Classes

Our academy began in 1997 under the direction of world-renowned artist Samay—specializing in the Egyptian style and folklore-inspired dances. Today, we are proud to continue her legacy and still offer a wide range of courses. Students of all ages and levels will immerse themselves into all aspects of the art form, including the history and dance that encompasses diverse styles from the Middle East.

Dancers that have taken classes from other studios are welcome to jump into our intermediate, advanced, and specialty courses. Our instructors are bilingual, fluent in English and Spanish. You do not have to be enrolled in college to register. Just register online, via fax or phone! In addition to the program, all students are welcome to participate in our highly-anticipated, annual Middle Eastern Dance production!

For Registration Assistance, please note the class Reference Number and call 305-237-0321 or email ececilia@mdc.edu.

For a full list of our courses on the MDC site, please click here.


Location

Miami Dade College, Kendall Campus
School of Continuing Education & Professional Development
11011 SW 104th Street, Miami, FL 33176

Room G303 is located in building G, on the 3rd floor
Room G208 is located in building G, on the 2nd floor
Room 2108 is located in building 2, on the 1st floor

 

PiggyBank.jpg

Pricing

Our courses are $110.00 per 6-week session. Classes are 1.5 hours long, giving us plenty of time to safely warm up your muscles, dance our hearts out, and then cool-down to prevent injury.

Here’s a price breakdown:

  • 1.5 hour weekly classes = 9 hours per semester = Less than $12.50 the hour!

    Note: This is more affordable than most dance studios in Miami!

We partner with MDC Kendall Campus, and MDC requires students to sign up for full semesters online. If you have to miss a class, don’t fret! You can make up the lost time in another class or in another semester. Not only is our dance room one of the largest in the city, these prices can’t be beat!


FALL 2024 | LEVEL COURSES

Belly Dance Level 1 - Beginner Technique & Fundamentals

Learn the essentials and proper execution of movements in this six-week course, designed to get you started on your journey through Middle Eastern Dance – taught by award-winning Co-Director Danna Yasbet! This intro class consists of basic technique, fundamentals and cultural aspects focused on the Egyptian style. Whether you’re a complete newbie or just looking to brush up on the basics, this class is designed to be fun, energetic and easy to follow along.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Basic Moves: Start with the fundamentals of belly dance, including hip drops, shimmies, figure 8s and lots of beautiful arm work. Repetition is key, we’ll break down each move step-by-step and make sure you feel comfortable and confident.

  • Simple Combinations: Put your new skills to the test with simple combinations that will have you dancing in no time. These mini-routines are perfect for building confidence and getting a feel for the dance.

  • Rhythm and Music: Get in tune with the music! Learn how to move to the beat and understand the rhythms that make belly dance so mesmerizing.

  • Body Awareness: Improve your posture and body awareness as you learn to isolate different parts of your body. This will help you move with grace and fluidity.

No experience is needed, just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to have fun!

*
Students are encouraged to remain in this level as long as necessary to master the fundamentals

Class Ref No
0210 - 016

Semester Dates
11/5 - 12/10

Days
Tuesdays

Time
7:00 - 8:30 pm EST

Room
G303

Instructor
Danna Yasbet

For immediate registration, note the reference number and call 305-237-0321 or email ececilia@mdc.edu


Belly Dance Level 2 - Traveling, Layering & Drum Solo Drills (Prereq: Belly Dance Level 1)

This Intermediate level is designed for students who have a strong background in fundamental technique and are ready to explore the multifaceted nuances of Middle Eastern dance. Develop skills in traveling with all the movements learned in Level 1 and practice elaborate combinations as the weeks progress – taught by award-winning artist Kelly!

This course consists of extensive layering, complex footwork, across-the-floor sets, and development of Egyptian musicality and stylization. During the Fall, explore the exciting rhythms of bellydance by learning some fun beginner-friendly drum solo combinations! We will break down fundamental moves, work on isolations, and practice simple combinations to help you connect with the music. Perfect for dancers who want to continue building a strong foundation while having fun with dynamic and engaging drills.

Class Ref No
0211 - 016

Semester Dates
11/5 - 12/10

Days
Tuesdays

Time
6:20 - 7:50 pm EST

Room
G303

Instructor
Kelly

For immediate registration, note the reference number and call 305-237-0321 or email ececilia@mdc.edu


Belly Dance Level 3 - Advanced Technique & Musicality  (Prereq: Belly Dance Level 1 & 2)

Take your dancing to the next level with award-winning Co-Director Amara Sayid in this challenging and inspiring course. Further develop advanced technique, practice elaborate combinations and footwork, and practice stage presence. This summer, Amara is breaking down technique with different genres of Middle Eastern dance!

Amara’s teaching style is fun and patient with a high attention to detail. Her technique breakdown is designed to protect your alignment and bring awareness to your body as you move. You will also be introduced to performance nuances and expression in Arabic dance. Join Amara Sayid today and learn her authentic and elegant approach to bellydance.

Class Ref No
0212 - 016

Semester Dates
11/6 - 12/11

Days
Wednesdays

Time
7:00 - 8:30 pm EST

Room
G303

Instructor
Amara Sayid

For immediate registration, note the reference number and call 305-237-0321 or email ececilia@mdc.edu


FALL 2024 | SPECIALTY COURSES

Belly Dance Specialty: The Fine Art of Bellydance (Prereq: Belly Dance Level 1)

Join Master Instructor, Jihan Jamal, in this educational and inspiring course. The Awalim (plural for Almeh) is a terminology used during the 19th century to refer to the professional dancers of Arab Egypt - Educated girls and women of good social standing, trained in dancing, singing and poetry, present at festivals and entertainment venues. Course will focus on traditional steps and choreographed dance patterns, and introduction to playing finger cymbals, with an emphasis on “port –de-corps” (Carriage of the body). 

Jihan's teaching method combines ethnic tradition and regional colloquialisms without sacrificing classical form and traditional technique. As a teacher, her objective is to educate the student in the structure of the dances as well as their cultural, regional backgrounds and the social, religious and political history that has impacted and altered the dance throughout the centuries, to present day.

Photo by: Siufer Artistry

Class Ref No
0216 - 016

Semester Dates
11/4 - 12/9

Days
Mondays

Time
7:30 - 9:00 pm EST

Room
G303

Instructor
Jihan Jamal

For immediate registration, note the reference number and call 305-237-0321 or email ececilia@mdc.edu


Belly Dance Specialty: Theatrical Raks Sharqi (Prereq: Belly Dance Level 1 & 2) *

In this immersive class, we will focus on refining your lines and perfecting your posture. Our goal will be to magnify your use of dance space, strengthen your traveling foot work, and enhance your overall stage presence – making every performance captivating and memorable! Expect plenty of repetitions and variations to challenge body awareness and enrich movement vocabulary.

Join award-winning performer Kelly for a transformative experience that will elevate your belly dance skills to new heights. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a passionate intermediate to advanced level dancer, this class offers valuable insights and techniques to help you shine on stage.

Class Ref No
0936 - 013

Semester Dates
11/5 - 12/10

Days
Tuesdays

Time
7:55 - 9:25 pm EST

Room
G303

Instructor
Kelly

For immediate registration, note the reference number and call 305-237-0321 or email ececilia@mdc.edu