Phoenix Belly Dance

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 emphasizes 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 theater environment. Students are invited to perform at community events throughout the year. The school also organizes 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 specialized 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 organizing workshops in other areas with sufficient group size.

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.

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 organized with other highly acclaimed local, national, and international dancers.

Belly dancing is for anyone no matter what age, size, shape, background, dancing ability, gender or fitness level; classes welcome all levels.