Welcome to Desert Jewels

Desert Jewels Belly Dance Company is a dedicated Belly Dance School based in Johannesburg, South Africa, that specializes in Middle Eastern Belly Dance.

Why Belly Dancing?

Belly Dancing is said to be the oldest form of dance, stemming from ancient cultures of the Indian Orient to the Middle East. Research also reveals that it is impossible to completely separate the history of "belly dance" from Gypsies, Spanish dance, Indian dance and Persian dance.  Even though Belly Dancing is quite entertaining, the dance form was originally intended to prepare women for marriage and was given by women to women as a form of preparatory teaching.

Belly Dancing is characterized by the beautiful sensuous movements of the hips and abdomen. The graceful hip drops, rolls, and pivots of this dance form activate muscle groups in the abdomen, pelvis, trunk, spine, and neck, working with the body instead of against it. Belly Dancing or Raks Sharki is based on movements that come naturally to the female form. Women of all ages and social and cultural backgrounds feel as if the movements of Belly dance speak to them, because Belly dance offers an array of health benefits/rewards:

  • Stress reduction - the opportunity to escape from the pressures of everyday life for a couple of hours each week and put yourself first
  • A creative way to get a workout, get fit, improve posture, muscle tone, weight loss, increase flexibility & balance
  • A way to find ones inner power, beauty and femininity
  • A method of learning about different cultures through exploring the music, dancing and way of life
  • An outlet for artistic & creative and expression
  • It’s fun, it’s a great way to meet new friends.

Belly dancing is intrinsic in every woman's soul and can be practiced to achieve a graceful and beautiful expression in all women. Together we explore sensual body movements and dance to beautiful music which in turn connects us with our femininity.

At its best, belly dance looks effortless, graceful and engaging. Though it may look easy, learning to belly dance beautifully is challenging. Dance strengthens a woman's self-confidence. It's a way to explore and bring to life the many facets of your feminine spirit. It gives women a way to feel good about themselves and their bodies. Women find self-acceptance in belly dance. Our timeless art form is practiced by people of all ages from all walks of life. We dance to share in the transformative power of an ancient art form embracing femininity.

Explore the art of Belly Dance and discover a new you:

We celebrate the joy and beauty of Middle Eastern dance/ Belly Dance within our school based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Desert Jewels Belly Dance Company offers lessons and workshops for following areas in Johannesburg:

  • Woodmead
  • Buccleuch
  • Wendywood
  • Gallo Manor
  • Sandton

A word from Ayana:

“One of the joys I experience when teaching this dance is the self discovery I witness in almost every class. Women often join to enjoy a bit of stress relief and fun, and in the process find a passion. There is a thrill to watch students develop into dancers.”

We hope to see you shimmying with us at the studio soon!