Our students say it best! Here's what they have to say about belly classes at BellyUp.
We love to hear stories from our students about their journey into belly dance. It's fascinating but not surprising to me to see how belly dance touches the lives of so many women. Just as I was smitten with belly dancing from lesson one, I see how the dance form quickly resonates with women. Sometimes it's not on the first lesson as it was with me...but by lesson five I usually see that its made its indelible mark. They begin to feel stronger, sexier and appreciate their muscles and curves and show a lot more confidence by walking with their head held a little bit higher than they did a few weeks earlier. Enough said by me...read on and learn why our students choose to dance in their very own words. Then come visit us at BellyUp and be my guest for a free trial class.
Joharah
Jessica’s Story
As a woman in her mid thirties who’s never had a dance lesson in her life I can tell you that my primary reason for joining BellyUp two years ago was more about supplementing a predictable, boring fitness regime than it was about learning the fine art of belly dance as a dance form. Well it only took me one class to throw that thought out the window! I was entranced by the décor of the studio the moment I walked in, I was hypnotized by the beautiful music I was hearing, I wanted to learn how to move my body to it as sensuously as it made me feel and, holy cow, I NEEDED TO GET MYSELF A FABULOUS COSTUME JUST LIKE YOURS (I may have one now but I still NEED more)! I’m happy to be a part of a family of belly dance “sisters” that I barely know and see only once a week but whose company I have more fun in than I do with many people I’ve known much longer. I appreciate your teaching and encouragement as I try to develop my own unique style, and your patience as I learn at a different pace than others. You’ve never made me feel like I needed to conform, or that I should be farther along in my abilities by now. Most of all I love the spiritual journey that each belly dance experience takes me on. For me personally belly dancing has become about so much more than the physical reason it was for signing up in the first place. I can’t thank you enough for introducing me to my inner goddess!
Jessica Slater.
Patricia’s Story
I have been attending Joharah's studio since the day she opened in January 2007. I knew from day one that BellyUp was going to be an interesting belly dance studio. Joharah's passion and energy was clearly visible the first time I met her as I strolled along Lakeshore and Bronte Rd in the fall of 2006 when she was setting up her new studio. There she was, impeccably overseeing the construction of her studio, up to her eyeballs in details, and she still had the time to graciously welcome me and talk about her studio. Her experience, enthusiasm, professionalism and creativity permeates throughout the studio and continually surpasses my expectations. Her passion and love for this dance form is contagious and makes me want to come back for more and more!
Trish Rogerson
Prem’s Story
At 65, I am reclaiming my life as a dancer while integrating wonderful memories from my past with my present needs to exercise. I’m experiencing my sensuality, grace and artistry in an exotic environment of the beautiful BellyUp Belly Dance Studio. As I dance with other women of all ages our collective energy and consciousness brings healing and joy to our everyday lives.
Prem Pillay.
Sahar’s Story
I have been training extensively with many talented professionals in the bellydance community and I’ve belonged to various troupes and agencies over the past several years. I met Joharah at a belly dance workshop on being a professional belly dancer and I was blown away by her down-to-earth personality, generous spirit, and most importantly, her forthright honesty which is so rare in this industry. Since then, I have pretty much dropped everything else and joined her studio “BellyUp” and her dance troupe. It has been absolutely amazing to be welcomed by such a wonderful new "family"! Joharah's beauty and warmth is represented in the atmosphere and ambiance of her studio and that definitely has a trickle-down effect on everyone who attends her studio and classes. Sahar
Cindy’s Story
Joharah is a fabulous teacher and I have been fortunate to learn a great deal from her. I came to bellyup with some previous belly dance experience, but I have to say she has taken my belly dancing to another level. Before I was taught to just mimic an instructor’s movements, but with Joharah she has taught me how to execute a movement with an understanding of exactly where it comes from and what muscles I should be using. Then she takes the movement and relates it to the music so not only am I learning how to move, but why I should be moving that way to a particular part of the music. This has really helped me to listen to Middle Eastern music in an entirely different way than I did before.
Joharah also created the unbelieveable Baby Belly Dance program which my new baby boy “Luca” and I just love doing together. And as Joharah has pointed out the extra baby weight I carry with Luca in the baby carrier has made some movements look and feel better on me. We have a great time in the class with the other Mom’s and baby’s and Joharah wears her Teddy Bear during class. I highly recommend this class for new moms, and your baby gets to heavy come to class with the rest of the ladies and give yourself some “me time”. Thanks Joharah. Cindy S.
Kaitlin’s Story
I started Belly Dancing with my sister a year ago. We have been involved in various forms of dancing most of our lives and we were looking for something new to try. At first we didn't know what to expect but what we found was a strong, empowering yet graceful form of dance that brought us together with women from all walks of life. Belly Up has a wonderful welcoming environment and an incredible community of amazing women that I’m happy to say have become friends as well as fellow dancers. BellyUp’s Troupe Tarab performed at my wedding last year…and now I’m an apprencticing dancer for their dance troupe. Who would of thought that a girl who’s taken Scottish dancing her entire life would now own a beautiful belly dance costume and be learning to perform on stage alongside some very beautiful dancers. Thank you BellyUp! Kaitin Horne.
