Belly dancing has bewitched audiences around the world for centuries. This entrancing dance style comes from the Middle East and North Africa, where it was a part of social events and celebrations. Exploring the story of belly dancing reveals a range of traditions, moves, and influences that formed it into what we know today. Over the years, belly dancing has adapted to various cultures, taking on traits from different places and eras. From its beginnings in ancient fertility ceremonies to its popularity in the Ottoman Empire, it has always shifted and altered. Now, dancers mix traditional me ..read more

Not Your Grandma’s Hip Swaying Alright, buckle up folks, because I’m about to take you on a wild ride through the world of belly dancing. Now, I know what you’re thinking – belly dancing, really? But trust me, this is not your grandma’s belly dancing. This is a whole new level of hip-shaking, body-rolling, mind-blowing awesomeness. Become Brave to Dance Picture this: I’m strutting into a dimly lit room, the air thick with anticipation. The crowd is buzzing, eager to witness the spectacle that is about to unfold. And there I am, the embodiment of confidence and grace, ready to unleash my killer ..read more

Belly dancing classes are the new rave in London! Following in the footsteps of the pole dancing mania of a few years ago, belly dancing is the increasingly frequent pastime choice of young working women. What has made it so popular? Unlike many sports, it requires no special equipment or past training. You can practise it pretty much anywhere, including in the comfort of your home. You should also consider these top three benefits of belly dancing: It will improve your core strength Although it may look leisurely at times, belly dancing requires constantly working out your stomach muscles. It ..read more

Last weekend I rose at the ungodly hour of 5.00 am to make a road trip to Swansea with Sureya for a weekend of workshops with the Egyptian star, Khaled Mahmoud, organised by Joanne Langley. It was a rare occasion where I was pleased that a gig did not go ahead, as it would have meant dancing at around 2.45 am the same morning and therefore little or no sleep! The large number of London dancers that made the same trip (I think there were around eight of us) is a testament to Khaled’s reputation as a teacher and performer ..read more