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classes & courses

Melbourne belly dance class performance on stage at Max Watts

Are you interested in learning the art of SWANAH dance?

Join the hypnotising world of undulations and shimmies with teaching and mentoring by Joanna. In a safe and welcoming setting, you’re invited to participate in private 1-on-1 sessions or within a social class setting.

Did you know that although the term ‘belly dance’ was initially coined in western culture, there are an abundance of techniques, methods and styles Joanna teaches from a variety of SWANAH (South West Asian, North African & Hellenic) cultures. This includes techniques within raqs sharqi, baladi, tsifteteli/çiftetelli, drum solo, sha’abi, raqs al-assaya, cabaret, and many more. You can find these in both private and class settings.

Melbourne belly dance student live performance on stage in blue costume

Interested in a 1-on-1 private session?

Joanna is available to customise your sessions to achieve any goals you’re looking to accomplish, from beginner to professional levels of dancers and performers.

 

Firstly, a free online or phone call consultation will be required to determine what your main goal with your session/s will be. Many popular session topics include (but are not limited to):

  • Freshening up or learning various techniques in the above SWANAH genres and styles.

  • Looking into growing your skills with new props, such as wings, sword, veil etc.

  • Develop a belly dance act, or incorporate belly dance technique into your act.

  • Discussing the business of belly dance, and how to venture off on your own,

  • Learning which style or genre is best for you in this stage of your journey, and many more!

Interested in a class setting?

There are three options available for class setting environments:

Melbourne belly dance class performance on stage at Max Watts

Belly Dance Deities

Duration: 8 Week Course
Class Level: Open Level

Type of Class: Performance Choreography Course


Term 5: Every Saturday, from October 25th - December 13th at 1:30pm

📍  Maison Burlesque, 308 St Georges Road, Thornbury

Immerse yourself into the ancient art of belly dance with this showcase course for all levels of experience! Join us in learning how to articulate vibrational and fluid movements to beautiful tunes of the East. Grab a coin belt, pick up some new skills, and enjoy teaching your body a new, exhilarating and empowering way to move.

 

In this course, you will:

  • Learn the fundamentals of dance styles from the SWANAH (South West Asian, North African & Hellenic) regions.

  • Explore simple technique methods for undulations, shimmies, hip drops and everything in between.

  • Find harmony between hard-hitting, sensual movements and dramatic gestures. 

  • Perform an exquisite and highly professional troupe choreography at the end of term Cherry Poppers Showcase at Max Watt’s!

This is an open level and high energy class suitable for all genders and experience levels. Optional: Students are welcome to bring their own hip scarves and coin belts!

With the option to perform at the Cherry Poppers Showcase at the end of Term on December 21st.

Term 5 Bookings Are Live

Joanna Belly Dance studio class Melbourne with students in bright costumes

Belly Dance Technique

Duration: 8 Weekly Casual Classes
Class Level: Open Level

Type of Class: Casual Technique Classes

Term 4: Every Sunday from August 17th - October 5th at 12:30pm

Term 5: Every Saturday from October 25th - December 13th at 12:30pm

📍  Maison Burlesque, 308 St Georges Road, Thornbury

Are you captivated by the sensual, glamorous and passionate movements within belly dance?

Join us in our casual belly dance classes where you will not only discover new ways to move your body, but also empower your self-confidence and inner strength. This course will teach you about the basics of Middle Eastern, North African, Hellenic & Turkish dance in an easy-to-digest method, including how to:

 

  • Explore isolations in the upper and lower body.

  • Expand your knowledge of countless belly dance combos.

  • Transition between moves with ease and fluidity.

 

This course is the perfect compliment to our Belly Dance Deities Showcase Course for any student new to bellydance or wanting to refine their technique.

 

 

This is an open level class suitable for all genders and levels of experience. Classes can be booked as single classes.

If you would like to book all classes in a term, we recommend purchasing a "Casual Class Pass" to receive a cheaper rate. 

Learn belly dance online with Joanna Belly Dance virtual classes

Belly Dance Online

Duration: 5 Courses
Class Level: Beginner, Open, Intermediate, Advanced Levels

Type of Class: Online Classes and Courses

📍  Available on Maison Burlesque Online

Looking to learn the art of Belly Dance, but can't get to a studio in person?

On Maison Burlesque Online, you can find a plethora of belly dance / MENAHT techniques and choreographies for all levels of difficulties, with your instructor Joanna. 

 

Belly Dance Foundations 
This 4 part introductory course will provide you with a fabulous introduction to Egyptian and MENAHT Belly Dance styles, culminating in a full choreography at the end of the course. You'll be guided through techniques in isolations, shimmies, fluidity, and more. This course is suitable for complete beginners as well as experienced students looking for a revision on their technique and repertoire. We suggest completing this course first before doing any single belly dance classes.

Belly Dance Skills

  • Layering Shimmies: Learn to combine your upper and lower body shimmies with rolls and undulations in this belly dance skills training class.

  • Egyptian Folkloric - Saidi (Cane Dance): Explore the feminine power of Raqs Al-Assayed as you run through cane spinning, rowing, movement and heavy footed techniques.

  • Floorwork: Learn to take your skills to the floor!

  • Posture & Balancing: Improve your posture and learn tricks of the trade to balance props on your head while belly dancing.

 

Belly Dance Choreographies

  • Beginner - Advanced Level Short Combinations & Choreographies: Check out our range of choreographies across Oriental Dance, floorwork, drum solos, and more,

Belly Dance Prop Work

  • Float with Silk Veils: Float effortlessly with grace and beauty, and learn to create elegant shapes and poses using Silk Veils.

  • Isis Wings 101: Isis wings are a dramatic prop common to both Belly Dance. Learn how to move like a goddess and captivate your audience with this stunning prop.

Hand-ography

Not sure what to do with your hands during a performance? Resident Belly Dance Instructor Joanna will guide you through a series of videos focused on learning to create silhouettes, expression and beautiful movement with your arms and hands. Including classes on resistance (moving through water), framing, gesturing emotions, snake arms, and more. All you need is yourself! 

Sign up today for a 7-Day FREE TRIAL!

Drum Solo Deities 

Drum Solo Deities Artem Uzunov's '1 2 3 4 Dum Tek Tek Dum Tek' Bellydance Troupe

The first ever belly dance troupe for world-renowned school, Maison Burlesque, performing a drum solo to Artem Uzunov's viral hit "1 2 3 4 Dum Tek Tek Dum Tek". Performed at the end of term Cherry Poppers Showcase at Max Watt's, Melbourne, Australia in March 2023.

Choreographed & taught by Joanna Belly Dance.

Rose I, Term 2 2023, 'Belly Dance Deities' Showcase Course

“Learning bellydancing with Jo was an absolute game changer! Her passion for the art of bellydancing is contagious, and every class was heaps of fun. She broke down the moves easily and by the time we performed at Showcase, we were all confident in our beautiful new moves. Truly grateful for such an inspiring teacher.”

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Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

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