Salwa Dance Academy - Cours de danse orientale

Salwa Dance Academy teaches raqs sharqi (oriental dance) to students across all levels in Brussels. The school was founded by Salwa, a dancer and choreographer who continues to create and direct performances. Since 2023, weekly classes have been led by Eszter-Maura, a dancer and instructor with over 25 years of experience in raqs sharqi and extensive training in traditional and social dances from around the world, plus a deep knowledge of Arabic and Egyptian music.

Classes run at two locations: Maison des Cultures (4 rue Mommaerts, 1080 Molenbeek) and GC De Maalbeek (118 rue Général Leman, 1040 Etterbeek). Beginners take 60-minute classes on Tuesday or Wednesday evenings at 18:00–19:00, learning the fundamentals, posture, muscle control, and Egyptian/Arabic music interpretation, plus choreographic sequences and social improvisation with an end-of-year performance opportunity. Intermediate students (minimum one year's experience) attend 75-minute sessions on Wednesday at 19:10–20:25, working with accessories like veils and canes, exploring different styles of raqs sharqi, traditional and folk dances, and more nuanced choreography and improvisation. Advanced dancers (minimum three years' experience) join 75-minute Tuesday classes at 19:10–20:25, diving deep into technique and musicality, learning different accessories (sagattes, melaya leff), recognising different musical styles, and developing stage presence in group and solo work.

A mixed-level class runs Tuesday lunchtimes at 12:30–13:15 (60 minutes) at GC De Maalbeek, focused on traditional and theatrical folklore from Egypt and beyond. All courses are currently reserved for women and girls aged 16 and over, except a Wednesday afternoon class for girls aged 12–18.

The academy emphasises that dance should be "music made visible", grounding students in musicality and cultural connection. You can join at any time during the year and make up missed classes within your subscription period. An end-of-year performance is planned. The school also offers private lessons and online courses.

You'll work with an experienced instructor in a structured class suited to your level. Beginners learn foundational movements and gain confidence moving to Egyptian and Arabic music; intermediate and advanced students refine technique, work with accessories, and develop stage presence. You can start any time during the year.

Eszter-Maura leads all weekly classes. She has over 25 years of experience in raqs sharqi and has trained in salsa, Afro-Colombian, West-African, Hungarian folk, Western-European folk, South-Italian dances, contact improvisation, and flamenco. She holds extensive knowledge of traditional and Arabic music and has a background as an architect/engineer and former translator, helping her break down dance and music concepts with precision.

Beginners are welcome; the school explicitly states that having no rhythm or prior dance experience is not a barrier, and you can join at any point during the year.