About this Event
Belly Dance Foundations Level 1 – 8-Week Continuation Course
Dates: Wednesdays, 2 December 2026 – 10 February 2027
Duration: 8 sessions
Christmas break: 23 December 2026 – 6 January 2027
Continue discovering the beauty, confidence and joy of Egyptian Belly Dance in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Ready to keep dancing and build on what you’ve learned?
Join award-winning dancer, choreographer and teacher Mar Decena for an 8-week winter term, continuing our exploration of authentic Egyptian Belly Dance.
This course follows on from our first Belly Dance Foundations programme in Bangor. Together, we’ll strengthen your technique, introduce new movements and combinations, and develop your musicality, expression and confidence.
Returning students and dancers with some previous belly dance experience are welcome. If you haven’t attended the first course and would like to join, please get in touch with Mar to check whether this level is suitable for you.
This is a structured continuation programme, with each session building on the last so you can deepen your foundations and progress at a comfortable pace.
What you’ll explore
- Refining posture and body alignment
- Developing control in hip, chest and torso isolations
- Building on foundational technique
- Coordinating arm patterns and travelling steps
- Connecting movements through transitions
- Exploring Egyptian rhythms and musicality
- Learning new combinations and choreography
- Developing personal expression and confidence
- Deepening your understanding of the cultural roots of Egyptian Belly Dance
Course Details
Dates: Wednesdays, 2 December 2026 – 10 February 2027
Duration: 8 sessions
Christmas break: 23 December 2026 – 6 January 2027 (inclusive). Classes resume on 13 January.
Time: 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Venue: DANSA – The Studio, Boucher Road, Belfast
Level: Foundations Level 1 – Continuation
This term builds on beginner foundations. You don’t need to have mastered every movement—there will be time to revisit, practise and grow together.
Your Investment
£100 for the complete 8-session programme
£45 for the 3 December classes
Join us on 2, 9 and 16 December, with the option to continue in January. Please contact Mar at [email protected] to arrange your place.
£72 for the 5 New Year classes
Join us on 13, 20 and 27 January, and 3 and 10 February 2027. Please contact Mar at [email protected] to arrange your place.
Drop-in places may be available for £15 per class, subject to availability. Please contact Mar before booking a drop-in so we can check availability and suitability.
Contact: [email protected]
A Special Final Celebration
Throughout the term, we’ll work towards a choreography, bringing together the technique, combinations and musicality explored in class.
During our final session, we’ll celebrate with a relaxed studio presentation. Authentic Egyptian belly dance costumes will be available to borrow, giving you the opportunity to enjoy dancing in costume.
This celebration is just for our class and is not a public performance.
Taking part is completely optional. Whether you choose to perform or simply enjoy the session with us, the aim is to celebrate your progress in a comfortable and supportive atmosphere.
Come and keep building your dance with us—one movement, one discovery and one shimmy at a time!
What to Wear
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. Bare feet, dance shoes or trainers are all suitable. Hip scarves are welcome but not essential.
About Your Teacher
Mar Decena is an award-winning dancer, choreographer and teacher with over 20 years of teaching experience. Originally from Mexico and now based in Northern Ireland, she specialises in authentic Egyptian Raqs Sharqi (Belly Dance), combining technical excellence with creativity, storytelling and cultural appreciation.
Her teaching focuses on creating a welcoming, encouraging environment where every participant can enjoy the physical, artistic and emotional benefits of dance, regardless of age or previous experience.
Why Belly Dance?
Belly Dance is much more than a dance style. It is a joyful celebration of movement that can help to:
- Improve posture and coordination
- Increase flexibility and core strength
- Boost confidence and self-expression
- Reduce stress and improve wellbeing
- Connect with a welcoming community of women
Spaces Are Limited
To ensure everyone receives individual attention, places are limited.
Book early to secure your place and begin your belly dance journey this autumn.
A minimum of eight participants is required for this course to go ahead. If the minimum number is not reached participants will receive a full refund
Event venue & nearby stays
Dansa - The Studio Belfast Limited, 89 Boucher Road, Belfast, United Kingdom
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.