Bellydance Classes in Northampton Massachusetts

Bellydance classes are fun and rewarding, allowing you to gain a new skill set, become more comfortable with your body, develop an appreciation of Middle Eastern dance, music, and culture, and meet new friends.  All classes provide a safe and inclusive environment for students to learn bellydance and are open to people of all sizes, backgrounds, and genders, age 13 and up.

​Sahina teaches bellydance classes at Studio Helix at 150 Main St # 4 (in Thorne's Marketplace) in Northampton Massachusetts. 

Join in and learn a new skill, make friends, and have fun! ​

Current Classes

Winter Session (starting Jan 30)
Level 1 & 2 Thursdays 6-7 pm
Level 2 & 3 Thursdays 7-8 pm

Click here to register for bellydance classes and workshops.

One and a half years ago, I attended a beginner bellydance class by Sahina.  I really wanted to learn how to bellydance but had no idea what to expect and was unsure if I would be able to keep up.  At the end of the class, all my uncertainties were completely put to ease: Sahina is a fantastic teacher who truly cares about the success of each of her students.  She has the ability to assess where a student is in their dance development and then provide them with the appropriate tools to succeed.  Her classes are always fun as well as informative: Sahina has a wealth of knowledge on the cultural aspects behind bellydance.  I have attended many more classes with Sahina since then and wouldn't have it any other way!  If you are looking for a fun way to work out, meet new people, and learn about new cultures; I highly recommend taking one of Sahina's classes!     -Kathy L.

Private Lessons

Private and semi-private lessons are available for students who wish to have a more focused learning experience. This can be a great way to get extra help with in-class material, work with solo projects and performance skills, or fine tune your dance technique.  The cost is $50 per hour plus a studio rental fee which varies based on location.  Please call or email to schedule a private lesson.

Workshops

Sahina is available to teach workshops on a variety of topics.  Please visit the workshops page for further information.

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FAQ

What should I wear to class?
Wear comfortable workout attire or bellydance practice wear such as cholis/crop tops, hipscarves, and coin belts. Sports bras and leggings are also appropriate. Please do not wear skirts to class, Sahina needs to be able to see your legs to ensure that your body is in proper alignment. Dancing barefoot is the norm, but you are welcome to wear comfortable dance shoes such as ballet slippers or hermes sandals.

I missed the first class of the session, is it too late to join?
No, you can still join after the class session has started.  I will pro-rate the class fee so that you do not pay for classes that were held before you joined.  If you have missed several classes you may want to consider doing a private lesson to learn the material you missed, but this is optional.

Can I try a class before signing up for the session?
Yes, you are welcome to drop in to a class any time for $18 per class.  This lets you try it out before committing to the full session.  If you love it and decide you want to take the rest the $18 drop in fee will be applied toward your registration tuition.

I have previously taken bellydance classes at another dance studio, what level should I start at?
The best way to find out what level you should start at is do drop in for a class so Sahina can assess your dance experience. In general if you have taken classes continuously for less then a year you should drop into level 1 for an assessment and if you have taken classes continuously for more then a year you should drop into level 2 for an assessment.

​I missed a class in the middle of a session, can I make it up?
Unfortunately there are no makeups for missed classes.

Are students provided with performance opportunities?
Students are given the option to participate in student showcases, which usually occur twice a year. This allows the students to have a safe place to perform for their family and friends so they may share what they have been working on in class.  There are also occasionally performance opportunities at community events throughout the year.

What are the differences between the class levels?
All levels a multi-session curriculum of rotating topics.

Level 1 is designed to introduce new students to the movements, music, and props used in bellydance. Topics rotate and include movement vocabulary, veil work, and zills.  Level 1 is great for people who are looking to get started bellydancing!
Level 2  that allows students who have mastered the basics begin to learn more complex movements, start to be able to identify Middle Eastern rhythms and musical structure, and dance with veils, zills, and canes.
Prerequisites- Completion of Level 1 or prior consent of instructor. Level 2 classes can be taken concurrently with Level 1 after an initial session of Level 1 is completed.
Level 3 is for continuing students to start developing a deeper understanding of the dance as they begin to work on musicality, dance composition, improvisation, and advanced props.
Prerequisites- Completion of Levels 1 & 2 or prior consent of instructor.
Level 4 consists entirely of special topics courses and is only offered on occasion. Examples of subjects include set structure, magency, taqasim, baladi, and floorwork.

How long should I stay in each level before moving up?
Many students take a class several times before mastering the material. The goal is not to advance through the levels as fast as possible but to enjoy the dance. Since each level is taught as a rotating series of topics students take many different sessions at the same level before repeating any material or advancing to the next level. In general expect to spend 1-2 years in level 1, 2-3 years in level 2, 2-3 years in level 3, and several years in level 4. Level 4 is conducted through private lessons focusing on each individual student’s dance goals.