Business Details
35 Years
experience
Belly Dance Classes in Yorktown, VA
Janna's International Dance has been dedicated to sharing the art of belly dance for over 25 years in the Tidewater area. Founded in 1991, the studio has trained hundreds of students, fostering confidence and creativity through structured, inclusive classes. Each session emphasizes proper technique, body alignment, and the joy of movement, creating a safe space for all ages and experience levels.The curriculum is designed to help students master foundational steps, combine movements into performance-ready choreography, and explore props like veils and zills. With a focus on community and personal growth, the studio encourages students to embrace dance as both a physical and emotional outlet, celebrating individual progress and artistic expression.
Services
Beginner Belly Dance
Intermediate Veil & Zill
Tribal Fusion
Advanced Choreography
Prop Dance Classes
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We offer over 25 years of experience teaching belly dance in the Tidewater area.
- Our classes provide a safe, inclusive environment for all skill levels.
- We emphasize proper technique and body alignment to prevent injury.
- Students learn performance-ready choreography with props like veils and zills.
- Our curriculum fosters creativity and confidence through structured progression.
Services
Beginner Belly Dance
New dancers learn foundational belly dance techniques, including hip isolations, torso shimmies, and fluid combinations. Classes focus on body awareness, proper posture, and connecting movements into choreography. No prior experience required, making this ideal for those seeking a fun, low-impact workout that builds confidence and dance skills.
Intermediate Veil & Zill
Students develop skills with traditional belly dance props through structured lessons. Veil classes teach graceful fabric manipulation, while zill instruction covers rhythm coordination and cymbal techniques. Both require completion of beginner courses, ensuring students have foundational control before advancing to performance-level routines incorporating these iconic dance elements.
Tribal Fusion
This intermediate class blends belly dance with hip hop, modern, and East Indian styles into cohesive choreography. Dancers learn group formations and improvisation techniques while maintaining proper belly dance form. Classes prepare students for stage performances, emphasizing creativity within structured movement patterns and costuming requirements.
Advanced Choreography
Designed for experienced dancers, this class refines technique to professional standards through complex choreography. Students incorporate veils, zills, and folkloric elements into polished routines for public performances. Prerequisites ensure participants have mastered foundational skills before tackling advanced movement sequences and costume preparation requirements.
Prop Classes
Students explore non-traditional belly dance props in themed sessions, creating fully staged performances. Each session focuses on one or more props, teaching safe handling and artistic integration into choreography. Participants learn to construct and use props while developing routines for end-of-session showcases requiring student-prepared costumes and equipment.
People
Janna
Owner & Lead Instructor
Janna has taught belly dance since 1991, training hundreds of students in Tidewater. Her methodology emphasizes proper technique, creativity, and performance readiness. She founded Desert Wind Dance Company and directs all studio programming.
Questions
What should I wear to my first belly dance class?
Wear stretchy clothing like leggings and a t-shirt. Avoid jeans or street clothes. Dance barefoot or wear soft-soled shoes.
Do I need prior dance experience to join classes?
No experience is required. Classes start with basics and accommodate all skill levels from beginners to advanced dancers.
Are there performance opportunities for students?
Yes! Students perform in end-of-semester haflas and other dance events. Company membership offers additional performance chances.
What props are used in belly dance classes?
Common props include veils and zills (finger cymbals). Advanced classes explore specialty props for themed performances and choreography.
How much do belly dance classes cost?
Beginner classes start at $100 for 10 weeks. Intermediate/advanced monthly fees range from $55–$200 based on class frequency.
