RAQS SHARQI/ BELLYDANCE
MONDAY · STUDIO AAKASH · LENKA BADRIYAH & NATHALIE EL GHOUL
What is Raqs Sharqi/ Bellydance?
Raqs Sharqi — often known in the West as bellydance or oriental dance — is the classical dance tradition of Egypt. Rooted in Middle Eastern music and culture, it is a richly expressive dance form that combines refined technique, musicality, rhythm, emotion, and personal interpretation.
The dance is known for its fluid torso movements, intricate hip work, graceful arms, layered isolations, and deep connection to music. But beyond the movements themselves, raqs sharqi is an art of expression: every rhythm, melody, and musical texture invites a different quality of movement and feeling.
In our classes, we approach raqs sharqi as both a technical and artistic practice. Students develop posture, coordination, strength, musical awareness, and confidence while exploring the rich traditions and evolving contemporary forms of the dance. From earthy baladi rhythms to lyrical modern compositions, raqs sharqi offers a space to connect with the body in a powerful, elegant, and deeply musical way.
Silver Belly Dancer of the Universe 2012. Toured internationally with Bellydance Evolution for six years. Founder of Kan Zaman Festival and co-organiser of Leylet Raqs bellydance festival.
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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.
Ecuadorian-Lebanese Oriental dance artist and teacher with over 30 years of international experience in performance and education. Her work is deeply rooted in traditional Middle Eastern dance, enriched by contemporary movement and somatic practices.
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Levels & registration
About this level
This class is your entry point into the world of raqs sharqi — the elegant classical dance of Egypt. We work on building solid foundations: correct posture and alignment, essential body mechanics, and the basic vocabulary of movement that Raqs Sharqi (oriental dance / bellydance) is built on. Alongside technique, we begin developing musical awareness — learning to listen to the music and respond to it with our bodies. Through dance combinations and guided movement exploration, you'll start to discover what your body is capable of and how to move with intention and ease. No previous dance experience is required.
About this level
This class is for dancers who already have a solid grounding in raqs sharqi fundamentals (equivalent to Level 1 or comparable experience). Each year, the group focuses on a specific thematic topic. This year, we work with a variety of Egyptian rhythmic patterns — saidi, baladi, malfuf, ayoub, fellahi, vox, masmoudi kabir, samai and others — and through them, we explore the distinct dance styles, aesthetics and characters that belong to each tradition. Hip technique is refined and deepened in context, so the body learns not just how to move, but why.
About this level
This is the most advanced group, and a space for dancers who are ready to expand beyond the familiar. This year, building on a strong foundation in traditional raqs sharqi, we explore a conscious, feeling-full approach to movement — bringing sensitivity and personal artistry into dialogue with the dance. This year, we are drawn into the world of contemporary qanun music, moving to the lyrical and luminous sounds of artists such as Farah Fersi and Maya Youssef. Here, tradition and innovation meet, and you are invited to shape your own dance expression — refined, personal, and alive.
