Do you have face-to-face or online classes?

Both! Choose what suits you best: take a look at the locations of our dance studios, or join us from home via Zoom.

How does it all work?

Classes are run on a 10-week term basis, aligned with NSW public school terms. When you join, you join for the full 10-week block. This allows you to learn in a structured and consistent way; as well as to stay accountable to your own health or dance goals.

There are 4 terms per year, so new beginners can start at the beginning of any new term. More experienced dancers will appreciate the term structure too, because it allows us to dive deep into one theme each term, or learn a complete routine.

How much does it cost?

Classes run as 10-week courses, in line with school terms, so the pricing is based on full terms of 10 classes.

For a single course:

• face-to-face in a studio $180

• online-only $120

• online in a hybrid class, just $105 (this discount reflects the possible reduction in interaction / video and audio quality)

But you only pay full price for your first course each term! Additional courses in the same term, for the same person, are discounted. (We know, it’s madness… we just want you to dance as much as you can!)

• add any extra face-to-face course for $100 (save $80)

• add an extra online-only course $80 (save $40)

• add an extra hybrid class, just $65 (save $40)

How long are the classes?

Most studio classes are 55 minutes long, allowing a few minutes for us to change over and chat between classes. (Online classes streamed from a studio are therefore also 55mins.) Our online-only classes with Johara are typically a full 60 minutes.

Do I need to book?

Yes. Classes can only run if enough people have booked. If you don't enrol in advance, we may cancel the class! On the other hand, the class may be fully booked and not have space for you. Either way, booking in advance is important to guarantee your place.

What if I can’t make it every week?

Just let us know. We will record the class so you can do it yourself at a time that suits you during the week. Alternatively, if a suitable catch-up class is available, email us in advance and ask for your options. Don’t wait til afterwards as it might be too late!

I can’t make it at that time. Are classes recorded?

Yes, the classes that happen on Zoom (or as hybrid Zoom / studio classes) are recorded. If you’re enrolled in these, you can request the link the day or two after class, and will have access to the recording until the next class.

But this is just a backup, because the whole point is to attend in real time. That way you have the chance to connect with others, ask questions, get feedback, and have a sense of accountability. The classes are not intended to be taken solely via recording (we’d structure them differently if that was the goal). Aim to prioritise attending in real time if you can, for the best experience!

Are casual classes available?

Not generally. Enrolments are based on the term. There are a few reasons for this. First, this is how you will learn and benefit the most from classes, as the content builds from week to week; second, it motivates you to keep coming; and third, this helps us manage student numbers and ensure the best quality of lessons for you.

However, if you can’t make it, let us know. We will record the class so you can do it yourself at a time that suits you during the week.

Can I watch a class first?

Nothing beats the experience of being in a real-time course and committing to being there every week. But we do have some sample classes that you can try.

Start by checking out our active FaceBook Page and Instagram feed, where you’ll find snippets from class, mini tutorials, photos, student feedback and more. Also read our students’ reviews, and have a look and a read through all of the info here, to get a feel for our vibe in class.

If you're still not sure about joining, contact us and reach out for a recorded sample class. Watching a live class is forbidden. When you are our student, we want you to feel completely safe and comfortable. I'm sure you wouldn't want somebody watching while you're learning! That's why we have a strict no observers policy.

Plus, we believe one class is never enough to get a feel for something new, especially if it’s outside your comfort zone. Sometimes it can take a few weeks to settle in to a new activity. By committing to a course, you’re giving yourself the best chance to really feel what’s right for you.

Where are the in-person classes held?

We offer classes at studios in Auburn, Chatswood, Sydney CBD, Eastwood, Rozelle, Liverpool (Chipping Norton) and Bankstown. See these locations and a map here.

How do I learn online?

It’s easy. We have a whole page here to help you set it up!

Which level is suitable for me?

Zumba Gold, Yoga and Bellydance Fundamentals classes are open to anyone, regardless of experience level.

Bellydance is fun, but it is also very deep. Mastering it is a lifetime’s work; even becoming confident on the basics takes a long time. That’s why we recommend taking Bellydance Fundamentals classes for at least one year. Over that time, you’ll study Foundation Technique twice, and learn at least 2 different routines. Most dancers by that time are ready to challenge themselves further; but you can stick with Fundamentals as long as you like! Every time you come back to a move, take the opportunity to explore it more deeply and develop your control, grace, and ability to adjust the nuance and texture of the move. How’s your posture? What about arms and hands? And can you convey feeling through your face and body? Once you’ve nailed all of that, you might be ready for the next step.

