2026-01 (January-March)

Name
Days
Location
Tuition
Level 1: Basic Beginner Bellydance (Kanata)
Linor Shpungin
9 spots left
Discover the foundations of Raqs Sharqi!

Perfect for those who are brand new to bellydance, this welcoming class focuses on essential posture, basic movements, and foundational technique. Students will explore a variety of beginner moves, transitions, and combinations while gaining familiarity with the rhythms and melodies of Middle Eastern music.

No choreography is taught in this level; the focus is on building comfort, confidence, and body awareness. Come as you are – no prior dance experience needed.
Wednesday
7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Mlacak Hall A
John G. Mlacak Community Centre, 2500 Campeau Dr, Kanata
$175.00
Level 2: Beginner-Intermediate Bellydance (Kanata)
Cathy Paveley
10 spots left
Deepen your skills and start expressing yourself!

This level is ideal for students who are comfortable with beginner technique and ready to grow. We’ll expand your movement vocabulary with new steps, movement variations, and simple layering, while different sessions will introduce various props such as veil, cane (assaya), or finger cymbals (sagat).

You’ll begin to explore musical interpretation, stylization, and improvisation in a fun, supportive environment. A choreographed routine may be taught, helping students transition from technique practice to expressive performance.
Wednesday
8:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Mlacak Hall A
John G. Mlacak Community Centre, 2500 Campeau Dr, Kanata
$175.00
Level 3: Intermediate Bellydance (Kanata)
Gwen Melville
This class is full
Refine, express, and expand your artistry!

This level is for dancers with solid foundational skills who are ready to advance their technique and deepen their artistry. We’ll work on precision, control, and expression, with more complex combinations, layering, and improvisation.

You’ll develop proficiency in popular props such as veil, cane (assaya), finger cymbals (sagat), and throughout multiple sessions may explore additional tools like Isis wings, or sword (sayf). Students will also engage more deeply with the regional styles and rhythms of Middle Eastern music. A choregraphed routine may be taught.
Thursday
7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Mlacak Hall A
John G. Mlacak Community Centre, 2500 Campeau Dr, Kanata
$175.00
Level 4: Advanced Bellydance (Kanata)
Cathy Paveley
11 spots left
Perform with confidence, grace, and mastery!

Designed for experienced dancers, this advanced class challenges students to bring their technique, musicality, and performance quality to a professional level. You’ll work on complex layering, dynamic transitions, stylization, and improvisational confidence, along with advanced use of props such as assaya, sagat, melaya leff, tray, sayf, or candelabra (shamadan).

We’ll delve into a wide variety of Middle Eastern dance genres and aesthetics, enhancing both your technical mastery and cultural depth. A challenging performance routine choreography may be taught to prepare students for the stage or solo development.
Thursday
8:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Mlacak Hall A
John G. Mlacak Community Centre, 2500 Campeau Dr, Kanata
$175.00
Level 1: Basic Beginner Bellydance (Orleans)
Louise Houle
9 spots left
Discover the foundations of Raqs Sharqi!

Perfect for those who are brand new to bellydance, this welcoming class focuses on essential posture, basic movements, and foundational technique. Students will explore a variety of beginner moves, transitions, and combinations while gaining familiarity with the rhythms and melodies of Middle Eastern music.

No choreography is taught in this level; the focus is on building comfort, confidence, and body awareness. Come as you are – no prior dance experience needed.

*** NOTE: The sign-up here for Orleans classes is free and NOT official registration. Registering in the Duniya portal only adds you to the teacher’s email list and sends you instructions. To officially join the Orleans classes, you must register and pay through the City of Ottawa at: https://tinyurl.com/DuniyaShenkman ***
Tuesday
6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Ottawa Citizen Dance Studio
Shenkman Arts Centre
 
Level 2: Beginner-Intermediate Bellydance (Orleans)
Jocelyne (Jehane) Khan
13 spots left
Deepen your skills and start expressing yourself!

This level is ideal for students who are comfortable with beginner technique and ready to grow. We’ll expand your movement vocabulary with new steps, movement variations, and simple layering, while different sessions will introduce various props such as veil, cane (assaya), or finger cymbals (sagat).

You’ll begin to explore musical interpretation, stylization, and improvisation in a fun, supportive environment. A choreographed routine may be taught, helping students transition from technique practice to expressive performance.


*** NOTE: The sign-up here for Orleans classes is free and NOT official registration. Registering in the Duniya portal only adds you to the teacher’s email list and sends you instructions. To officially join the Orleans classes, you must register and pay through the City of Ottawa at: https://tinyurl.com/DuniyaShenkman ***
Tuesday
7:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Ottawa Citizen Dance Studio
Shenkman Arts Centre
 

Special Workshops 2026

Name
Days
Location
Tuition
Sagat: Finger Cymbals Workshop
Jocelyne (Jehane) Khan
24 spots left
Ready to bring your dancing to life with live rhythm?

