Every time I teach a topless belly dance class, there’s a moment when the room changes. The music slows down, hips start to roll, and suddenly it’s not about showing off — it’s about feeling yourself move. Topless belly dance isn’t about pretending to be sexy; it’s about learning how to let sensuality rise from […]

Update 10/24/2025 When I talk with students about style labels, “American Cabaret” (often shortened to AmCab) comes up a lot. This style grew in the U.S. around the 1960s-80s and it developed its own look: a mix of Middle Eastern movements, western showmanship, veils, floor-work, finger cymbals and big costume moments. Greenstone Dance Arts &

Updated 10/23/2025 When you hear the word “baladi” in one of our classes, I like you to feel it in your hips, in your feet, in the ground beneath you. The word comes from Arabic, where balad means “country” or “home,” and the “-i” ending gives it “my country” or “of my land.” Iana Dance+1

Updated 10/21/2025 When we talk about Egyptian style belly dance—also known as Raqs Sharqi—we’re referring to a way of moving that feels natural, musical, and grounded. The phrase “dance of the East” was used in Egypt to mark this as a locally grown dance (rather than something imported like ballet or ballroom). WikipediaOver time it

Updated 10/20/2025 Saidi (sah-EE-dee) comes from Upper Egypt, the rural south. Think dust under your shoes, drums that feel like a heartbeat, proud posture. The social roots are earthy and strong. On stage we often see a lively, bouncy style with small hops, horse-step feels, and a lifted chest. Raks Assaya means “dance with a

Updated 10/17/2025 Over the years of teaching in Port St. Lucie I’ve helped so many students build their first solo routines, and I’ve picked up what works (and what trips people up). Let’s walk through a guided method to create your choreography — simple, effective, and fun. Step 1: Pick your musicIt’s tempting to hunt