Our other bellydance / Middle Eastern Dance classes are graded:

• 6 months+: if you’ve already taken at least 6 months of classes and are starting to feel confident with the core moves, as well as with putting them together into sequences, then you should continue with Fundamentals but can also consider adding Bellydance for Fitness and/ or Yoga for Bellydancers. But keep doing Fundamentals! If the City location suits you, consider Fundamentals PLUS to help build and refine your skills.

• 1 year+: Once you’ve taken Fundamentals for at least a year, and can do all the foundation moves with confidence, control, and nuance, as well as having learnt and performed 2 or more Fundamentals level routines, you may be ready to upskill with ‘Beyond Beginners’. Each term has a different topic, such as more complex technique; props such as sword or cane; folkloric styles; musical interpretation and more. We also highly recommend the Folklore class.

• 2 years+: Keep taking Beyond Beginners, because there’s no upper limit to the experience you will gain in these classes. Every term is different. But we do also offer an Intermediate level class, which moves slightly faster, has a higher level of assumed knowledge, and expects students to put in more practice time in between classes. Before you join Intermediate classes, you should have already completed a number of terms of Beyond Beginners; including a range of styles, props, regional variations and more; and be confident with BBs level moves such as camels, jewels, undulations, layered shimmies etc. If you have little experience in Arabic Folklore, join the Folklore class too - it’s an important part of learning this dance.

I've taken a few classes before, or I dance at home. Which class should I join?

Like all art forms, bellydance is deep and complex. There's just so much to learn! We actually recommend that students take Fundamentals classes for at least a year. Our signature Bellydance Fundamentals Technique class is perfect for all levels, including those who've grown up dancing but never taken formal lessons, or coming from a different dance style. If you have more experience, we'll challenge you to bring more control, nuance, elegance and musicality to your dancing. And your teacher will let you know when you're ready to try the next level. Contact us for an assessment.

But I'm too old/ young/ overweight/ thin/ unfit...

Nonsense! You're ready to start bellydancing, Zumba Gold or even yoga just as you are!

Dancers come in all ages, shapes and sizes. It's common for classes to include girls as young as 4 and as old as 75 and beyond, and of all fitness levels. (In fact, our oldest student is in her 90s.)

If you haven't enjoyed traditional fitness activities, you may find a new passion for movement when it's accompanied by exotic music, colourful veils, and tinkling finger cymbals. Even if you're already physically fit, bellydance provides a new physical and mental challenge as you learn to move your body in new ways.

Our Zumba Gold is gentler, slower and lower impact than regular Zumba Fitness. Plus, being a course, starting from Week 1 means you get to ease into it. We will gradually increase the intensity level as the weeks pass and your fitness improves. The moves can also be modified for those who have injuries to look after (make sure to tell us your individual needs). Some participants even take the class sitting in a chair!

Starting a new dance class is like starting any other program of physical activity: check with your doctor first and let the teacher know, especially if you have back and joint problems, are very overweight or unfit, or are pregnant.

Bellydance Fitness is a high intensity class, and we recommend having moderate fitness already (as well as bellydance experience) before taking this class.

I've never danced in my life. Can I do it?

Give it a try! The movements of bellydance are natural to women's bodies, and in many cultures girls grow up dancing, without ever taking classes. Bellydance moves are explained so that you understand them and your own body. Zumba® Gold moves are so simple, you can pick them up just by watching and copying - but we break them down and explain them too. You'll find dancing improves your co-ordination, posture, grace and flexibility. Our Yoga classes will also improve your dancing, as well as your general health. They are specifically designed to be beginner-friendly, because we want everybody to experience the benefits it can bring to body and mind.

Can I, or will I have to perform?

If you want to perform, there are opportunities at the end of every second term for Fundamentals students. In the Beyond Beginners / Intermediate Bellydance classes, and in some Fundamentals classes, we'll work on choreographies for Festivals and other community events. It's a real treat to dress up and show your friends and family what you've learnt!

But if you don't want to perform, you will never be asked to. (Even if you take the choreography class.) In fact, even if you are keen, chances are it will take at least a couple of years of training before you're ready to begin performing solos even at student events, and you'll then need much more experience before you can think about turning professional. The focus at Inspire Bellydance is on enjoying the learning process and the benefits that come with it, not preparing to perform.

