Belly dance is one of the few dance forms that is simultaneously effective exercise and an art form from the very first day. It is a gentle yet thorough full-body workout that most everyone can engage in, and it is so beautiful to watch and participate in that students love coming back for more.

I have been a belly dancer (student, performer, and teacher) for over fifteen years, and I am still awed and humbled by the passion that belly dancing inspires in women of all shapes, sizes, and ages. At its heart, belly dancing is a folk dance, and it is my privilege to be able to offer SharQui - The Bellydance Workout™.

I do not offer a regularly scheduled SharQui™ class at this time. However I do offer private and small-group lessons by appointment. For more information, click here.

Why SharQui™?

I chose to pursue teaching bellydance in a fitness context because I recognize that many people who have always dreamed of learning how to bellydance might not be comfortable in the performance-oriented classes offered by the many prestigious Middle Eastern dance schools in the Bay Area. I chose SharQui™ because, after considerable personal research and experience, I feel it is hands-down the best format for a fitness environment.

SharQui™ was created by Oreet Schwartz, an award-winning belly dancer, sought-after wokshop teacher, and longtime fitness professional who was also nominated to be IDEA's Fitness Instructor of the Year in 2007. SharQui™ was officially recognized by both the American Fitness Association of America (AFFA) and the American Council on Exercise (ACE) in 2006, and remains the world’s only fitness-accredited belly dance workout technique.

I teach SharQui™ group exercise classes by appointment. Small group lessons are only $15 per person (minimum $40), large group rates are also available, and I am happy to teach private lessons at my Personal Training rate. This is an outstanding workout for mothers’ groups, sororities, or anyone who wants to a fun and rewarding full-body workout.

This is a clip from my final year performing at the Northern California Renaissance Faire. The folk and sharing aspects of this dance are what first inspired me to learn.

SharQui™ was a healthy challenge for me because it is a bit different from my native style. Even experienced dancers can benefit and grow from studying a new method.

You can find out more about SharQui™ at www.sharqui.com, or contact me by phone or email. I am happy to answer questions.