Belly Dance & Arabic Dance Classes in Berkeley, CA
Discover the vibrant dance scene in Berkeley. With 6 studios offering classes for all skill levels, compare local instructors, Raqs Sharqi styles, and tribal fusion programs to find your perfect fit.
๐บ๏ธ Studio Map View
๐ All Belly Dance & Arabic Dance Classes in Berkeley
Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center
Historic non-profit music venue established in 1973, providing international and Americana dance classes and community programs.
Class Types
- โ Balkan Folkdancing
- โ Tango
- โ International Dance Styles
- โ Music Performance
- โ Workshop Series
- +1 more styles
Amenities & Features
- โข Historic Venue (Est. 1973)
- โข Non-Profit Organization
- โข Bar & Cafe
Instructor:
Various Guest Instructors(Varies experience)
International roster of experienced dance instructors and performers from various cultural backgrounds.
Pricing & Options:
Varies by class
Contact Information
1317 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley, CA 94702, United States
Berkeley, CA 94702
Hours:
Box Office: Tue-Sat 10am-5pm, Classes vary
Mahea Uchiyama Center for International Dance
Center exploring universal connection of communities through dance and culture from Hawai'i, Polynesia, Africa, and Asia.
Class Types
- โ Hula
- โ Bharatanatyam
- โ Brazilian Dance
- โ Functional Barre-lates
- โ Latin Rhythms
- +4 more styles
Amenities & Features
- ๐ ฟ๏ธParking Available
- ๐คPrivate Lessons
- โข Cultural Authenticity
- โข All Ages & Abilities
- โข Master Teachers
Instructor:
Mฤhealani Uchiyama & Faculty(Professional experience)
Award-winning dancer, musician, and choreographer with international faculty team specializing in authentic cultural dance forms.
Pricing & Options:
Contact for pricing
Contact Information
1800 Dwight Way, Ste 4, Berkeley, CA 94703, United States
Berkeley, CA 94703
Hours:
See website schedule
Parking & Transportation
Ariellah Bellydance (Darker Still Studios)
Internationally acclaimed fusion belly dance studio specializing in transcultural fusion dance with over 30 years of dance experience.
Class Types
- โ Transcultural Fusion Dance
- โ Mixed Level Fusion Dance
- โ Meditation
- โ Conditioning
- โ Drilling
- +4 more styles
Amenities & Features
- ๐ ฟ๏ธParking Available
- ๐คPrivate Lessons
- โข International Instruction
- โข Home Studio
- โข All-Inclusive Environment
Instructor:
Ariellah(30+ experience)
Internationally acclaimed fusion dancer with 20 years focused on transcultural fusion dance. Over a decade teaching worldwide across all continents.
Pricing & Options:
Contact for pricing
Contact Information
Berkeley, CA (Contact for exact address)
Berkeley, CA
Hours:
Contact for schedule
Parking & Transportation
Bay Area Belly Dance with Elizabeth Strong
Professional belly dance instruction specializing in Turkish Roman style by former Belly Dance Super Star member Elizabeth Strong.
Class Types
- โ Turkish Roman Style
- โ Belly Dance Technique
- โ Conditioning
- โ Sweaty Belly Dance Drills
- โ Performance Preparation
- +1 more styles
Amenities & Features
- ๐ ฟ๏ธParking Available
- ๐คPrivate Lessons
- โข Belly Dance Super Star Alumni
- โข Turkish Roman Specialist
- โข All Levels Welcome
Instructor:
Elizabeth Strong(Professional experience)
Badass OG belly dancer specializing in Turkish Roman style. Former member of Belly Dance Super Stars with extensive performance background.
Pricing & Options:
$15
Contact Information
Berkeley, CA (Contact for exact location)
Berkeley, CA
Hours:
Thursday Nights 7:00-8:30PM
Parking & Transportation
Follow Us
Abigail Keyes Dance
Licensed instructor of the world-renowned Salimpour Method with over 15 years of teaching experience and MA in Dance Studies.
Class Types
- โ Salimpour Method Belly Dance
- โ Belly Dance Technique
- โ Performance Skills
- โ Movement Education
- โ Dance History
- +2 more styles
Amenities & Features
- ๐ ฟ๏ธParking Available
- ๐คPrivate Lessons
- โข Salimpour Method Certified
- โข MA Dance Studies
- โข Published Author
Instructor:
Abigail Keyes(15+ experience)
MA in Dance Studies from Mills College, Licensed Salimpour Method instructor, internationally acclaimed instructor and performer.