Can men join the classes?

While men can and do bellydance, Inspire Bellydance classes are open to women only, because many women feel more comfortable learning in an all-female environment. Plus, we generally teach female styling that’s not suitable for male dancers. Trans and non-binary women are welcome; please get in touch first so we can make sure that we cater to your needs.

Men wishing to learn are welcome to contact us about individual classes.

Zumba Gold and Yoga classes are open to everyone.

Can I bring my child(ren) with me??

Sure! If you're taking the class at home via Zoom, of course it's up to you whether your kids join in. The fee charged is "per login" rather than per person. Just bear in mind that the classes are structured for the way adults learn. You can decide if your kids are mature enough to participate.

At face-to-face classes, girls can only attend if they are fully enrolled and participating in the class. Mothers are welcome to enrol with their daughters as young as 6 years old. The adult is expected to take responsibility for their participating child and ensure class is not disrupted. Women aged 14 and over may enrol individually with parental permission. (When a school-aged child is enrolled with a supervising adult, the child receives a 20% discount. Please advise us at the time of booking.)

What should I wear/bring?

Wear comfortable, stretchy clothing that doesn't restrict your movement. Dance pants, gym pants, yoga pants or leggings are recommended for the bottom half so that the teacher can see what your legs and knees are doing. Avoid jeans and skirts. For the top half, t-shirts or singlets - you don't have to bare your tummy!

If you’re attending online, wearing bright and contrasting colours will help your instructor to see your movements clearly and give better feedback.

For bellydance, bare feet are fine, but bring along some socks, jiffies or ballet slippers for turns and for when it's cold. A colourful scarf for the hips can help you get in the mood and see how your hips are moving. Anything will do for starters, but if you’d like to buy a jingly coin scarf, we have some available in class. Other exotic accessories are welcome!

For Zumba® Gold classes, sneakers are recommended. Make sure they aren't too grippy to stop you turning and twisting your feet, especially on carpeted floors. Get in touch if you’d like to buy some “DanceSocks” to help you move comfortably if your floors are carpeted.

For Yoga, we recommend a yoga mat and some other props, but we can also help you find substitutes around the home. Likewise, while you can use hand weights and a yoga mat for Bellydance Fitness, a towel and a couple of water bottles will do the trick.

And whichever type of dance or exercise you're doing, always keep a bottle or glass of water handy.

Where can I get a hip scarf?

We carry basic ones, and recommend our good friends at Amera’s Palace in Marrickville for the best range and quality of hip scarves.

You don’t need a hip scarf to do bellydance classes, but it does make it more fun!

Can I buy a Gift Voucher?

Yes, of course! It’s easy: head to our Gift Certificates page.

Do you teach hens' parties?

Absolutely! A bellydance class or performance is a great way to celebrate with the girls at a hens' party or kitchen tea. You will learn a series of moves that you can use later on the dance floor, and put them together into a short fun choreography.

Performances can be included if you want a glamorous event. We can also offer a package that includes a complete professional floor show at the wedding reception.

How about parties for children?

Have an Arabian or Egyptian themed birthday party for your daughter or son! Suitable for ages 8 and up, children will enjoy up to an hour of dance class combined with some performance. Fun games are used to learn dance moves, accompanied by props such as veils (magic carpets) and (toy) swords. The children's understanding of Egypt is also enriched as they learn evocatively named moves like the Camel, the Snake, the Pyramid, Walk like an Egyptian, and Hot Desert Sand.

I want to learn faster! Are private classes available?

Yes, private classes can be arranged via Zoom for now, or face-to-face once restrictions ease. One-on-one lessons are a personalised way to speed up your learning, to address specific needs, or develop a choreography just for you. Rates for one student are $80 per hour for an online class (face-to-face rates are higher, and include studio hire fees or travel charges where required).

Classes can also be arranged for groups, such as hens' parties and birthdays for adults and children.

How do I review Inspire Bellydance?

You can do a quick star rating or a longer review for us on:

• Our FB page https://www.facebook.com/inspirebellydance/

• Our Google page – for some reason it doesn’t work to link it, you have to Google search for "Inspire Bellydance" , then a description comes up on the right hand side and you click “Submit a review”. You can use words, stars or both.

• Email us your testimonial, and we’ll add it to the website!

Thanks for helping other customers know what to expect. It really helps.