Belly dancing is the newest trend and a fun way to keep fit. New York City is full of studios and gyms that offer belly dancing lessons. Most people would think they need to head to Manhattan to sway those hips, but there are plenty of places in the outer-boroughs to learn, particularly Queens.
Belly Dancing By Layla
Belly Dancing by Layla are lessons taught in Queens by Layla, a belly dancer and also a registered nurse. She has beginner classes which are perfect for those looking to start as well as intermediate classes for those who already know the basics.
Beginner classes are Saturdays from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. The first lesson is $12, and after a student must purchase a lesson card which costs $55 for five classes, and a sixth class for free.
Intermediate classes are also on Saturdays from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, and is the same pricing as beginner classes. Both classes take place at the Mayo Martial Arts Academy at 87-08 Woodhaven Boulevard in Woodhaven, Queens.
Layla also offers night classes at Jorday Dance Studio located at 102-30 Queens Boulevard in Forest Hills, Queens. For beginner class information, call the studio at 718-275-4386.
Intermediate night classes are $15 per class and are held Fridays from 7 pm to 8 pm.
Layla has her own website with more information at www.bellydancingbylayla.com.
Christina’s Belly Dance Lessons
Christina has been a belly dancer since the 70s. She opened the new Egyptian wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1979 with a performance. She has also been on broadway in the show “Sugar Babies” and has done numerous television appearances. In short, she knows what she’s doing! And she’s offering classes in Queens.
Classes are for women only. They are ongoing and are paid for separately per class or by workshop. A Typical 90 minute class is $20. A private class is $60, and a semi-private (for two people) is $80.
Christina’s workshops run 8 weeks and cost $160. The beginner workshop runs Wednesday evenings from 7:30 to 9:00 pm. The intermediate workshop runs on Mondays from 7:30-9:00 pm.
Open classes are available on Sundays from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm.
All lessons are held at the Ballet Arts School of Forest Hills, located at 98-11 Queens Boulevard in Rego Park, Queens.
Lessons can be paid for ahead of time online with paypal at Christina’s website, www.ChristinaBellyDance.com
Lessons by Daniela
Daniela teaches at 4 different studio locations in Queens. At each location, she teaches a different lesson. Her beginner, intermediate, and open level classes are just $12 a class.
Beginner classes are held Wednesdays at 7:45 pm at the Queens Dance Project at 34-57 Francis Lewis Boulevard in Bayside.
Intermediate classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 pm at the American Dance and Drama Studio at 188-22 Union Turnpike in Flushing.
Open level classes are held Sundays at 7:00 pm at Strut Your Stuff Studio of Performing Arts at 15-16 College Point Boulevard in College Point.
Her Cardio Belly workout session is held at the BQE Health and Raquetball Club. It is $20 for non-members of the club, and free for members. The club is located at 2650 off the BQE in Woodside.
For more information on Daniela and a few pictures of classes, check out www.danielabellydance.com