Join Jocelyne Khan for a focused 90-minute Sagat (finger cymbals) workshop designed to build confidence, coordination, and musicality. Whether you are new to playing zills or looking to refine your skills, this session will give you practical tools you can immediately apply in class and performance.

In this workshop, you will:
- Learn proper Sagat technique and sound production
- Develop coordination between hands and footwork
- Practice essential Middle Eastern rhythms commonly used in Bellydance
- Layer simple combinations while playing
- Build stamina and confidence

Playing finger cymbals transforms your relationship to the music. It sharpens timing, deepens rhythm recognition, and adds a dynamic layer to your dance presence.

All levels welcome; some basic Bellydance experience recommended.

Finger cymbals will be available for purchase at the workshop.

🗓 Tuesday, June 16
🕖 7:00–8:30 PM
📍 Dance Studio at the Shenkman Arts Centre
💰 $40
👥 Limited to 25 participants
Space is limited to 25 participants; early registration is recommended.
Tuesday
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Ottawa Citizen Dance Studio
Shenkman Arts Centre
$40.00
Going Pro: Performance Essentials
Jocelyne (Jehane) Khan
4 spots left
Saturday, March 21 | 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
Pre-workshop preparation: March 14–19 (virtual, chat-based)
Post-workshop performance date: to be announced
Fee: $200

Going Pro: Performance Essentials is an intensive professional development workshop for advanced students and emerging professional Bellydance dancers preparing for paid performance work.

This workshop focuses on real-world performance readiness rather than choreography. Participants will learn how to structure a professional set, strengthen stage presence and projection, select appropriate music and costuming for different venues and audiences, and navigate common performance, audience, and client interaction scenarios with confidence and professionalism.

The learning experience includes approximately 2 hours of instructor-guided pre-workshop preparation, 5 hours of in-studio hands-on instruction, individual performance practice with feedback, scenario-based discussion, and a supportive mock performance experience.

Registration includes a comprehensive take-home handbook, access to a dedicated prep chat for guided learning, ongoing networking with fellow aspiring professionals, and a performance opportunity at a real venue following the workshop.

Prerequisites: solid technical foundation in Raqs Sharqi, comfort with improvisation, and prior solo performance experience.
Saturday
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Ottawa Citizen Dance Studio
Shenkman Arts Centre
$200.00

2026-02 (April-June)

Name
Days
Location
Tuition
Level 1: Basic Beginner Bellydance (Kanata)
Linor Shpungin
14 spots left
Discover the foundations of Raqs Sharqi!

Perfect for those who are brand new to bellydance, this welcoming class focuses on essential posture, basic movements, and foundational technique. Students will explore a variety of beginner moves, transitions, and combinations while gaining familiarity with the rhythms and melodies of Middle Eastern music.

No choreography is taught in this level; the focus is on building comfort, confidence, and body awareness. Come as you are – no prior dance experience needed.
Wednesday
7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Mlacak Hall A
John G. Mlacak Community Centre, 2500 Campeau Dr, Kanata
$175.00
Level 2: Beginner-Intermediate Bellydance (Kanata)
Cathy Paveley
13 spots left
Deepen your skills and start expressing yourself!

This level is ideal for students who are comfortable with beginner technique and ready to grow. We’ll expand your movement vocabulary with new steps, movement variations, and simple layering, while different sessions will introduce various props such as veil, cane (assaya), or finger cymbals (sagat).

You’ll begin to explore musical interpretation, stylization, and improvisation in a fun, supportive environment. A choreographed routine may be taught, helping students transition from technique practice to expressive performance.
Wednesday
8:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Mlacak Hall A
John G. Mlacak Community Centre, 2500 Campeau Dr, Kanata
$175.00
Level 3: Intermediate Bellydance (Kanata)
Gwen Melville
7 spots left
Refine, express, and expand your artistry!

This level is for dancers with solid foundational skills who are ready to advance their technique and deepen their artistry. We’ll work on precision, control, and expression, with more complex combinations, layering, and improvisation.

You’ll develop proficiency in popular props such as veil, cane (assaya), finger cymbals (sagat), and throughout multiple sessions may explore additional tools like Isis wings, or sword (sayf). Students will also engage more deeply with the regional styles and rhythms of Middle Eastern music. A choregraphed routine may be taught.
Thursday
7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Mlacak Hall A
John G. Mlacak Community Centre, 2500 Campeau Dr, Kanata
$175.00
Level 4: Advanced Bellydance (Kanata)
Cathy Paveley
9 spots left
Perform with confidence, grace, and mastery!

