Belly Dance Classes in St. Louis, MO
Discover the vibrant belly dance scene in St. Louis. With 5 studios offering classes for all skill levels, you'll find traditional Middle Eastern styles, modern fusion, and tribal belly dance. Compare studios, explore different teaching styles, and find the perfect class to begin or continue your belly dance journey.
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💃 All Belly Dance Classes in St. Louis, MO & Surrounding Areas
All belly dance classes in your city (that we know about!)
Belly Dance with Nisaa
Nisaa is a St. Louis-based instructor and performer specializing in Egyptian Raqs Sharqi (belly dance) and folkloric dance styles of the Middle East. Her studio offers weekly group classes for all levels, from beginner to advanced, as well as private lessons and workshops. Nisaa's instruction emphasizes technique, cultural context, and the history of Egyptian dance.
Class Types
- ✓ Beginner Belly Dance
- ✓ Intermediate Belly Dance
- ✓ Advanced Belly Dance
- ✓ Egyptian Folkloric Dance
- ✓ Raqs Sharqi Technique
- +2 more styles
Amenities & Features
- 🅿️Parking Available
- 👤Private Lessons
- • Dedicated studio space
- • Historic Shaw Neighborhood
- • Cultural history focus
Instructor:
Nisaa (Heather D. Ward)(20+ experience)
Nisaa is an instructor, performer, and researcher of Middle Eastern dance. She began teaching in 2003 and opened her studio in 2008. She is the author of 'Egyptian Belly Dance in Transition' and specializes in the history of Egyptian dance.
Pricing & Options:
$15 - $120
Contact Information
3904 Flad Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
St. Louis, MO 63110
Hours:
Monday - Thursday evenings (Check schedule for details)
Parking & Transportation
Aalim Belly Dance Academy
Led by Artistic Director Salwa, Aalim Belly Dance Academy offers comprehensive training in Middle Eastern dance. The academy provides classes for all levels, from introductory to professional, focusing on technique, strength, and body awareness. Classes are held at the Dance Co-op in St. Louis.
Class Types
- ✓ Introduction to Beginning Belly Dance
- ✓ Intermediate Belly Dance
- ✓ Advanced Belly Dance
- ✓ Folklore
- ✓ Fusion
- +1 more styles
Amenities & Features
- 🅿️Parking Available
- 👤Private Lessons
- • Performance opportunities
- • Professional company (Arabian Silk)
- • Salimpour Method influence
Instructor:
Salwa(25+ experience)
Salwa is the director of Aalim Dance Academy and has been performing and teaching Middle Eastern Dance in St. Louis for over two decades. She studied with mentors like Simone Prouty and Suhaila Salimpour.
Pricing & Options:
$75 per 6-week session
Contact Information
356 N Boyle Ave, 2nd Floor, St. Louis, MO 63108, United States
St. Louis, MO 63108
Hours:
Mondays 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Advanced by invitation
Parking & Transportation
Carondelet Park Rec Complex
The Carondelet Park Rec Complex, part of the Gateway Region YMCA, hosts belly dance classes. Belly Dance Mirage offers evening beginner sessions, and the YMCA offers group exercise belly dance classes as part of their fitness programming.
Class Types
- ✓ Beginner Belly Dance
- ✓ Belly Dance Fitness
Amenities & Features
- 🅿️Parking Available
- • YMCA Facility
- • Fitness focused
- • Evening and daytime options
Instructor:
Mirage Instructor / YMCA Staff
Pricing & Options:
Membership or Session Fee
Contact Information
930 Holly Hills Ave, St. Louis, MO 63111, United States
St. Louis, MO 63111
Hours:
Thursday 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM (Mirage), Check schedule for YMCA classes
Parking & Transportation
Leapin' Lizards Performing Arts Studio
Leapin' Lizards Performing Arts Studio provides a space for diverse dance instruction, including hosting Bellydance Bootcamps and fusion workshops led by Ami Amore of Lunar Fusion. The studio fosters a creative environment for dance education.
Class Types
- ✓ Bellydance Bootcamp
- ✓ Fusion Dance
- ✓ Children's Dance
- ✓ Adult Workshops
Amenities & Features
- 🅿️Parking Available
- 👤Private Lessons
- • Host to guest instructors
- • Diverse dance styles
- • Performance arts focus
Instructor:
Ami Amore, Studio Staff(Experienced experience)
Ami Amore is a renowned fusion belly dance performer and instructor known for her bootcamps and metal yoga.
Pricing & Options:
Varies by workshop
Contact Information
6907 Lansdowne Ave, St. Louis, MO 63109, United States
St. Louis, MO 63109
Hours:
Varies by scheduled class/workshop
Parking & Transportation
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St. Louis Community College - Forest Park
The Forest Park campus of St. Louis Community College offers continuing education courses in dance, including 'New Belly Dance FUNdamentals'. Classes are designed for personal enrichment and fitness, providing an affordable way to learn belly dance basics.
Class Types
- ✓ New Belly Dance FUNdamentals
- ✓ Egyptian Street Belly Dance
- ✓ Belly Dancing for Fun and Fitness
Amenities & Features
- 🅿️Parking Available
- • Accessible location
- • Affordable pricing
- • No experience required
Instructor:
CE Instructors
Pricing & Options:
Affordable course fees
Contact Information
5600 Oakland Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
St. Louis, MO 63110
Hours:
Varies by semester
Parking & Transportation
💰 Estimated Costs in St. Louis
| 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.
🔍 What to Expect in Your First Class
- 1
No experience needed.Most studios in St. Louis 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.
📌 Belly Dance in St. Louis, MO
St. Louis offers a diverse selection of belly dance studios catering to dancers of all levels. Whether you're interested in traditional Middle Eastern styles, modern fusion, or fitness-focused belly dance, you'll find experienced instructors and welcoming communities.
The belly dance scene in St. Louis is vibrant and inclusive, with regular performances, workshops, and community events. Many studios offer flexible class schedules, including evening and weekend options to accommodate busy lifestyles.
From your first shimmy to advanced choreography, St. Louis's belly dance studios provide supportive environments where you can learn, grow, and connect with fellow dance enthusiasts.
Serving Dancers in St. Louis & Surrounding Areas
Our directory lists studios accessible to residents of St. Louis as well as nearby areas. Many students travel from surrounding neighborhoods and ZIP codes.
📍 Neighborhoods
📮 ZIP Codes
Studios may serve multiple neighborhoods and ZIP codes. Check individual listings for exact locations and accessibility.