If you're here, you're probably looking for more than just a Bellydance class.
Hi, I'm Joharah, BellyUp's Creator and Instructor.
Most people call me Jo.
Let's get you started!
There are a lot of ways people come into this dance form, commonly referred to as "Bellydance".
Some just want to move their body. Some want to feel more feminine. Some want to learn a choreography. Some aren't totally sure what they're looking for yet. And honestly, all of that is part of the journey.
But at a certain point, most dancers start to want more. More understanding. More connection. More clarity in what they're doing.
That's really where my work begins.
Fall Classes & Workshops - Sundays this Fall!
Join me this Fall for welcoming multi-level classes & workshops created for dancers interested in building their foundation or refining their Egyptian style skills. We will develop technique, musicality, artistry, expression and confidence in every class. This Fall we have weekly Sunday multi-level classes, a 4 week choreography intensive starting November 15th, a Beginner Introductory Workshop on Sunday, November 8th and an exciting workshop on October 18th with a Live Tabla Player so dancers can experience what it feels like to dance to live percussion, learn all the Arabic rhythms and embody the music in a way that only live music can offer.
Click here
for Fall Class & Workshop information and registration.
My approach
I don't just teach combinations. And this isn't about just learning choreography.
My passion has been teaching Raqs Sharqi aka Bellydance as an art form for over 20 years - shaped by Middle Eastern music, culture, nuance, interpretation
and self-expression.
In my classes, I break things down, refine details, go deeper into movements and the music to help you understand how you're moving, so you're not just following me, you're actually dancing with purpose. We come back to the foundations and actually build upon them properly.
You're not left to figure things out on your own - I'm right there with you the whole way.
What you'll learn
When you train with me, you'll be working on:
- Understanding the vocabulary and feeling of the dance
- Developing musicality in a way that makes sense to your body
- Refining your technique without feeling rushed or overlooked
- Eventually, moving in a way that feels like you
My goal isn't just for you to follow along. It's for you to understand what you're doing - so you can make choices, not just copy movement. And in Raqs Sharqi, that understanding is what allows the dance to feel expressive, musical and alive - not just executed.
I believe confidence comes from understanding,
not just keeping up.
How I teach
I'm very interested in my students. I care about how you're progressing, how things are landing in your body, and whether you actually feel what you're doing and are getting the movements inside your body. Not just getting through them.
I'll support you, but I'll also challenge you. You won't be invisible. And you won't be left behind either. I just ask you to be present and participate.
My classes are a great fit if you:
- Want to understand the dance form, not just follow along
- Are open to slowing down and building the skills
- Want to feel supported and challenged
If you're looking for something more casual, or dance fitness oriented, this might not be the right fit - and that's okay.
The more you study this dance form, you notice more, understand more, and feel more connected to the music and your body and how it's meant to move in the Raqs Sharqi way. The dance marinates within you as you grow and become more fluid and natural.
If that's what you're looking for, you've just found a place to feel at home. We hope you'll come train with us!
