Classes
Belly dance classes for every body and every level, taught by Zaira and Marcelly in West Melbourne and Palm Bay. Classes are ongoing, so you can start any week, and your first class is free.
Weekly schedule
Monday
Nicole Cote School of Dance, Palm Bay- 6:30 PM – 7:30 PMIntermediate & Advanced TechniqueMusicality, layering, and Egyptian-style technique for continuing dancers. Zaira · Intermediate & advancedTry it free
- 7:30 PM – 8:30 PMTroupe ChoreographyChoreography for the Melbourne Belly Dance Performance Troupe. Zaira · TroupeTry it free
Wednesday
Veterans Memorial Recreational Center, West Melbourne- 6:15 PM – 7:15 PMAll Level ChoreographyLearn a full dance, step by step. Every level welcome. Zaira · All levelsTry it free
- 7:15 PM – 8:15 PMBeginner Belly DancePosture, isolations, shimmies, and rhythm, from your very first class. Zaira · BeginnerTry it free
Saturday
Nicole Cote School of Dance, Palm Bay- 10:30 AM – 11:30 AMBeginner Belly Dance (Tarab module)Tarab: feeling the music and letting it move you. No experience needed. Marcelly · BeginnerTry it free
- 11:30 AM – 12:30 PMIntermediate Belly Dance (Saidi module)Saidi: the playful, grounded folkloric style of Upper Egypt, with cane. Marcelly · IntermediateTry it free
Ways to dance
- Your first class is free
- Drop in for $20, or save with a 4, 8, or 12-class card
Sign up online or in person; if in person, arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign in. Private lessons, coaching, and party bookings are on the pricing page.
Class levels
Our curriculum rotates through topics, so you can stay at a level and keep learning something new. The goal isn't to race through levels; it's to enjoy and feel accomplished in every class. Not sure where you fit? Drop in and your instructor will help.
Introduction & Beginner
Advanced Beginner / Intro to Intermediate
Intermediate / Advanced Technique
Intermediate / Advanced Choreography & Troupe
Class descriptions
Intro & Back to Basics
For the absolute beginner and anyone refreshing their technique, even with physical limitations. Posture, hip work, core engagement, breathing, shimmies, traveling steps, and beautiful arm work. Women and men of every size and ability are welcome.
Beginner Belly Dance
An ongoing class that builds the movement vocabulary behind every style of belly dance, to Middle Eastern music, with a first taste of the veil. The syllabus repeats every 3–4 months, so you can join at any point.
Intermediate
For dancers with the basics: more steps, rhythms, and musical vocabulary; smooth transitions; layering, turns, level and direction changes; and an introduction to veil, candle, and sword.
All Level Choreography
Learn a full dance while building technique: combinations, layering, musicality, and props like zills and veils. About 6 months of beginner classes helps, but any dance experience works.
Intermediate / Advanced Technique
A deeper study of Egyptian and Turkish styles and their cultures, with musicality, composition, improvisation, and advanced props. The instructor picks styles for the year. Instructor permission needed.
Troupe Choreography
By invitation, for troupe members and advanced students. Complex group and solo choreographies that Zaira creates and stages, cycling every 3–4 months. The troupe performs professionally.
Zill Drill
Part of the intermediate and advanced classes (and Wednesdays in summer): beledi, kashlimar, chiftetelli, bolero, and other 4/4, 9/8, 6/8, and 2/4 patterns. Tip: baby socks on your zills muffle home practice.
Master classes
Every other month, Zaira teaches a master choreography class, and guest artists teach master classes through the year.
Private lessons & coaching
Hour-long private lessons with Zaira or Marcelly, built on a detailed lesson plan, for technique, solos, or professional training. Coaching and mentoring are available at every level.