Belly Dance & Arabic Dance Classes in Olympia, WA
Discover the vibrant dance scene in Olympia. With 11 studios offering classes for all skill levels, compare local instructors, Raqs Sharqi styles, and tribal fusion programs to find your perfect fit.
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💃 All Belly Dance & Arabic Dance Classes in Olympia
Amira Belly Dance - Olympia
Over 30 years of belly dance experience, studied with Egyptian masters and won national awards. Classes available at Olympia Center and Johansen Olympia Dance Center.
Class Types
- ✓ RakasaFit (All Levels)
- ✓ Int/Adv Belly Dance
- ✓ Belly Dance Essentials (Teens/Adults)
- ✓ Private Instruction
Amenities & Features
- 🅿️Parking Available
- 👤Private Lessons
- • 6 to 8-week sessions year round
- • All ages and body types welcome
- • Total beginners welcome
Instructor:
Amira(30+ experience)
Has belly danced for over 30 years, studied with Egyptian masters, and has won national awards in Middle Eastern dance. Enthusiasm and respect for the dance form, helps students blossom and celebrates all shapes and ages.
Pricing & Options:
Contact for pricing
Contact Information
222 Columbia St NW, Olympia WA 98501, United States
Olympia, WA 98501
Hours:
Mondays 6-7 PM (RakasaFit), 7-8 PM (Int/Adv Belly Dance), Starting Jan 7, 2026: Wednesdays 7-8 PM (Belly Dance Essentials)
Parking & Transportation
The Olympia Center
A central community hub in downtown Olympia offering a wide variety of recreational classes including RakasaFit Core Fitness Belly Dance and Intermediate/Advanced Belly Dance instructed by Amira (Joy Johnston).
Class Types
- ✓ RakasaFit Core Fitness Belly Dance
- ✓ Intermediate/Advanced Belly Dance
- ✓ Salsa
- ✓ Swing
- ✓ Yoga
Amenities & Features
- 🅿️Parking Available
- • Community classes
- • All ages
- • Central location
Instructor:
Amira (Joy Johnston)(20+ experience)
Amira is a multi-award winning dancer and certified RakasaFit instructor who has been teaching and performing in the Olympia area for over two decades.
Pricing & Options:
Affordable
Contact Information
222 Columbia St NW, Olympia, WA 98501, United States
Olympia, WA 98501
Hours:
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Parking & Transportation
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Debbi's Dance, Etc.
A long-standing dance studio in the Olympia/Lacey area that hosts the Mas Uda Dancers and Kashani's intermediate and advanced belly dance classes.
Class Types
- ✓ Belly Dance (Intermediate)
- ✓ Tap
- ✓ Jazz
- ✓ Ballet
- ✓ Lyrical
- +2 more styles
Amenities & Features
- 🅿️Parking Available
- 👤Private Lessons
- • Home of Mas Uda Dancers
- • Large dance floors
- • Annual recitals
Instructor:
Kashani (Mas Uda), Debbi(30+ experience)
Kashani directs the Mas Uda Dancers and has taught belly dance in the region since 1992.
Pricing & Options:
Moderate
Contact Information
6715 Martin Way E, Olympia, WA 98516, United States
Olympia, WA 98516
Hours:
Monday-Thursday 3:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Parking & Transportation
Johansen Olympia Dance Center
A prominent dance school in Olympia offering high-quality training in ballet and various world dance styles. It has served as a location for Amira Belly Dance classes and workshops.
Class Types
- ✓ Belly Dance Essentials
- ✓ Ballet
- ✓ Contemporary
- ✓ Jazz
- ✓ Tap
- +2 more styles
Amenities & Features
- 🅿️Parking Available
- 👤Private Lessons
- • Professional facility
- • Sprung floors
- • Performance productions
Instructor:
Amira, Faculty(Professional experience)
Home to professional instructors and guest artists, offering a curriculum that includes cultural dance styles.
Pricing & Options:
Moderate
Contact Information
412 Jefferson St SE, Olympia, WA 98501, United States
Olympia, WA 98501
Hours:
Monday-Friday 3:30 PM - 8:30 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Parking & Transportation
Olympia Eagles Aerie #21
A historic ballroom and event space that frequently hosts dance community events, including 'Beats Euphorium' (belly dance fusion), Samba OlyWa practices, and Oly Dance social nights.
Class Types
- ✓ Belly Dance Fusion (Workshops)
- ✓ Samba
- ✓ Swing
- ✓ Tango
- ✓ Blues Dance
Amenities & Features
- 🅿️Parking Available
- 👤Private Lessons
- • Large ballroom floor
- • Live music events
- • Social dance community
Instructor:
Various / Guest Instructors(Varies experience)
Hosts various local troupes and traveling instructors for workshops and social dancing.
Pricing & Options:
Varies by organizer
Contact Information
805 4th Ave E, Olympia, WA 98506, United States
Olympia, WA 98506
Hours:
Varies by event
Parking & Transportation
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South Sound YMCA - Briggs
The Briggs YMCA offers a range of group exercise classes and has hosted belly dance fundraisers and workshops led by Joy Johnston (Amira).
