, and strength with time and practice. Plus there are NO expectations or timelines for your progress.

My Embodied Movement class is for all abilities and requires no experience at all. Some people move around a lot, but others do this practice from bed, or a wheelchair, or with chronic pain/disabilities.

My Yoga classes are suitable for total beginners. If you can’t sit on the floor or have injuries or mobility issues, modifications are often given during class, with some visual examples in the resource folder, and all instructions are an invitation, not a command.

My higher level bellydance classes (e.g. Int Drills+Combos, or Int/Adv Choreo) do require more experience, but modifications are also offered by request, and my students tend to range widely in ability and age.

For Live Online Zoom classes: Classes are recorded and sent out within 24 hours of each live session. Recordings remain available for the duration of the live series PLUS an extra two weeks after, so you have some buffer to catch up if you’re sick, away, etc.

For On Demand Classes: They’re On Demand for a reason! You can do them anytime, anywhere, and review or backtrack as you like! You have one year access from the time of purchase, so take or time, or redo it again and again!

For Live In-Person classes: it is advisable NOT to miss classes if you can (especially the first two weeks), but I know that life happens. If you miss a class, you will have the option to purchase an additional $5 pass from me to get access to a recording of a past online class with somewhat similar content. It won’t be perfect but at least you won’t be completely behind. We will also do some review of the previous week in each class. Recordings will be accessible for the duration of the series plus an extra 2 weeks after.

Sorry, no refunds. But if there are extenuating circumstances sometimes your purchase can be put on pause and used as credit on your account for future registration.

In short answer: ask your doctor!

Everyone’s body is different, and depending on what trimester you’re in and how your pregnancy is going, you may be totally fine to participate, or may want to omit certain moves, or pass altogether.

For Bellydance: Generally speaking bellydance is quite gentle and suitable for pregnancy. I personally know many people who danced through all 9 months, but again, everybody is different some please consult with your doctor or trusted prenatal medical provider.

For Yoga is a bit more complicated as some poses require laying on your stomach or back, so unless you are confident on how to modify for yourself, I would suggest finding a prenatal specific yoga teacher or class.

For Embodied Movement: Yes! There are no specific movement cues in this class so you dictate how you move. Again, just please check with your doctor or trusted prenatal medical provider to know what kinds of movement or poses you should avoid.