Dragonfly Bellydance

Dragonfly Bellydance is an amazing studio that I was absolutely blessed to stumble upon during my travels in the Annex a few years ago! They are conveniently located right by Bathurst subway station and their classes run in the evenings & on the weekends so it’s easy for the 9-​to-​5ers to make it to class.
There are a wide variety of classes available from your basic technique classes to specific classes (arms, improv, etc.) and from traditional oriental styles to folklore to all kinds of exciting fusion styles (bolero, steampunk and more!). There are also classes that focus on specific techniques/​props each session as well as a selection of fitness classes.
If you’re looking for MORE variety, they also have a diverse selection of workshops over the year from both the studio faculty and other highly skilled instructors (this year I attended a flapper dance workshop, a flamenco fusion workshop, an improv workshop and a costume creation/​repair workshop among others!) There is always something going on and I am always excited to see what they will offer next!
The heart and soul of the studio — and what ultimately sets it apart — are the instructors. The class sizes are fairly small and ALL of the instructors are patient, kind, funny, knowledgeable and teach you to dance in a way that works for YOUR body! It’s a very accessible dance form to a wide range of ages, body types and fitness levels and they are excellent at coaching you to a level where you are challenged but not going beyond your physical ability.
And it’s not just about learning technique and choreography — they teach you about the music, the history and the cultural background of the dances you are learning, which gives you a very well-​rounded understanding of the dance form.
Finally, Zahira, Ruyah, Anuka, Lisa and Riannagh are all such incredibly talented dancers! You will never be lacking in the inspiration department when you watch them dance and they are all gracious and warm and genuinely want to share their passion for their chosen art form with their students. (No «diva» attitudes here!)
If you want to learn a beautiful, graceful, strong dance form from a wonderful group of dancers in a supportive, welcoming, body positive environment then I highly recommend trying out one of the classes at Dragonfly Bellydance (your first one is free!)

OMG BellyFit class rocks… if I lived in Toronto I would be at this class every Saturday morning! the instructor Lisa Raks is wonderful and you can tell she enjoys teaching and belly dancing. From fun to fitness this is such a great class!

September 24^th update:
Dragonfly now has expanded to a second studio and is offering even more belly dance classes not available in other studios.
Dragonfly Bellydance is a fantastic place to learn to bellydance.
Here are some of the great things about this studio:
— Professional, dedicated faculty
— Traditional bellydance as well as bolero and steampunk fusion (lots of fun)
— Beautifully decorated space with good floors and a changeroom
— Easily accessable by the TTC

Dragonfly Bellydance is new, founded in 2010, and has fast become my favourite destination for belly dance in Toronto.
They’ve got the details right: a good website (skeds, bios, PayPal); introductory and community-​building events, workshops and performance opportunities; frequent promotions to facilitate trying something new; and a clean, bright studio (just above Guu sake bar on Bloor, steps away from Bathurst subway station). Most importantly, it’s a welcoming atmosphere.
They accommodate drop-​in classes at any level on almost every day of the week. I take sessions (approx 8 weeks long), which are a great value. The session «curriculum» is always clear and delivered by the very best teachers who really care to see their students reach their dance goals and laugh a lot during class. Sometimes we drill isolations or learn the basics of Saidi or focus on the building strong, elegant arm movements, or dance to a few rock songs. (While the basics are sound, there’s a lot of fusion too.)
Whether you’re an experienced dancer looking for new inspiration and excellent instruction or an absolute beginner looking for a comfortable and fun creative exercise experience, Dragonfly bellydance studio has what you need.