ABOUT
OUR STORY
I opened BellyUp in 2006 in Oakville, Ontario. Fifteen years later, we're now located in Downtown Burlington's Village Square. We teach dance students far and wide who come to BellyUp to learn, grow and transform. We pride ourselves on our atmosphere; people call us their home away from home, and our attitude; everyone is accepted and welcomed like family. Students from all walks of life, every profession, all ages, shapes, sizes and colours make up the fabric of our studio. Some students are still with us from our very first class! Others have moved on to realize some amazing life goals. And many return and pick up where they left off.
Bellydance has transformed my life in such profound ways. It's given me self-esteem, hope, pride, purpose, friendships and strength like nothing I've ever experienced. I'm grateful everyday to share my passion for this dance form with people from all walks of life. ~ Joharah
WHAT WE BELIEVE
BellyUp’s mission has always been to elevate the artistic integrity of Oriental dance as a high art form through ongoing training and education via our classes, specialty workshops, master teacher training intensives and events.
We are passionate about Bellydance and it's rich cultural background; it is a way of life for many of us. The dance form has far reaching benefits that extend well beyond the dance floor and embraced in our daily lives. Our classes are designed to leave you feeling inspired and empowered, more aware and appreciative of your body and all that it is capable of, and enlightened by it's history. No other dance form can awaken the senses within you like Oriental dance can. You will feel alive again, desired, freer, happier, sexier and lighter in every way. Every woman should learn to move this way!
BellyUp is proud to have become a recognized leader in Egyptian style bellydance not only in Canada but in North America. In our 14 + years of excellence, we have hosted the “A” list of Egyptian and North American Master teachers and have developed a reputation as a first-class training event destination.
OUR PASSION
Our passion for high standards of dance training is evidenced by the many talented dancers we have produced. Passion, hard work, discipline, self-love and perseverance are always encouraged. We love a never-give-up-attitude towards dance and whatever else you do in life. If what we teach is not your cup-of-tea, we encourage you to use us as a stepping stone to get out there and find your passion whatever it may be. Bellydance will make you feel stronger, more confident and self-assured. And if it becomes your passion, then you’ve found the perfect dance home at BellyUp to embark on a journey of study, adventure, music, and excitement that could alter your life's course and last a lifetime!
OUR CLASSES
You’ll be captivated by our lush ambiance that’s designed to enhance your visual senses. But more than that, you’ll find precise and safe instruction designed to teach you the dance form in a very comprehensive way. We teach Bellydance as an art form first but if your reasons for joining us are purely for fun and exercise, you’ll enjoy a good dance workout, too. If your interests lie in learning about the culture and the history behind the dance, then you’ll love our teachers' stories and anecdotes that connect the movements to the history of Oriental and Folklore dance. We move through a vigorous, content-filled class that will leave you feeling rejuvenated, awakened and satisfied.
TESTIMONIALS
"I come from Egypt to teach at BellyUp for several years now and every time there is nothing like the students and the energy of BellyUp. The best dance studio for Egyptian Bellydance in Canada. Joharah trains the best!"
- Raqia Hassan of Egypt
"No studio compares to the feeling and vibe of BellyUp. This is a studio seriously committed to the art of Bellydance and teaching it as such. For great training in Canada this is the place to be. You'll take your dance to the next level and then some. I love teaching at BellyUp!"
- Nourhan Sharif - NYC
"Stunning studio, warm inspiring atmosphere. Joharah is a skilled, knowledgeable teacher who upholds a very high degree of professionalism in her studio. A gem serving our community!"
- Sadie Marquardt - International Bellydance superstar