Designed for experienced dancers, this advanced class challenges students to bring their technique, musicality, and performance quality to a professional level. You’ll work on complex layering, dynamic transitions, stylization, and improvisational confidence, along with advanced use of props such as assaya, sagat, melaya leff, tray, sayf, or candelabra (shamadan).

We’ll delve into a wide variety of Middle Eastern dance genres and aesthetics, enhancing both your technical mastery and cultural depth. A challenging performance routine choreography may be taught to prepare students for the stage or solo development.
Thursday
8:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Mlacak Hall A
John G. Mlacak Community Centre, 2500 Campeau Dr, Kanata
$175.00
Level 1: Basic Beginner Bellydance (Orleans)
Jocelyne (Jehane) Khan
30 spots left
Discover the foundations of Raqs Sharqi!

Perfect for those who are brand new to bellydance, this welcoming class focuses on essential posture, basic movements, and foundational technique. Students will explore a variety of beginner moves, transitions, and combinations while gaining familiarity with the rhythms and melodies of Middle Eastern music.

No choreography is taught in this level; the focus is on building comfort, confidence, and body awareness. Come as you are – no prior dance experience needed.

*** NOTE: Monday classes in Orleans go until June 15; there are no classes on holiday Monday April 6 and holiday Monday May 18.
The sign-up here for Orleans classes is free and NOT official registration. Registering in the Duniya portal only adds you to the teacher’s email list and sends you instructions. To officially join the Orleans classes, you must register and pay through the City of Ottawa at: https://tinyurl.com/DuniyaShenkman ***
Monday
7:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Ottawa Citizen Dance Studio
Shenkman Arts Centre
 
Level 2: Beginner-Intermediate Bellydance (Orleans)
Jocelyne (Jehane) Khan
30 spots left
Deepen your skills and start expressing yourself!

This level is ideal for students who are comfortable with beginner technique and ready to grow. We’ll expand your movement vocabulary with new steps, movement variations, and simple layering, while different sessions will introduce various props such as veil, cane (assaya), or finger cymbals (sagat).

You’ll begin to explore musical interpretation, stylization, and improvisation in a fun, supportive environment. A choreographed routine may be taught, helping students transition from technique practice to expressive performance.


*** NOTE: Monday classes in Orleans go until June 15; there are no classes on holiday Monday April 6 and holiday Monday May 18. The sign-up here for Orleans classes is free and NOT official registration. Registering in the Duniya portal only adds you to the teacher’s email list and sends you instructions. To officially join the Orleans classes, you must register and pay through the City of Ottawa at: https://tinyurl.com/DuniyaShenkman ***
Monday
8:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Ottawa Citizen Dance Studio
Shenkman Arts Centre
 
Level 1: Basic Beginner Bellydance (Orleans)
Louise Houle
30 spots left
Discover the foundations of Raqs Sharqi!

Perfect for those who are brand new to bellydance, this welcoming class focuses on essential posture, basic movements, and foundational technique. Students will explore a variety of beginner moves, transitions, and combinations while gaining familiarity with the rhythms and melodies of Middle Eastern music.

No choreography is taught in this level; the focus is on building comfort, confidence, and body awareness. Come as you are – no prior dance experience needed.

*** NOTE: Tuesday classes in Orleans go until June 2.
The sign-up here for Orleans classes is free and NOT official registration. Registering in the Duniya portal only adds you to the teacher’s email list and sends you instructions. To officially join the Orleans classes, you must register and pay through the City of Ottawa at: https://tinyurl.com/DuniyaShenkman ***
Tuesday
6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Ottawa Citizen Dance Studio
Shenkman Arts Centre
 
Level 3: Intermediate Bellydance (Orleans)
Louise Houle
30 spots left
Refine, express, and expand your artistry.

This level is for dancers with solid foundational skills who are ready to advance their technique and deepen their artistry. We’ll work on precision, control, and expression, with more complex combinations, layering, and improvisation.

You’ll develop proficiency in popular props such as veil, cane (assaya), finger cymbals (sagat), and throughout multiple sessions may explore additional tools like Isis wings, or sword (sayf). Students will also engage more deeply with the regional styles and rhythms of Middle Eastern music. A choregraphed routine may be taught.

*** NOTE: Tuesday classes in Orleans go until June 2. The sign-up here for Orleans classes is free and NOT official registration. Registering in the Duniya portal only adds you to the teacher’s email list and sends you instructions. To officially join the Orleans classes, you must register and pay through the City of Ottawa at: https://tinyurl.com/DuniyaShenkman ***
Tuesday
7:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Ottawa Citizen Dance Studio
Shenkman Arts Centre