The Dance Movement
Bellydance and Raqs Sharqi in Den Haag, taught by Sarah Safi Harb
The Dance Movement in Den Haag teaches Raqs Sharqi (Oriental Dance) through the lens of empowerment, embodiment and enjoyment.
Photo: The Dance Movement | Den Haag via Google
Before your first class
All classes are open level and suitable for dancers with no or little experience; the Bellydance (All Levels) class is specifically designed for both complete beginners and experienced dancers refining technique.
Wear something you feel pretty and comfortable in that doesn't restrict your movement.
Wear something comfortable that doesn't restrict movement.
About this studio
The Dance Movement in Den Haag teaches Raqs Sharqi (Oriental Dance) through the lens of empowerment, embodiment and enjoyment. Founded by Sarah Safi Harb in 2010, the studio offers three distinct class formats: Bellydance (All Levels) for technique and all-round body and mind practice; Bellydance Fit & Fun for core strength and cardio; and Sensual Bellydance Women's Circle, a 90-minute monthly gathering focused on connecting with your body and sensuality through the "medicine of Bellydance".
Sarah Safi Harb is from Tripoli, Lebanon and has lived in the Netherlands since 2007. She came to teaching by chance when a Taekwondo instructor asked her to lead the second half of his dance class—despite having no formal training at the time, only a love of dancing. She has since spent 14 years acquiring knowledge in yoga, anatomy, holistic practices, breathwork, body awareness and indigenous dances, all integrated into her teaching. Between 2019 and mid-2022, Sarah paused teaching to work through personal mental health challenges, using Raqs Sharqi as a tool to transform pain into power. She restarted The Dance Movement in May 2022, bringing her whole self—both joyful and vulnerable parts—to classes.
All classes are open level and women only. The Bellydance (All Levels) class covers basic posture, techniques and moves, strengthening exercises for abdominal muscles and whole body, various Oriental Dance choreographies, and mindfulness exercises for femininity and self-embrace. Bellydance Fit & Fun emphasizes core and leg strength, Bellydance barre exercises, and fun choreographies with less focus on technique. The monthly Sensual Bellydance Women's Circle announces a theme a few days ahead on Instagram and creates space for sharing and connecting with other women while exploring embodied movement.
The Den Haag location is Cloud/Danslab at De Constant Rebecqueplein 20-B. Classes run on Fridays for Den Haag students. The studio also offers private lessons in Den Haag and online, and workshops for groups including bachelorette parties, baby blessings, company outings and team building. An online Bellydance school is available for self-paced learning.
What to expect
Your first visit
A women-only class in a welcoming, safe atmosphere where you'll learn Raqs Sharqi technique, core-strengthening exercises, and various Oriental Dance choreographies. Wear comfortable clothing that doesn't restrict movement, bring bare feet or soft shoes, and if you have a hip scarf bring it; the studio has spares to borrow or buy. No prior experience needed.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Sarah Safi Harb founded and teaches all classes. From Tripoli, Lebanon, she has built knowledge in yoga, anatomy, holistic practices, breathwork, body awareness and indigenous dances over 14 years, integrating all of this into her teaching of the "art & medicine of Raqs Sharqi."
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
All classes are open level and suitable for dancers with no or little experience; the Bellydance (All Levels) class is specifically designed for both complete beginners and experienced dancers refining technique.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
Wear something you feel pretty and comfortable in that doesn't restrict your movement.
What to bring
Wear something comfortable that doesn't restrict movement. Bring bare feet, socks, or soft ballet shoes. If you have a hip scarf, bring it; the studio has scarves to borrow or purchase. For Bellydance Fit & Fun, bring a water bottle. For Sensual Bellydance Women's Circle, bring warm layers (sweater, socks, scarf).
Studio history
The Dance Movement was founded by Sarah Safi Harb on 09/11/2010. Sarah arrived in the Netherlands in 2007 from Tripoli, Lebanon, and after struggling to find direction through architecture and art studies, was invited by a Taekwondo teacher to lead a dance class. That day she knew it was what she wanted to do for life. After tremendous growth and building a community, Sarah paused completely between 2019 and mid-2022 to address mental health struggles, using Raqs Sharqi as a healing tool. She restarted in May 2022, bringing her full self to teaching.
Styles offered
5 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
The Dance Movementhasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own The Dance Movement, 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 The Dance Movement
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does The Dance Movement teach?
The Dance Movement teaches Bellydance, Raqs Sharqi (Belly Dance), Belly dance, Bellydance Fit & Fun, Sensual Bellydance Women's Circle. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is The Dance Movement located?
The Dance Movement is located in Den Haag. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does The Dance Movement offer private lessons?
Contact The Dance Movement directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does The Dance Movement teach kids and adults?
The Dance Movement 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 The Dance Movement?
The fastest path is to visit The Dance Movement via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.