Joharah

Joharah is owner and artistic director of BellyUp and teaches many of the Egyptian style bell ydance classes on our schedule. Joharah's love of Raks Sharqi is infectious and she just loves teaching all levels of students at BellyUp.  She  provides comprehensive verbal breakdowns of movements always offering plenty of additional  insights into the culture and historical perspectives of the dance form to give students a well rounded awareness of the dance form. For Joharah it is important that students learn the dance form safely but also develop a sense of musicality and rhythm so as to feel the music as much as they learn to move to it. She teaches from a perspective of belly dance for performance and entertainment purposes, whether you are taking classes for fitness or with an interest to perform one day.  She believes that belly dance is an art form and communication vehicle so she will frequently address aspects of this point of view in her classes.  She wants students to understand not just how to move in the Orientale way but why they are moving their bodies in this way. Joharah encourages feedback and open communication throughout the class to ensure that all students are understanding what is being taught. Her classes include warm-up and strengthening exercises specifically for the belly dancer, methods to develop grace, poise and excellent posture, breakdowns of various movements and steps, along with combinations that put what you've learned in class so that you begin to blend the music and movements as one.  Joharah emphasizes that to progress in the dance form, it is essential to practice at home what you have learned in class.

Valizan, ATS

Valizan is one of Ontario's most prominent instructors and performers in ATS Dance. His signature breakdowns of movement are easy to understand not to mention a whole lot of fun to learn. Valizan's sense of humour is unmatched and this only adds to the warm atmosphere of his classes. He provides a challenging, progressive learning experience and encourages open communication and feedback with all of his students.

Sahar, SexyFit & Hawaiian

Sahar is a multi-faceted performer. While a dedicated belly dancer, student of BellyUp and performer within BellyUp's Troupe Tarab, Sahar also  teaches a sassy SexyFit class and Hawaiian dance program at BellyUp. Creative routines, fun music and an amazing way of breaking down movements so anyone can understand them, everyone loves Sahar's style of teaching.

Shelina, Multi-Level Bellydance and Funky Tribal Combinations

Shelina is a student of ATS and Egyptian Cabaret and a lead dancer in BellyUp's Tribe Ma'ya Fire (ATS dance troupe). Shelina is a wonderfully warm and fun teacher with so much spunk, attitude and musicality you just can't help but have a blast in her classes. Very creative in her teaching style of movements and combinations, she'll show you a unique way to embrace your bellydance practice. With Shelina you'll have your groove on in no time!

Kevork, Arabic Drumming

Kevork is a natural with the Arabic Dumbek. Born in Egypt to Armenian parents, Kevork began his adventures in percussion many years ago and has spent over 25 years studying Latin and African percussion with many of the world's masters. His love of the Dumbek and his ability to teach this fantastically intriguing instrument to beginners is down to his career in adult education where he facilitates communication workshops to corporations and community groups. Kevork's is all about the rhythm and you'll quickly be feeling the powerful sense of rhythm that the Dumbek has to offer through is classes at BellyUp.