Participating Studios
Artist Souls Dance School & Performing Arts
Paola Díaz is Artistic Director of Artist Souls Pty. Originally from Colombia, she now lives in South Africa. Paola grew up in the arts, performing on stage in the theatre since primary school, with a background in gymnastics, singing & traditional Colombian dances. The core of her projects is philanthropic as she works with and for special and/or vulnerable communities, also fundraising for charity projects through dance and cultural exchange.
Paola is internationally certified in Fat Chance Belly Dance Style – FCBD®️ Certified GS, FCBD®️ Teacher Training in progress as well as continuous studies at FCBD®️ University. She is an authorised ambassador of The Siren Project Fan Dialect for FCBD Style for teaching, created by Katarzyna Lidia. She is certified in Kizomba Soul Secrets©, Cali Salsa, Traditional Colombian dances and other Latin American dances.
Paola started her bellydance journey in 2010 in Yemen with Oriental belly dance, continued in 2012 in Mozambique and uninterrupted since 2021 in South Africa with Dancing Divinity, Tribal Angels & her own company, Artist Souls.
She received first place in the Solo category for Sensational Props for a bellydance fusion choreography performed with large fan veils in 2023. She currently studies to certify in the Datura Style of Bellydance.
Ashlyn Leigh’s Belly Dance Academy
Ashlyn Leigh is a professional belly dance performer, coach, choreographer and a South African Dance Champion.
She is the founder and owner of Ashlyn Leigh’s Belly Dance Academy that was established in 2023 , and specialises in group lessons, private lessons, competition training, workshops and event entertainment.
BellArise Oriental Dance Studio
Cheri of BellArise started studying the art of oriental dance in 2007. The studio performs folkloric, classic and modern style oriental dance. Cheri’s love for this dance form lies in the fact that it provides an outlet for artistic expression and because of its many social, psychological, health and physical benefits for women.
Belly Phunk Oriental Dance Academy
Belly Phunk (directed by Michelle Ford) is a vibrant oriental dance troupe.
Our main objective is to achieve, through our dance style, the upliftment of women and the girl-child in surrounding areas of Cape Town and to get them involved in the art of dance, to gain confidence, obtain fitness and experience the joy and fulfilment of oriental dancing.
Dancing Divinity
Dancing Divinity Dance Company boasts an award-winning team of instructors, including Bonita Rossouw, Hanlie Kennaugh, Natalie Clark, and Simoné Biddulph, who are deeply passionate about guiding their students on a journey of self-expression and creativity.
Founded in 2006 by Natalie Clark, our studio in greater Johannesburg offers a wide range of classes, specialty series, and workshops.
We are dedicated to providing high-quality instruction to help our students perfect their technique and execute every move with ease, grace, and elegance.
We recognize the importance of continuous growth and learning and are committed to providing fresh, innovative material to our students.
Our classes celebrate both traditional and fusion styles of belly dance, catering to students of all levels.
Goddesses of Dance Middle Eastern Dance Studio
Goddesses of Dance Middle Eastern Dance Studio was started in 2010 in Bellville, Cape Town by Michelle Potgieter.
She is passionate about the dance and through her school she shares this passion with other women.
She believes that Middle Eastern Dance has something for everyone, no matter your age, body type, weight or fitness level.
If you love dancing, then this is the dance form for you as it is a gentle, full body workout that also helps reduce stress levels, all the while building self esteem and confidence.
Infused Belly Dance
Infused Belly Dance was established By Yvette Demas in 2021. The focus is on combining traditional fusion bellydance techniques with various other dance forms while adding an alternative, edgy feel. Our aim is to grow and nurture the existing beauty in all of our dancers.
Jordan and Jaida
Sister duet Jordan and Jaida Barnes have over 16 years of experience in Middle Eastern styled dance each. They have been professionally trained by teachers and performers from across the globe and specialize in event performances by adding that extra sparkle and elegance to your event.
Leah and Tyla
Leah and Tyla have been dancing since the age of 3 and 6 years old for Hipnotize Belly Dance Academy owned by Mandy Lapperts and Simone Stevens. They then continued to dance with Mandy’s school Dance Descendants in 2016.
After the closing of Dance Descendants, they continued as advanced individuals as well as a dynamic duo.
They have both achieved many titles throughout the years in Middle Eastern Dance.
Leah and Tyla’s love for dance has never faded and continues to thrive
Leah Sasman
Leah is a professional dancer based in Cape Town. She has over 15 years experience in Middle Eastern Dance and has achieved multiple titles such as being crowned the very first Junior Miss Belly Dance South Africa in 2014 and first place in the Dance Star national competition.
Shalimar Studios
Shalimar Studios was founded in 2012 with the first performance at the 7th IODF. Focusing on fusion with a background in ballroom, with 15 years of Belly Dancing experience, Shalimar is a studio where men can learn the art of Belly Dancing as has been done for 100’s of years in the Middle Eastern countries, but with a unique fusion element.
The BellaDonnas
Established in May 2013, The BellaDonnas offers modern oriental dance classes with a strong alternative fusion flavour…
With the emphasis on continuous growth and building a good vocabulary of strong technique, the aim is always to have fun and to constantly fall in love with the dance form!
The Eoan Group School of Performing Arts, Athlone
The Eoan Group is the oldest multi-faceted non-profit arts and cultural organization in South Africa and is a community engaged institution since 1933, which offers training in the arts, culture, theatre and education to all communities on and around the Cape Flats.
Our aim is to inspire, heal and develop through the arts as well as to create strong, independent and creative artists.
The Feminine Divine Oriental Dance Studio
The Feminine Divine is run by sisters, Tenille and Tiffany Lindeque. Their focus is on celebrating the beauty and strength of the feminine spirit. We offer classes both in person and online, for beginners through to advanced dancers as well as professional performances for your events!