Class Types
- ✓ Zumba
- ✓ Dance Fitness
- ✓ Yoga
- ✓ Pilates
- ✓ Specialty Workshops
Amenities & Features
- 🅿️Parking Available
- 👤Private Lessons
- 🎁First Class Free
- • Pool
- • Gym
- • Childcare
Instructor:
YMCA Staff & Guests(Certified experience)
Certified fitness instructors and guest teaching artists.
Pricing & Options:
Membership based
Contact Information
1530 Yelm Hwy SE, Olympia, WA 98501, United States
Olympia, WA 98501
Hours:
Monday-Friday 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Weekends 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Parking & Transportation
Studio West Dance Academy
A large dance academy in West Olympia offering a comprehensive schedule that has included belly dance among its diverse dance styles.
Class Types
- ✓ Belly Dance
- ✓ Ballet
- ✓ Hip Hop
- ✓ Jazz
- ✓ Contemporary
- +2 more styles
Amenities & Features
- 🅿️Parking Available
- 👤Private Lessons
- • Multiple studios
- • Professional productions
- • Nutcracker performance
Instructor:
Faculty(Professional experience)
Experienced faculty offering training in classical and contemporary dance forms.
Pricing & Options:
Moderate to High
Contact Information
1025 Black Lake Blvd SW, Olympia, WA 98502, United States
Olympia, WA 98502
Hours:
Monday-Friday 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Parking & Transportation
Fusion Physical Therapy & Pilates
Located in the space formerly known as 'Fusion - The Integrated Body', this studio has a history of hosting contemporary and fusion dance workshops and continues to offer pilates and movement therapy beneficial for dancers.
Class Types
- ✓ Pilates Mat
- ✓ Pilates Reformer
- ✓ Movement Therapy
- ✓ Core Conditioning
Amenities & Features
- 🅿️Parking Available
- 👤Private Lessons
- • Physical therapy
- • Injury prevention for dancers
- • Small class sizes
Instructor:
Licensed Therapists(Professional experience)
Physical therapists and certified Pilates instructors focusing on rehabilitation and functional movement.
Pricing & Options:
Moderate to High
Contact Information
302 Columbia St NW, Olympia, WA 98501, United States
Olympia, WA 98501
Hours:
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Parking & Transportation
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Woman's Club of Olympia
A historic venue that has hosted beginning belly dance classes and community workshops in its ballroom space.
Class Types
- ✓ Beginning Belly Dance (periodic)
- ✓ Community Events
- ✓ Ballroom
Amenities & Features
- 🅿️Parking Available
- • Historic building
- • Community focus
- • Ballroom space
Instructor:
Guest Instructors(Varies experience)
Local instructors utilize this historic space for community classes.
Pricing & Options:
Low
Contact Information
1002 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98501, United States
Olympia, WA 98501
Hours:
Varies by event
Parking & Transportation
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The Evergreen State College (CRC)
The college offers 'Dance Immersion' and leisure education classes which have historically included belly dance, tribal fusion, and contemporary movement workshops open to students and sometimes the community.
Class Types
- ✓ Dance Immersion
- ✓ Contemporary Dance
- ✓ Authentic Movement
- ✓ Yoga
- ✓ World Dance Workshops
Amenities & Features
- 🅿️Parking Available
- • Large recreation center
- • Academic credit options
- • Diverse movement styles
Instructor:
Faculty and Guest Artists(Professional experience)
Classes taught by college faculty and visiting artists focusing on somatic and cultural movement.
Pricing & Options:
Low (Student/Community rates)
Contact Information
2700 Evergreen Pkwy NW, Olympia, WA 98505, United States
Olympia, WA 98505
Hours:
Varies by quarter
Parking & Transportation
Firefly Yoga
A well-known yoga studio in Olympia that has offered yoga and belly dance fusion workshops and classes focusing on somatic movement and flexibility.
Class Types
- ✓ Yin Yoga
- ✓ Vinyasa
- ✓ Fusion Movement
- ✓ Workshops
Amenities & Features
- 🅿️Parking Available
- 👤Private Lessons
- • Holistic approach
- • Central location
- • Welcoming community
Instructor:
Lisa Cosmillo(Experienced experience)
Lisa Cosmillo and staff offer holistic movement classes that support dance practice.
Pricing & Options:
Moderate
Contact Information
418 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98501, United States
Olympia, WA 98501
Hours:
Class times vary
Parking & Transportation
Planning an Event in Olympia? 🎉
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 →💰 Estimated Costs in Olympia
| 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 Olympia 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 Lessons in Olympia, WA
With 11 verified studios, Olympia boasts an active and welcoming belly dance community. If you are looking to learn RakasaFit (All Levels), Int/Adv Belly Dance and Belly Dance Essentials (Teens/Adults), local instructors at studios like Amira Belly Dance - Olympia and The Olympia Center are currently accepting new students.
Classes are spanning zip codes like 98501 and 98516, making it easy to find a schedule that fits your life. From fun fitness routines to advanced choreography, the Olympia dance scene provides a supportive, body-positive environment for every skill level.
Serving Dancers in Olympia & Surrounding Areas
Our directory lists studios accessible to residents of Olympia 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.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🏙️ Find Belly Dance Classes Near Olympia
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