top of page

Bellydance Classes with Mikola

We welcome all women (no matter your age, shape, size or ability) to join the fun, supportive and welcoming bellydance classes at Hunter Shimmy Sisters.

in class 1 copy.jpg
P1012728square.jpg
in class 2 copy.jpg

Karen, Bellydance

​"I started bellydancing two years ago with no experience.
It’s so much fun and a great workout for your body and brain! Our class is a mix of all levels and everyone is friendly and supportive.
Mikola is an amazing dance teacher and very knowledgeable about the cultural significance of the dance and music."
- Karen

At Hunter Shimmy Sisters, you’ll join a vibrant community of women and high school-age girls from all walks of life, united by a shared love for bellydance. Our classes in Maitland bring together women from across the Hunter Valley, creating a welcoming space where you can challenge yourself, celebrate your progress, and connect with others who support you every step of the way.

​

Whether you’re new to bellydance or looking to deepen your practice, you’ll find a space where you can explore your creativity and express yourself confidently. As a student, you'll have the opportunity to perform at community events throughout the Hunter Valley—because let’s face it, getting dressed up is half the fun!

​

Bellydance, or "Raqs Sharqi," has deep roots in the MENAHT countries (Middle East, North Africa, Greece, and Türkiye), with its modern form originating in early 20th-century Egypt. At Hunter Shimmy Sisters, we focus on modern Egyptian bellydance and Egyptian Folklore styles, allowing you to experience the rich traditions and rhythms of this beautiful art form.

​

Bellydance is not only exciting and joyful, but it’s also a low-impact practice that suits all body types. As a dancer, you’ll tone, stretch, and mobilize your body through natural movements that feel empowering and liberating. You’ll leave each class feeling stronger, more confident, and connected to a community that celebrates you.

 

Join us and discover the joy and freedom that bellydance brings!

Which class suits you best?

Mondays 6:00pm

Beginners/Beyond Beginners
Bellydance

DSC_3824 2.JPG

Join us for a fun and welcoming bellydance class where we focus on fundamental bellydance moves and how to put them together so that you feel like you're dancing from the very first session.

Whether you're a complete beginner or have a term or 2 experience, this class is designed to be inclusive and supportive for all beginner skill levels. You'll learn basic bellydance techniques and enjoy the rhythms of the music. Our atmosphere is all about creating a positive and friendly environment where you can feel comfortable, have fun, and connect with others. Come move, groove, and enjoy the art of bellydance!

 

Wednesdays 6:30pm

Intermediate Bellydance

DSC_3769 2.JPG

Step up your bellydance skills in our Intermediate Bellydance Class! Designed for dancers with at least one year of experience, this class takes your technique and expression to the next level. You’ll dive deeper into complex movements, culture, and rhythm, with an emphasis on refining your flow, coordination, and musicality.

This class will challenge you while allowing space for creativity and personal style.

Join us in a fun and supportive environment where you can continue to grow as a dancer and take your bellydance further!​

Mondays 6:00pm

Wise Woman Bellydance

PC010873 b.jpg

Welcome to the Wise Woman Bellydance Class, a fun and inclusive space designed especially for older dancers! This is a daytime class that celebrates the beauty of movement, self-expression, and the wisdom that comes with experience. Whether you're a first-timer or have danced before, we welcome all levels and abilities.

You’ll explore low impact bellydance movements that help improve flexibility, balance, and coordination, all while having fun and connecting with others in a positive and supportive environment.

Come embrace your inner dancer, celebrate your journey, and enjoy a joyful class that leaves you feeling empowered and confident. 

Wednesdays 9:30am

Advanced Bellydance

A Night in Egypt_110 2.JPG

Welcome to the Advanced Bellydance Class, designed for dancers with 5+ years of experience looking to master their craft! In this class, we’ll focus on advanced isolations, complex choreography, and dynamic performance skills.

You’ll refine your ability to seamlessly blend technique, and expression, while also exploring a range of bellydance styles.

This class is for those who are ready to push their limits and deepen their understanding of both the art and the cultural roots of bellydance. 

Join us for a challenging yet inspiring experience that will elevate your performance and technique to new heights!​

Mondays 7:15pm

5 Reasons You Should Learn Bellydance

Never danced before? Used to dance as a child? Always had two left feet? It’s never too late to join Hunter Shimmy Sisters and reap the benefits of learning to bellydance! 

​

1. Reduce Your Stress​

Dancing has been shown to reduce the stress hormone cortisol. Mindfulness is also well known to reduce stress and while learning dance, you will be mindfully engaged with your body and present in the moment - mindfulness without the need to meditate! You to leave stress behind, and mindfully focus on your dancing, all while having fun!

​

2. Improve Your Brain

Dance requires complex mental coordination. When you dance you are very consciously using your brain to control your body, memorise sequences, understanding you position in relation to others and interpret the music. The many benefits of dancing regularly include memory improvement to strengthened neuronal connections, which keep your mind sharp and help to prevent Alzheimer’s, dementia, and many other neurological disorders.

 

3. Socialize

We are all individual and different, but in dance class we all have at least one thing in common - a desire to learn how to bellydance. We are in it together, we laugh at our mistakes together as we learn, and we support one another along our dance journey. Hunter Shimmy Sisters is a non competitive, inclusive environment in which to learn. Together we have fun social events outside of class too :-)​

 

4. Improve Your Mental Health

Science has shown that dancing releases endorphins, the brain’s feel-good chemicals, which improve mental health. Dancing gives you a chance to relax and forget about your problems while enjoying all those feel-good hormones.

​

5. Fun & Community

Leaning bellydance can give you a sense of achievement and confidence, while teaching you to laugh at yourself and have some serious fun. Dancing on our own and drilling technique is an important part of learning but the real fun happens when we apply what we have learned and dance together both in class and in our community if that is your thing! Together we dance, have fun and build a supportive community that you will be proud to be part of!

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • YouTube

© Hunter Shimmy Sisters 2023

bottom of page