Belly dance classes in London
Bellydance classes
Next term starts on 3rd June for 6 weeks with 2 classes/levels!
Choose from:
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7pm-8pm: Egyptian pop (open level/beginner friendly)
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8pm-9pm: Classic Oriental (Intermediate-Advanced level)
Or, do both and save £££!
(No props required for either course)
There is an opportunity to perform the choreographies from the courses at the Belly Quarter show in Central London on 20th July!
Location: Gym Nation, London Bridge (Mirrored studio, only 5 minutes walk from the train station, changing facilities available)
or
Join on zoom!
Course info
Egyptian pop
(Open level- beginner friendly)
Suitable for beginners and improver level belly dancers to learn and perfect the base technique for Egyptian Bellydance (raqs sharqi), and learn a fun, modern egyptian pop choreography.
We will learn:
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Correct posture and alignment
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Different types of shimmies and accents.
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Undulations, locks and twists
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Figures of eight/mayas (vertical and horizontal)
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Circles and omis
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Arm and hand positions, paths and movements
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Common turns and stepping patterns e.g. pas de bourre
No belly dance experience required, if you are an improver you can refine and "troubleshoot" your base technique here to improve your movement quality.
Variations will be offered in class depending on your level.
Classical Oriental (Intermediate-Advanced level)
Suitable for intermediate and advanced level belly dancers looking for an extra challenge!
We will be working on technique for classic oriental, and putting it into practice with an advanced choreography to the classic Egyptian song (also referred to as tarab) "Hobak el gabbar" perfect for competitions or shows.
In this course you'll:
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Improve your fluidity and elegance through learning advanced level technique.
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Improve your grounded-ness, hip amplitude and strength
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Expand your movement vocabulary with a wide range of movements (which will help e.g. with improvisation to any music) including travelling steps, turns, layering, different shimmies etc.
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Improve musicality for working with tarab and different instruments and the voice.
Performance opportunity
Perform the choreographies from the courses at the Belly Quarter show in Marylebone, London on the 20th July.
Cost: £10 to perform (paid directly to the bellyquarter team)- Jessica will be in touch after the course starts to discuss the performance and arrange booking.
Whats included?
Both courses include:
- 6 classes (once per week)
- Individual corrections (in and out of class)
- Homework each week with 1-2-1 feedback provided via whatsapp
- Recordings from each class so if you miss a class, you can easily catch up
- Participation in WhatsApp group.
ST
"Jessica is an exceptional teacher, blending technical expertise with a supportive and encouraging approach...If you’re looking to refine your belly dance technique and be guided by someone who genuinely cares about your growth, I highly recommend learning with Jessica. She is a phenomenal instructor and an inspiration!"
SZ
"Jessica’s classes are wonderful, with a strong emphasis on technique improvement. They are educational, challenging and so much fun!
She provides meticulous attention to each student, ensuring individual feedback both during classes and through homework.
Jessica is the most generous teacher who offers insightful, thoughtful feedback and corrections, as well as extra material online and amazing tips and tricks to improve our dancing."
SA
It is my first time to join a course with Jessica and I am sooo glad I did!
Jessica is so talented, has a great structure to her classes and is a great teacher. She also gives individual feedback to each student and personally I have improved a lot from this :)
About your teacher
Jessica is an International teacher, judge and performer with over 15 years experience in bellydance. Jessica teaches workshops and bellydance classes in London and across the UK, with a focus on technique and developing dancers' potential. Her style is best described as elegant oriental true to the Egyptian musicality and roots of the dance, with the latest up-to-date, modern and exciting technique. She is known for her clear explanations of technique, de-mistifying complex steps and extensive knowledge of Egyptian dance, and is an in-demand teacher as a result.
Jessica mentors dancers to achieve success in competitions, and her students have won awards at international festivals. She is an official mentor for the Bellydance Now International Competition.
Jessica has won various International Competitions, including first place in Rising Star category at Leylet Hob festival (Switzerland, 2024), first place in semi-professional Oriental and Baladi/Shaabi categories at Safar Festival (Italy, 2024) and 2nd place in Professional category in the Bellydance Now International Competition (2023/2024).
Jessica has studied with, and been mentored by, various master teachers including Julia Farid, Diana Habriellan, Mohamed Shahin, Randa Kamel and Shahrzad, to develop her own unique style and travels regularly to festivals and to Cairo to enhance her knowledge and learning.
Jessica is a highly sought after performer and has danced in gala shows, parties and weddings for many years across the UK. Jessica also organises the festival London Raks Intensive.
Technique focused lessons with clear explanations
Small group, capped class size and supportive atmosphere
Reasons to join
Exciting, inspiring and challenging choreography
Clear corrections and support, in and out of class
Expert, award winning teacher with 15 years of experience
FAQ
Q. Which level is right for me?
A. No experience is required for Egyptian Pop, but for classic oriental you must be proficient with the core bellydance technique (i.e. minimum of intermediate level). Do message me directly by email or the contact form below if you are unsure which level to go for!
Q. What if I can't make a class due to holiday or illness?
A. The class will be recorded for you to catch up in your own time. Students performing in the show need to catch up with missed classes in order to perform.
Q. Can I book individual classes?
A. As we will build on the choreography each week, drop-ins are not possible.
Q. How do I perform in the show?
A. you can decide if you'd like to perform by the second class of term. Those wanting to perform will just need to get a ticket for the bellyquarter show (£10) which is paid directly to the organiser - Jessica will explain how to go about doing that. You can enjoy the other performances at the evening, and your friends and family can also get tickets to come and watch you perform if you like.