If you're here, you're probably looking for more than just a Bellydance class. Hi, I'm Joharah, BellyUp's Creator and Instructor. Most people call me Jo.
Let's get you started!
There are a lot of ways people come into this dance form. Some people start with choreography. Some just want to move their body.
Some aren't totally sure what they're looking for yet. And honestly, all of that is part of the journey.
But at a certain point, most dancers start to want more. More understanding. More connection. More clarity in what they're doing.
That's really where my work begins.
My approach
I don't just teach combinations. And this isn't about just learning choreography.
I teach Raqs Sharqi aka Bellydance as an art form - shaped by Middle Eastern music, culture, nuance, interpretation
and self-expression.
In my classes, I break things down, refine details, go deeper into movements and the music to help you understand your movements, so you're not just following me, you're actually dancing. We come back to the foundations and actually build upon them properly.
You're not left to figure things out on your own - I'm right there with you the whole way.
What you'll learn
When you train with me, you'll be working on:
- Understanding the structure and vocabulary of the dance
- Developing musicality in a way that makes sense to your body
- Refining your technique without feeling rushed or overlooked
- Eventually, moving in a way that feels like you
My goal isn't just for you to follow along. It's for you to understand what you're doing - so you can make choices, not just copy movement. And in Raqs Sharqi, that understanding is what allows the dance to feel expressive, musical and alive - not just executed.
I believe confidence comes from understanding,
not just keeping up.
How I teach
I'm very interested in my students. I care about how you're progressing, how things are landing in your body, and whether you actually feel what you're doing - not just get through it.
I'll support you, but I'll also challenge you. You won't be invisible. And you won't be left behind either. I just ask you to be present and participate.
Classes
I offer classes for dance students who want more depth in their training. You don't have to be advanced. You just have to want to grow.
We build over time - working with technique, musical phrasing, rhythms and tempos, self-expression all set to amazing Egyptian-style music so rich and textured it's hard to stand still.
My current classes are open level for anyone with a foundation of skills in the dance form, who is ready to build. For new Beginners, I recommend first joining me on Patreon to build your foundation skills. Then come and join us.
What's happening now
After 20 years I am transitioning away from a full-time studio space to a more flexible format with classes being held in different locations in Burlington, Oakville and surrounding areas. Our current location will be closing at the end of our Spring Session and our students can look forward to taking classes in a new studio location in Burlington this Summer.
I'll be offering a series of pop-up classes in July & August. With a Fall Training program starting in September.
The pop-up classes are a chance for us to train together, reconnect with the dance, and get a feel for whether my Fall training programs are the right fit for you.
Who it's for
My classes are a great fit if you:
- Want to understand the dance form, not just follow along
- Are open to slowing down and building the skills
- Want to feel supported and challenged
If you're looking for something more casual, or dance fitness oriented, this might not be the right fit - and that's okay.
The more you study this dance form, you notice more, understand more, and feel more connected to the music and your body and how it's meant to move in the Raqs Sharqi way. The dance marinates within you as you grow and become more fluid and natural.
If that's what you're looking for, you've just found a place to feel at home. We hope you'll come train with us!
