Phoenix Belly Dance
Award-winning belly dance school in Auckland CBD with classes, performances a…
A dance studio specializing in Belly Dance and Middle Eastern dance forms.
Photo: Phoenix Belly Dance via Google
Before your first class
Belly dancing is for anyone no matter what age, size, shape, background, dancing ability, gender or fitness level; classes welcome all levels.
Wear comfortable tight clothes or gym wear so your movements can be easily seen.
Wear comfortable tight clothes or gym wear.
Shaabi pop-up workshops: early bird (until 20 Sept) $40 single or $70 both; regular rate (after 20 Sept) $50 single or $90 both.
About this studio
Phoenix Belly Dance is a multi-award-winning dance school and entertainment company based in Auckland CBD, founded in 2010 by Candice Frankland. The studio has become one of New Zealand's largest belly dance companies, known for blending contemporary concepts with the rich traditions of Middle Eastern dance. Classes focus on fitness, fun, and education of the movements, history and culture of Middle Eastern dance, with offerings across various levels of technique classes, choreography and performance classes, and fusion style classes.
Candice Frankland, the founder and director, is an accomplished international teacher and performer who has represented New Zealand and Australia at the prestigious BestInWorld international dance event. She has earned lead roles in Belly Dance Evolution tours and BellyQueen's Silk Road Tour, and is a winner of Belly Dance Evolution's casting competitions. In the New Zealand dance community, she is respected for her innovative productions, creative force in choreography, and dedication to building meaningful connections within the community.
The studio offers classes across multiple locations in Auckland: CBD, Epsom, and Orewa. Weekly classes are currently on hold, but the school regularly hosts pop-up workshops, events, and training. Classes are one hour long and include warm-up and cool-down, with focus on technique, combos, posture, and choreography. Students may learn particular styles and props including veils, assaya, and zills, as well as folkloric styles such as Egyptian Saidi, Turkish Rom, and Khaleegy.
Phoenix Belly Dance is known for its inclusive community. The school welcomes dancers of all ages, sizes, shapes, backgrounds, fitness levels, and abilities—with past students ranging from age 5 to 73. The studio emphasises a supportive and empowering space where students can explore creativity, build confidence, and grow as dancers with pride, passion, and elegance.
Beyond classes, Phoenix Belly Dance hosts an Annual Student Showcase where all classes present choreographies they have learned in a high-quality theatre environment. Students are invited to perform at community events throughout the year. The school also organises workshops regularly with Candice and other highly acclaimed local, national, and international dancers. For corporate, school, and special event needs, the studio offers tailored workshops, one-off classes for hen's parties, and specialised Middle Eastern folkloric dance training. The studio hosts student events, safe performance opportunities, and dance retreats, including an annual Weekend Belly Dance Retreat. Private lessons are available, and Candice can assist in organising workshops in other areas with sufficient group size.
What to expect
Your first visit
Classes run for one hour including warm-up and cool-down, with focus on technique, combos, and posture. You'll learn in a friendly, inclusive environment with professionally trained teachers. Pop-up workshops are regularly scheduled—check the studio's website, Instagram, Facebook or newsletter for updates.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Candice Frankland is the founder and director, an accomplished international teacher and performer who has represented New Zealand and Australia at BestInWorld, earned lead roles in Belly Dance Evolution tours and BellyQueen's Silk Road Tour, and won Belly Dance Evolution casting competitions. Workshops are organised with other highly acclaimed local, national, and international dancers.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Belly dancing is for anyone no matter what age, size, shape, background, dancing ability, gender or fitness level; classes welcome all levels.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
Wear comfortable tight clothes or gym wear so your movements can be easily seen.
What to bring
Wear comfortable tight clothes or gym wear. Dance barefoot, in socks, or flat ballet-type dance shoes. You may want to purchase a coin belt, which helps you feel the movement and know where your hips are going in time to the music; belts are available for purchase from your teacher and online.
Studio history
Phoenix Belly Dance was founded in 2010 by Candice Frankland. The studio has played a key role in shaping the New Zealand belly dance scene and is recognised as one of New Zealand's largest and most inspiring belly dance companies.
Styles offered
6 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Phoenix Belly Dancehasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Phoenix Belly Dance, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about Phoenix Belly Dance
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Phoenix Belly Dance teach?
Phoenix Belly Dance teaches Belly Dance, Belly dance, Shaabi, Egyptian Saidi, Turkish Rom, Khaleegy. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Phoenix Belly Dance located?
Phoenix Belly Dance is located in Auckland. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Phoenix Belly Dance offer private lessons?
Contact Phoenix Belly Dance directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Phoenix Belly Dance teach kids and adults?
Phoenix Belly Dance welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at Phoenix Belly Dance?
The fastest path is to visit Phoenix Belly Dance via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.