Ahlan wa Salan,
Welcome to Emerald Belly Dance
Step into a realm where each movement tells a vibrant story of rejuvenation, evolution, and growth. At Emerald Belly Dance, I invite you to explore the enchanting world of Middle Eastern dance—an art form as ancient as the first emerald mines in Egypt. Just as these precious stones symbolize vitality, new beginnings, rebirth, and hope, so too does belly dance embody these themes through every captivating twist and turn.
Here, you will ignite your belly dance passion in an atmosphere brimming with joy and self-expression. The classes are designed for everyone—whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills. You’ll find a supportive community eager to nurture your journey, celebrating the magic of dance as we sway together in unity.
Much like the vivid hues of emeralds that reflect the liveliness of growth, I strive to infuse each class and performance with infectious energy. Together, we will embark on a journey of discovery, tapping into the rhythm of our bodies and the depth of our spirits.
Join us at Emerald Belly Dance, where laughter, connection, and movement collide! Let’s celebrate life’s beautiful moments and make lasting friendships along the way. Are you ready to dance?
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The Emerald Experience
Join us at Emerald Belly Dance, where laughter, connection, and movement collide! Let’s celebrate life’s beautiful moments and make lasting friendships along the way.
Meet the Instuctor
Kahina is a professional Middle Eastern dancer who finds immense joy in sharing her passion for dance through teaching and performance. She firmly believes in the physical, emotional, and spiritual healing power of dance.
Kahina embarked on her dance journey with her first Middle Eastern Dance class at the Appleton YMCA. Though the start was challenging, her love for the music and the movement of the dance has kept her dancing for over 20 years.
Kahina is well-versed in classical Egyptian, Baladi and American cabaret style dance. Her studies also include the folk dances of North Africa and the Gulf, as well as Turkish, Tunisian, and shaabi styles. Her favorite dance accompaniments are the zils and veil.
“There is always more to learn from someone, somewhere, because we don’t know what we don’t know.”
Why Choose Emerald Belly Dance
Dedication to Healing and Growth: I believe I the power of dance to heal and inspire. The studio is a place where you can rediscover your strength, grace, and joy. Join me on this journey, and lets create something beautiful together. Whether you are an seasoned dancer or a complete beginner, Emerald Belly Dance welcomes you with open arms and a heart full of rhythm.
Rich Heritage: The first emerald mines were in ancient Egypt, a land of mystery and beautiful dance traditions. I carry that rich heritage forward in my teaching and performances.
Personal Connection: When I first started dancing, I felt so out of touch with my body. But through months of practice, I began to unlock something magical—a connection to both the music and my own body. Now Middle Eastern dance feels so natural, it touched my soul. It awakening a sense of freedom that I never knew existed. This beautiful feeling is something I want to share with as many women as possible.
Q and A
How old do I need to be?
I take students 16 and older
What should I wear to class?
Comfortable clothes that will allow you full range of motion. Most students wear yoga type pants and comfy top. Not to baggy, you should be able to see your movements. And of course a hip scarf. If you don't have a hip scarf I always have extras with me for anyone to use.
Is this a good type of exercise?
Yes, it is an excellent exercise for women of all ages and fitness abilities. Oriental dance is gentle movement that works with the structure and muscles of women. It is not high impact aerobic exercise that can stress joints or tear muscles.
What style of Middle Eastern dance do you teach?
I teach classical Oriental dance. In class we will use traditional, classical, pop and modern music from Egypt, Lebanon, Turkey, Morocco, and Tunisia.
Emerald Belly Dance Class Registration
Sessions
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
All advanced dance will be held at my home studio. Class size is limited to 3.
Journey Wellness Building
47 S. Main Street
Clintonville
Tuesday 6:30-7:30
Jensen Community Center
487 N.Main Street
Amherst
Wednesday 6:00-7:00
Join us for a fun, inclusive environment where you’ll learn traditional techniques while boosting your confidence and fitness.
Sign up today and embark on a journey of grace, joy, and community.
Classes for Beginners
Discover Belly Dance for Mind, Body, and Soul!
In this class, you will learn the foundations of Middle Eastern dance. The 8 week session will cover:
Proper dance posture
Basic moves like the hip slide, hip circle, chest lift
Two types of shimmies, hip ups and shoulder shimmy
The moves will be broken down and repeated to help develop muscle memory. You will practice these moves in short combos that will vary, showing how the same move can be adapted to different music.
By the end of the session you will;
Feel more confident with the moves you have learned
Improve your flexibility
Have Fun!!
Belly dance is for everyone! There are no age limits, size limits or gender limits. The only thing you need is a sense of adventure and a willingness to have some fun dancing. At Emerald Belly Dance, I believe that dance is a powerful form of expression and healing that anyone can enjoy, regardless of their background or experience level.
History
The history of Middle Eastern Dance is very long and also a little vague. There are no written documents that can pinpoint the beginning of the dance. We do know that it is ancient and archaeologists have unearthed pottery with what is believed to be dancing on it. But is that the start of Middle Eastern dance or is it just dance, people moving their bodies to natural rhythms?
We do know that dancing is shown on the tombs and in art from the time of the Pharaohs, dated to 4000 BCE. There is mention of dance and dancers in hieroglyphics from that time but we do not know what the movements were or the music used. We do know the instruments that were played, but can not for certain say what the "songs" were.
May our dance always be a bridge to understanding,
May our dance always be a celebration of diversity,
May our dance always be an instrument for peace.
Dr. Laurel Victoria Grey
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