Participating Studios

Beverli established Al-Masrah Academy on returning to Cape Town, after many years touring and teaching abroad. Her Sea Point studio is home to the Al-Masrah performance troupe and a dedicated program of classes in Oriental dance arts from beginner to professional level, also featuring online coaching. Dancers training at Al-Masrah Academy are all ages and in it for the love and passion of the traditional art of Middle Eastern Dance. Today a mixed level group are performing an artistic piece heavily influenced by classical Persian dance which is very different to bellydancing, and an heirloom of the ancient courts of Iran.

Aphrodite Bellydance Studio has performed at various events nationally and internationally. Our dancers are confident and happy.

Our motto is: Dance from your heart!

Levona comes from the beautiful Garden Route, and has been dancing for about 13yrs. She has presented workshops and performed in Namibia, Johannesburg, PE and Cape Town. In 2015 she was selected to perform in the BellyDance Evolution production headed by Jillina. In 2017, Levona placed 1st in the Drum Solo Category of Miss Belly Dance SA, 4th in the title category, and also won Soloist of the Year. Earlier this year she obtained Gold Medal status in the CIAD international belly dance competition in the Professional category.

Gigi Belly Dance Studio was started by Gigi Jacobs-Martin in 2013. The studio is based in Grahamstown/Makhanda in the Eastern Cape. The motto is ‘Celebrate your Inner Goddess’.

Gigi has trained in various different types of dance and discovered belly dancing in 2007. Dancing is her creative outlet, and she is excited and proud to be a cast member of the theatrical belly dance production ‘Perfume’ that will be on stage at the National Arts Festival Makhanda in 2020.

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.

Release your inner Goddess and join in a class today!

Situated in Strandfontein, Heavenly Shimmies Dance School provides a relaxed and fun dance atmosphere for women in the community.

We are a small home based studio who get together to dance for fun, friendship and the sheer joy of movement to this beautiful art form.

Maya Troupe is a Somerset West based dance group that specializes in Tribal Fusion belly dance. Run by Frieda and Alexandra, the studio aims to bring a unique twist to Tribal Fusion by always pushing the boundaries and adding new and exciting elements to the dance.

Nadia School of Belly dance was founded in January 2004 in the Northern suburbs, Cape Town. Nadia is the primary instructor, choreographer and performer.

Classes are held in Durbanville and Burgundy Estate. The style of dance taught is an eclectic mix of Turkish & Modern Egyptian.

Urshulah from Natraj Fusion studio will be performing two Tribal Fusion dances. She has just returned from training with Rachel Brice in Morocco, and will be performing two dances, one of which was choreographed by Rachel Brice.

Ajsa Samia’s Oriental Dance School, Palace the Winds, promotes the true art of Oriental dance in it’s various forms. These include Classical Oriental, Folk and Gypsy dance, from various Oriental and Balkan countries, as well as modern Oriental and fusion dance. We believe that women of all ages, social and cultural origins can unite and learn to accept and value themselves through Oriental dance.

Palace of the Winds in Jaipur India was built in 1799 by the Maharaja with many many windows so that the Royal women could look out into everyday life and enjoy the festivals. Ajsa Samia formed a troupe of dancers with this name. Although she now lives in Germany, we continue to use her teaching methods and choreography.

The Rakshada Bellydancers is from Port Elizabeth and has been performing for 16 years. Owned by sisters Nicky and Amelia with Nicky being the Teacher and choreographer. We love to inspire women from all walks of life to enhance their womanhood, have fun and enjoy the beautiful art of bellydancing.

Rhea Dance Collective is based in Athlone and teaches belly dancing to all ages.

The dancers come from an extremely poor community. We participated 2 years in a row in CIAD, as well as in other competitions.

Studio Tarab founded by Karole Al Dineh, is a Northern Suburbs, Cape Town based studio offering classes in Arabic style belly dance and folkloric styles. Studio Tarab strives to create a warm, welcoming environment for learning & growth through Middle Eastern dance. Karole is the resident performer at Al Diwan, Sea Point, and some of her achievements include Best Overall Winner at CIAD 2019 and First Place at Miss Belly Dance SA 2015 in Solo Fascinating Fusion.

Surah is a graduate teacher from the Cape Academy of Middle East Dance, showcasing Egyptian-style belly dance and is based in Melkbosstrand. Jewell is one of her most talented performers. They will be dancing a gypsy inspired fusion duet.

Surika Oriental Dance, 27 years of performances. Teacher, choreographer originally from Cape Town now living on Johannesburg. Her troupe, from Johannesburg Sheetal and Aysha have been dancing for many years.

Introducing the Belly Dancers from The Eoan group performing arts school in Athlone.

Established in 2003 by Tenille Lindeque, The Feminine Divine is one of Cape Town’s oldest belly dance studios. Today, the studio is run by Tenille and her sister, Tiffany who are both passionate teachers and performers. They will be joined on stage by their loyal students, Cherie, Penny, Joy and Michelle.
The Feminine Divine hosts Cape Town’s celebration of World Belly Dance Day annually in May, which, since 2009, has raised over R120 000 for charity.

Zahra’s Oriental was established in 2006 by Janka Kliment. On her return to Slovakia in 2013 Melanie and Jessica bought the studio and continued her vision of helping women find a space to express their selves.