Pricing & Options:
Contact for pricing
Contact Information
1800 Dwight Way, Berkeley, CA 94703, United States
Berkeley, CA 94703
Hours:
Contact for schedule
Parking & Transportation
Salimpour School of Belly Dance
World-renowned belly dance school established in 1949, offering comprehensive curriculum for hobbyists and professionals.
Class Types
- โ Online Short Courses
- โ Online Classes
- โ Comprehensive Curriculum
- โ Licensing Programs
- โ Professional Certification
- +2 more styles
Amenities & Features
- ๐ ฟ๏ธParking Available
- ๐คPrivate Lessons
- โข World-Renowned Institution
- โข Established 1949
- โข Comprehensive Curriculum
Instructor:
Suhaila Salimpour(50+ experience)
World-renowned instructor with over five decades of teaching and performance experience. Founder of the Salimpour Method.
Pricing & Options:
Contact for pricing
Contact Information
1800 Dwight Way, Berkeley, CA 94703, United States
Berkeley, CA 94703
Hours:
Contact for schedule
Parking & Transportation
Planning an Event in Berkeley? ๐
Make your next birthday party, wedding, or corporate event unforgettable. Read our complete guide on costs, tipping, and what to expect when booking a performer.
How to Hire a Belly Dancer โ๐ฐ Estimated Costs in Berkeley
| Drop-in Class | $15 - $25 |
| 5-Class Card | $65 - $100 |
| Monthly Unlimited | $120 - $180 |
| Private Lesson | $60 - $120/hr |
*Prices vary by studio prestige and location. Check individual listings for exact rates.
๐ What to Expect in Your First Class
- 1
No experience needed.Most studios in Berkeley define "Beginner" as zero prior dance experience. You will learn posture and isolation from scratch.
- 2
Wear comfy clothes.You don't need a costume! Yoga pants, a fitted tank top, and bare feet (or socks) are the standard attire.
- 3
The "Shimmy" comes later.Your first class will focus on grounding your hips and isolating your chest. Don't worry if you can't shake perfectly on day one.
- 4
Bring water and an open mind.Belly dance is a workout! Stay hydrated and remember that everyone starts somewhere. The community is welcoming and supportive.
Common Belly Dance Styles
Not sure which class to pick? Here is a quick guide to the styles you might find in local studios.
Egyptian / Raqs Sharqi
The most classical form. Focuses on controlled muscle isolations, emotional expression, and intricate musicality. Elegant and grounded.
American Cabaret
A showy, glamorous style often performed with veils, zills (finger cymbals), or swords. High energy and uses more stage space.
Tribal Fusion
A modern western interpretation mixing hip-hop, flamenco, and popping/locking. Often danced to electronic music with darker costuming.
Fitness Belly Dance
Combines traditional belly dance movements with cardio and strength training. Great for beginners looking for a fun workout.
Turkish Oriental
Known for energetic floor work, dramatic drops, and playful audience interaction. More theatrical than Egyptian style.
Folkloric Styles
Regional dances from across the Middle East and North Africa, including Saidi, Khaliji, and Moroccan styles. Each has unique props and rhythms.
๐ Belly Dance Lessons in Berkeley, CA
With 6 verified studios, Berkeley boasts an active and welcoming belly dance community. If you are looking to learn Balkan Folkdancing, Tango and International Dance Styles, local instructors at studios like Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center and Mahea Uchiyama Center for International Dance are currently accepting new students.
Classes are spanning zip codes like 94702 and 94703, making it easy to find a schedule that fits your life. From fun fitness routines to advanced choreography, the Berkeley dance scene provides a supportive, body-positive environment for every skill level.
Serving Dancers in Berkeley & Surrounding Areas
Our directory lists studios accessible to residents of Berkeley as well as nearby areas. Many students travel from surrounding neighborhoods and ZIP codes.
๐ Neighborhoods
๐ฎ ZIP Codes
Studios may serve multiple neighborhoods and ZIP codes. Check individual listings for exact locations and accessibility.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
๐๏ธ Find Belly Dance Classes Near Berkeley
Explore More Belly Dance Guides
Gear & Props
Find the perfect hip scarves, veils, zills, and class attire for your level.
Explore Guide โAt-Home Practice
Online class reviews, workout DVDs, and beginner routines to do at home.
Explore Guide โArticles & History
Learn about different styles, the history of the dance, and health benefits..
Explore Guide โ