Participating Studios
Alive Dance Studio
Each individual’s journey is unique. Attention to this in the strengthening process and dance techniques, is Julia’s approach. She believes belly dancing was born out of the need to prepare, and support women for pregnancy’s delivery and recovery. Belly dancing honors women’s bodies – everyone’s first home.
Alraqs Academy
Al Raqs Academy is a dynamic young oriental studio based in Parow, Cape Town. It was established in 2023 by Farah Burton, a professional performer and coach. She has been dancing for over 10 years and has extensive knowledge and experience gained from her years of performing and training in South Africa and abroad.
Al Raqs offers authentic oriental dance classes to women and girls of all ages. Their class programs include theory, rhythms, and musicality – enabling their students to fully understand, enjoy and embrace this artform.
The studio embarked on their first international trip to Egypt in July 2023 where their students who joined the trip were able to learn from international master instructors. For more information about Al Raqs Academy, feel free to reach out to the owner Farah Burton.
Amirah Dance Company
Jacqui is a solo dancer and the founder of Amirah Dance Company located in Welgelegen. Her training encompasses various aspects of music, theory, technique and rhythms. Her training has exposed her to various belly dance styles from around the world but her personal favourite styles are Mejanse, Mushaqqat and Baladi. Additionally she proudly serves as the owner of the WINTER BELLY DANCE FESTIVAL OF SOUTH AFRICA.
Ashlyn Leigh’s Belly Dance Academy
Ashlyn Leigh’s Belly Dance Academy was found and owned by professional belly dancer and South African Dance Champion, Ashlyn Leigh Prinsloo. It was established in 2023 with her love and passion for this beautiful art form and is based in Goodwood.
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 Oriental Dance Academy, directed under Michelle Ford, since 2008 is a vibrant and modern oriental dance troupe. We have become belly sisters who share in a love of life and dance!
Our main objective is to achieve, through our dance style, the upliftment of women and the girl-child in surrounding areas of Cape Town. To get women and girls more involved in the art of dancing, to gain confidence, obtain fitness, and experience the joy and fulfilment of oriental dancing.
This year, Belly Phunk Oriental Dance Academy celebrated 15 years in its existence and have participated in every CTODF thus far.
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.
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.
Jewels of the East
Professional performance troupe established by Surika Oriental Dance Non-profit Organisation, in collaboration with BellArise and Hip Connection. It is a unique support group in the Art of Belly Dance.
All dancers are welcome to join this troupe.
Costume design for Surika, Cheri and Movina by Surika Couture. Costume design for Tessa by Tessa Campbell.
JK Dance (Mauritius)
Kate is a versatile dancer with a passion for Sega dance, the traditional dance of Mauritius, as well as belly dance.
In 2018, she created the group JK Dance comprising around twenty-five dancers all practicing different dance styles. She is recognised as an Artist by the Ministry of Arts and Culture of Mauritius, and has received a National Award in the field of Dance.
Nadia School of Belly Dance
Nadia School of Belly Dance was founded in 2004 and we are a small, woman’s only studio, based in Durbanville, Cape Town. The style of dance taught is Modern Egyptian with a dash of Latin to spice it up. All levels are taught, Complete Beginners through to Advanced. Enjoy the performance.
Nadine Brink
Just an earthly being enjoying the magic of dance…
Originally introduced to the art of belly dance in 2006, Nadine started with traditional Egyptian style but slowly became entranced by tribal fusion.
“I believe dancing is liberating and healing”
Rouge & Surah
Rouge & Surah have been dance partners for the last 15 years. Both are teachers of classic Egyptian style with a preference for Veil, Isis Wings and Sword. They are based in Melkbosstrand.
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.
Surika Oriental Dance
Establishment of Surika Oriental Dance Since 1994: Surika has been actively involved in Oriental Dance since 1994, making her a seasoned performer and teacher in this art form. Surika is recognized as a pioneer of Belly Dance in South Africa, which indicates her instrumental role in introducing and popularizing this dance form in the country.
International Performance: Surika’s achievements extend beyond South Africa, as she became the first South African to perform at the Egyptian Oriental Dance Festival in Egypt. This international recognition highlights her skill and dedication. Her legacy and impact on the South African and international dance community are commendable.
Costume design by Surika Couture.
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!