Why Learn to Bellydance at BellyUp?

BellyUpBellyDance Studio is a haven for bellydance students of all levels. We pride ourselves on offering nothing less than excellence in Egyptian dance training. BellyUp students benefit from the fact that owner and instructor Joharah is a well trained and experienced Egyptian dance artist and performer that is constanting learning, growing and further educating herself, which keeps her classes fresh, exciting and her students continually inspired, challenged and coming back for more ! Not only does she attend Egyptian dance conferences, workshops and training programs with Master instructors throughout each year, BellyUp hosts Master teachers at her studio where students can attend these educational intensives on a regular basis in an up close and personal learning environment. BellyUp's students have access to the best native Egyptian dance trainers and have trained with Egyptian dance artists Fifi Abdo, Khaled Mahmoud, Mohamed El Hosseny, Faten Salama, Ahmed Hussien along with Nourhan Sharif, Ranya Renee, Aziza, Carolena Nericcio and Mira Betz plus other local area teaching talent. Joharah also took a large group of students to Cairo, Egypt for the week long Nile Group Dance Festival where Joharah was also a Master Instructor.

No other studio brings Egyptian dance education to the forefront of the Ontario dance community like BellyUp and our student's technique level is testament to the leading edge quality of education that BellyUp has become known for.  Our curriculum offers both depth and diversity and includes a wide range of specialty programs.  In addition to the essential beginner to advanced level classes necessary for progressive learning, students also have a continually changing array of specialty classes to choose from such as mastering finger cymbals, Arabic rhythms, Assaya, Veil, musicality, performance skills, choreography to name a few. Where some studios focus on a single choreography for the duration of a program, BellyUp is focused on developing real bellydancers with a high level of technique, a broad vocabulary of movement, strong musicality and an understanding of the culture of the dance form. Students, performers and bellydance teachers travel to BellyUp for Joharah's Classes, Workshops and Intensives along with Master weekends with visiting instructors.  BellyUp was the first Canadian studio to be featured in Bellydance An International Magazine and Joharah is a frequent contributing writer for Shimmy Magazine.  International Bellydance superstars Nourhan Sharif and Faten Salama are both Faculty members of BellyUp. BellyUp is now in its sixth year and continues to evolve as a recognized leader in Egyptian dance training!

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Learning to Bellydance

Our students call BellyUpBellyDance Studio their "Happy Place", their "Haven" even their "Oasis" but most of all they just call it their "Home"! At BellyUp we teach the art of Egyptian style bellydance and we teach it  from the heart. Sure it's a great form of exercise and will liven up any  stale workout plan, plus it's got a long list of healthful benefits. But much more than, that Bellydance is an art form and we're dedicated and very passionate about teaching it that way!

Bellydance does not discriminate. Our students and teachers come in all shapes, sizes and ages and we're proud of that! And since bellydance is about self-expression, you'll find that the older you get, and the more life experience you have, the better bellydancer you can be. ! And in these times, that's a very refreshing thing to hear.

As you learn to bellydance you'll be celebrating  your femininity, strength and inner beauty and learning to love your body, dimples, curves and all !   You may feel a bit stiff and clumsy at first, but you'll soon begin to move with grace and sensuality like never before. We were all beginners and we never forget that.  BellyUp has captured the ambiance and allure of what every woman imagines a bellydance studio to be.  You can't beat the fun we have! And you certainly can't beat the confidence boost.

Take a FREE Trial Class!

Important: Please arrive at least 20 minutes before the class you wish to try. A waiver form must be completed. Students will not be admitted to class after it has begun so please ensure early arrival.

Click here for our current schedule of class times. Click here for class descriptions. 

Click here for Winter 2012 schedule.

 Email info@bellyup.ca to register or call 905 465 3100.

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 Our classes are as exciting and unique as ever! Join us for any of the classes below.  BellyUp's Joharah just returned from teaching at the Nile Group Festival in Cairo, Egypt! Watch this interview with Joharah of BellyUp.

We are located at 2330 Lakeshore Rd. W., Unit 5, Oakville, ON. L6L 1H3. Lots of free, convenient parking. Our main entrance faces the parking lot off Nelson. Main intersection is Lakeshore Rd. W. & Nelson. Studio # 905 465 3100 Cell # 416 414 1115.

At BellyUp Oakville our Belly Dancing classes are based on safe and sound teaching methodologies. BellyUp's students come from way beyond Oakville ... Burlington, Milton, Hamilton, Mississsauga, Etobicoke, Guelph, Kitchener/Cambridge ... even as far as Niagara Falls! Our belly dance classes, gorgeous studio and warm, friendly environment are the reasons why so many call BellyUp their belly dancing home away from home.

  No previous dance experience needed!  

Here's a peek at a few of our classes in action!

Read about the benefits of bellydance for mind, body and soul!

1. Bellydance increases your self-confidence and self-esteem. Bellydance teaches you to embrace your body no matter what size or shape you are. You are never too old to learn.

2. It is such a great form of exercise and as with increased activity that helps improve digestion, helps you sleep better and gives you more energy overall.

3. Bellydance works on core muscles and therefore improves your body shape and tones and sculpts the body from head to toe. You'll find muscles lengthen, it's a great waistline widdler, and burns up extra calories. You'll have beautiful muscle definition and improves circulation and helps to lower blood pressure.

4. Bellydance is a dance of joy and celebration. A bellydance class can lift your spirits, reduce tension and stress. Remember that in the Middle East, Bellydance is a social dance form. Mothers, daughters, grandmothers, cousins, get together to socialize and music and dance is a big part of how they interact. Bellydance was never intended as a dance of seduction.

5. Combined with proper nutrition regular bellydancing can help you lose weight and keep you at the right body weight.

6. Bellydance builds strength, stamina and increases your flexibility and your range of motion.

7. Many of the movements such as stomach and pelvic undulations and figure 8's can help alleviate menstrual cramps.

8. Dance movement and footwork helps to improve coordination and balance. And improves your grace, poise and posture.

9. Bellydance is low impact dance form and pays particular attention to proper body alignment and posture. Bellydance is proven to ease and often eliminate back problems, joint pain, and Arthritis.

10. Bellydance is good for the bones and can help to ward off Osteoporosis.

11. Bellydance helps to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.

12. Helps you move past self-imposed limitations and gives you a greater appreciation for your life because you are doing something you are passionate about.

13. Bellydancing at BellyUp is a community - your classes often lead to meeting new friends and developing fulfilling relationships.

14. You feel sexy and feminine from bellydancing.

15. Bellydance can help in alleviating depression and enhances clarity of mind.

16. Gives you a positive attitude about yourself.

17. Bellydance gives you a feeling of total empowerment and control over your body and hence your life.

18. Gives you a sense of accomplishment.

19. Allows you to indulge in creative self-expression.

20. Allows you to be more aware and in tune with your body.

21. Enhances left and right brain thinking.

22. Releases blockages within your body and mind so you can overcome limitations.

23. Helps you feel better, live longer and feel more alive in your spirit and approach to life, family and friends.

24. People will look at you and  say " You look amazing...what are you doing? "