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Our classes focus on laying down a solid foundation of basic bellydance technique, including muscular control and isolation, as well as movements and combinations commonly used in tribal style group improvisational dancing. After a few sessions of technique classes, choreographies can be learned to incorporate the techniques previously learned. Classes are taught inside Dance Oasis Studio, Memphis' only dance studio catered 100% to bellydance! We are located at 2964 Stage Plaza North, near the intersection of Stage Road and Elmore Park Road. **Price Changes and Membership Opportunities:** Starting in January, class sessions will cost $12 per class. Most sessions will be 7 weeks for $84 with one week break between sessions, rounding it all out to 2 month sessions. However, I’m excited to announce that we’re going to be implementing a new Membership program, similar to those used by gyms and other dance studios. Membership is an option, not a requirement. Non-members will simply pay the regular session price per session. Standard memberships will cost $40/month which will allow for one class per week, and Bonus memberships will cost $50/month which will allow for unlimited classes per week. Benefits for members will include these reduced class session costs, reduced monthly workshop prices, Student Salon cover charges will be waived, and other fun specials throughout the year. Only Level 1 and higher students are eligible for memberships, members must contract for 4 months at a time, and benefits will only apply to “active” members. Purchase Membership Online:
The beauty of bellydance is - all women can do it! Mothers, daughters, grandmothers...business executives, lawyers, doctors, cashiers, waitresses, college students... no matter what physical shape you are in, you were made to bellydance. Why? Because you're a woman! Raqs Sharqi (bellydance) has historically been a dance celebrating the feminine mystique, from swaying those hips to flashing a flirty grin over your shoulder. This dance embodies the epitome of womanhood! For more information on the history of raqs sharqi, click here. And, it's great exercise! Bellydance works the core muscles - abs, thighs, and glutes. If you're looking to slim down your waistline and say goodbye to those love-handles (who isn't?!) then bellydance is a great addition to your workout. Furthermore, bellydance is low-impact, so even if jogging and step-aerobics are too hard on your knees or back, you can still benefit from our classes. We are careful to keep you in good posture that will reduce pressure on your back and knees. The movements you'll learn in class work your muscles in a way that most regular aerobics classes don't touch, especially the obliques and lower abs around the bellybutton. And the best part is that you'll be having so much fun dancing to exotic beats and admiring the way your jingly scarf shimmers with every hip movement, you won't even realize you're working out!
 We seek to maintain a comfortable, learning environment. Kick off your shoes, tie a scarf around your waist, and join the ranks of smiling faces. What could be better than dancing alongside sisters who don't care what size pants you wear, what you scored on your ACT, or how much money you make? Our instructors cater to each student's individual goals. Whether you're looking to lose weight and get in shape, immersing yourself in the practices of a foreign culture, or simply looking for a fun weekly get-a-way from daily stress, our classes will suit you. We let you set your own pace. Our ultimate goal is for you to enjoy yourself in class - not rushing to get you stage-ready! All students move at a different pace, depending on their prior body movement experience. Our ongoing fundamentals classes allow students to stay in the beginner-level class as long as they need to master each movement before advancing to the next level.
What should I wear or bring to class? Students should wear comfortable workout-type clothes (no jeans please) that you can bend and stretch in. You might like to tie a scarf around your waist to better see your hip movements, and there are coin belts and hip scarves for sale in our boutique. Our wooden studio floor is cleaned regularly, so students are free to dance barefoot. It is more comfortable for most and easiest to feel the movements that way, although you may wear tennis shoes or ballet/jazz slippers for better traction if you prefer. It is a good idea to bring your own bottle of water, as hydration is important in any fitness regiment, however we do have bottles of water available at the studio for a small donation. You might find it a good idea to bring a notebook to write down new movements or make notes that your instructor offers, so that you can practice throughout the week. Do I have to show my midriff in class? Absolutely not. Students are NOT required to show their midriff during class - what you wear is 100% up to your own comfort level! It is easier to see your movements when you aren't wearing a baggy T-shirt, and your teacher will most likely bare her belly so that you can see exactly what is going on, but no one will ask you to do so! You might find, though, that after a few short weeks of bellydance class, you are much more comfortable in your own skin. Often, students will start classes out in baggy tshirts and loose sweatpants, but by the end of the session, they are comfortable showing off their curves, and maybe even a little tummy skin! Are men allowed to participate? There are certainly male bellydancers, and many of them are a joy to watch perform! However, as this style of dance is built on the movements of a woman's body, most male dancers learn to bellydance slightly different techniques than women. If you are a male who is interested in learning this dance, contact info@memphisraqs.com . We can set up private classes or classes catered specifically to men. Are people allowed to view classes in session? Prospective students are allowed to arrange a sneak peak with the class instructors in order to preview the structure of classes before committing to a session. However, drop-in viewers are not permitted to ensure the comfort of our students. How physically demanding is bellydance? The beauty of bellydance class is that the more you put into it, the more you will get out of it. Whether you are looking for a relaxing, low-impact exercise that will be easy on the knees and back, or if you are looking to add a new aerobic workout to your exercise regiment, you'll find it at Memphis Raqs! The immediate reaction of most students is that they are using their thighs and glutes more than expected. By the end of class, you'll feel it in your abs. And we don't ignore the upper body or arms - with our elegant arm movements and ribcage movements, you'll be using muscles from head to toe. Our technique classes are suited individually to students, based on your personal goals. Only you know your body, so only you can set your limits and your instructor will push you. Am I too _____ to bellydance? No matter what you fill in the blank with, the answer is NO! There is no such thing as too old, young, skinny, heavy, etc to bellydance! Memphis Raqs prides itself on creating a very open, welcoming atmosphere for all of our students. We currently have an eclectic range of students, from 14 to 79 years old... homemakers, computer analysts, physical therapists, lawyers, students, and more! Head over to our students' page to get first-hand accounts from some of our students...
The
address to our studio is 2964 Stage Plaza North, Bartlett, TN 38134
From Midtown/Downtown If you take Sam Cooper to
40East, exit Sycamore View and take it to the left (North). From East Memphis Take Germantown Parkway to Stage Road. Turn left on Stage Road (West) Just past Altruria, keep an eye out for Bartlett Lanes on your right. Turn right into the shopping center at Regions & Exline's Pizza. In
the shopping center, head straight towards the Bartlett Dance
Academy/Fred Astaire - head right before you hit it.
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