Raqs Sharqi/Belly Dance in Ghent
BELLYDANCE AT SHOONYA
Day:
Monday
Where:
Studio Aakash (2nd Floor)
Teacher:
Lenka Badriyah
Language & Age:
EN/NL | 12+
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Start Date: Monday, February 9, 2026
End Date: Monday, June 8, 2026
Total: 15 SessionsSchedule:
Feb: 9, 23
Mar: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Apr: 20, 27
May: 4, 11, 18, 25
Jun: 1, 8
Note: No class Feb 16–22 (Krokusvakantie) or Apr 6–19 (Paasvakantie).
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Details for our Fall/Winter semester are currently being finalized. Please check back in May for the full schedule and pricing.
Expressive, Elegant, and Empowering
Basic - Level 1
Whether you're a beginner or have a bit of experience under your (coin) belt, this belly dance class (Raqs Sharqi) is perfect for you! Join us as we explore the basics of belly dance technique, engage our hips and arms, practice various shimmies and accents, and learn all about the music that makes belly dance so captivating. Each lesson will begin with a warm-up, followed by repetition and the learning of new dance combinations, revelling in the elegance and beauty of belly dance. Come and join us for a fun and enriching experience!
Intermediate - Level 2
Designed for belly dance (Raqs Sharqi) students with 1-3 years of experience, this semester's course invites you to add a veil into your practice. You'll explore a variety of new bellydance techniques—crisp isolations, fluid undulations, and intricate footwork—then learn how to integrate each element seamlessly with veil work. By term's end, you'll have built a rich vocabulary of dynamic combinations and transitions, and learn a gorgeous classical choreography with a veil.
Advanced - Level 3
Designed for experienced dancers ready to deepen their grounded, soulful expression, Level 3 invites you to master the art of Baladi. You'll dive into the rich phrasing of taqsim Baladi, learn to drape and dance baladi with the melaya, and add finger cymbals. Through focused drills and musical exploration, you'll refine your ear for Baladi's subtle accents, develop fluid arms and hip articulations, and weave prop work seamlessly into your movement. By the end of the term, you'll embody the heart of Baladi—strong, expressive, and utterly yours.
What to wear & bring:
Please wear comfortable, form-fitting clothing (like leggings and a top) so the instructor can clearly see your posture and isolations. We dance barefoot in the studio. Bring a water bottle and get ready to shimmy!
Select Your Level & Register
Bellydance - Level 1
When: Mondays, 18:50 - 19:50
(15 sessions)Price: €186
12% Discount for students (under 25 years)
80% Social Discount with UiTPAS
Bellydance - Level 2
When: Fridays, 19:55 - 20:55 (15 sessions)
Price: €232
12% Discount for students (under 25 years)
80% Social Discount with UiTPAS
Bellydance - Level 3
When: Mondays, 21:00 - 22:00
(15 sessions)Price: €186
12% Discount for students (under 25 years)
80% Social Discount with UiTPAS
Meet Your Instructor
Lenka Badriyah
Badriyah is a professional Raqs Sharqi dancer (bellydancer), devoted mainly to Egyptian classical and folkloric styles, modern fusion and the Golden Age of belly dance. Badriyah has won several important awards - she was awarded as silver Belly Dancer of the Universe 2012 (California, USA), Vice Miss Bellydancer of Europe 2011 (Germany) and bronze Bellydancer of the Universe 2011 (California, USA).
The biggest achievement of her dance career is performing for 6 years with Bellydance Evolution, led by the famous Jillina. She has performed in Japan, Hong Kong, USA, Taiwan, Australia, Morocco, Greece and other countries.
Her biggest passion is the history of Raqs Sharqi. She is a collector of vintage items depicting Egyptian dancers, and she is the organizer of Kan Zaman - The Golden Era Music & Dance Festival. She runs an online Raqs Sharqi Museum, and she plans to turn it into a physical museum based in Ghent.
Personally, the most wonderful thing for her is to see her students grow and fall in love with dance, no matter which forms the dance has.
Perfect Pairings
Dance more with Badriyah!
Did you know our instructor Badriyah also teaches Bachata and Bachata Choreo? If you love her teaching style, pairing Bellydance with Bachata is an incredible way to take your new fluid hip isolations and body rolls and apply them to a fun, sensual Latin style!
Remember: Students taking multiple weekly classes automatically receive a discount at checkout!