Liz’s Story
Little did I know when I made my first step out of my box and into BellyUp Belly Dance Studio that it would be a life altering experience. I feel like I have fallen in love and in fact I have. With the music. The dance. The costumes. The wonderful friends I’ve made. I wake up and fall asleep each day with belly dance on my mind. I even dream about it! And I’m learning so much more than steps and shimmies, more than combinations and choreography. I feel alive and happy and I love the way I feel about myself as the magic of this dance touches my body, soul and my heart. Thank you Joharah for creating such a safe and nurturing environment for us to dance. Where we can stretch and grown into all that we can be as women. You are a true blessing and inspiration in my life Joharah. Now I dance and shimmy through life in a whole new way. Big hugs to you. Elizabeth Wimmer.
Veronica’s Story
When I tentatively signed up for level 1 belly dance at Belly Up Studio last Fall, little did I know that my quest for a little bit of fun exercise would lead me to a wonderful studio filled with warm and supportive people and a new found passion for an art form that until I came to Belly Up, I knew very little about. Joharah and the rest of the instructors at Belly Up are not only talented dancers, but they also make everyone feel welcome and I like that there is an emphasis on learning about the culture and music behind belly dance instead of just learning the moves. With movie nights and plenty of opportunities to learn through workshops and classes, I think I’ve found a great place to spend hours working on shimmies and hip drops! I never get tired of walking into Belly Up and seeing the purple walls, colourful cushions and peacock feathers. I love it!! Veronica Stoneman.
Krista’s Story
For the last 10 years I have had chronic Rheumatoid Arthritis which has greatly defined my physical capabilities and activities. I started taking belly dance classes because I love dance and thought it would be a great form of “fun” exercise. The fun factor has been huge, but to my surprise the classes are also incredibly therapeutic. It's been 2 years now and the impact to my life and well being in general has been dramatic. Not only have I never been so ‘sparkly’ in my life, the low impact movements are great on my joints! I am much stronger, more flexible and my posture has also greatly improved. The studio itself has become much more than just a place to dance. It's an incredibly vibrant and supportive environment that fosters a sense of community by embracing all women. I'm often asked what my secret has been to keeping fit and mobile. I simply tell them - "go to Belly Up!" Thanks Joharah!
Sincerely, Krista Rowan aka Aliyah.
Marlee’s Story
I am delighted to say that dancing as a "senior" student at BellyUp has rekindled the passion I felt when I was a "belly dancer" in my mid- twenties....over thirty years ago! With Joharah's superb teaching skills, encouragement, and high expectations, I am gradually regaining the confidence, flexibility and joy of my youth.
Marlee Lamothe.
Lucy’s Story
When I started classes at Belly Up I had the grace of a penguin. Now after 8 months, I’ve learned a lot of moves and have started to perfect some of the more graceful aspects of the art. One new member even said to me recently “how long have you been doing this because you’re very good”. From penguin to poised in less than a year! It’s a great feeling! In fact I even signed up my two daughters! Here’s what they have to say…
Lucy’s daughters:
I just love it!! Nicole (age 7)
I love it too!! You get to learn lots of neat dance moves from other countries. I like the friendliness from all the teachers and I feel like I'm always welcome. Faith (age 8) Lucy, Nicole & Faith Gruber
Aleta on ATS
Belly-Up has given me a chance to work with Valizan, and my dancing has hugely improved. Even taking a first-level class has given me lots of challenges and I look forward to the class every week. In fact, this is the first class in my entire life that I've forgotten to watch the clock! Thanks so much to Belly-Up for providing such a fabulous teacher! Aleta
Barbara’s Story
Belly dancing has become one of the great joys in my life. Teaching me to accept myself the way I am realizing that I don't have to be a size 3-6 or in my 20's to be feminine,graceful and elegant has been life altering. We as mothers,daughters,wives never seem to take enough time for ourselves and Bellyup brings out the best in all of us . Joharah has a way of teaching that brings out that special women in all of us. Bellyup has become a extended family for me..and there are few other places I would rather be. Barbara Stewart
Sarah’s Story
I came to BellyUp as an experienced dancer though totally new to belly dance. I was looking for a new challenge and what I found was a vibrant community of dancers who love to live, laugh and dance! No matter your dance experience BellyUp allows you to learn and progress at your own pace and to do so in a beautiful setting with supportive teachers and classmates.
Sarah Horne
Chiara’s Story
My experience at BellyUp has been very enlightening & freeing as a woman. I have experienced the beautiful art of dance with wonderful rhythms that flow through your veins and actually pump new life into them. Joharah has been an inspiration as her heart is committed to the dance & the people, her energy is a ball of white light. To all who would like to connect with their inner Goddess, BellyUp is the place to do it!
Chiara LaRizza