Bellydance Classes, Shows, & Workshops * 647-214-2880 * LaylaHassam@gmail.com
_Bellydance Classes with Layla
Shimmy, shake, and sway! Learn the basics of bellydance like hip circles, undulations, and bodywaves and gain a solid foundation in Egyptian-style bellydance. We offer a nurturing, queer-positive environment that welcomes students of all genders, orientations, body types, and abilities. Join us today for fun, feel-good fitness!
Dec 2011 / Jan 2012 Class Schedule
Sunday 2:00 - 3:00 pm (Space available!)
There will be no Sunday class on Jan 22 due to the Open House. Class cards will be automatically extended by one week for all Sunday students.
Thursday 7:00- 8:00 pm (New time! Space available!)
New students can start any time! Sign up for your first class using the registration form at the bottom of this page, email LaylaHassam@gmail.com, or call 647-214-2880.
Class Location
Our classes are conveniently located in downtown Toronto, easily accessible by TTC, and offer on-site paid parking.
65 Wellesley Street, Suite 405, The Studio Pilates
(SW corner of Church and Wellesley. 2 minutes east of Wellesley subway station.)
Dec 2011 / Jan 2012 Class Schedule
Sunday 2:00 - 3:00 pm (Space available!)
There will be no Sunday class on Jan 22 due to the Open House. Class cards will be automatically extended by one week for all Sunday students.
Thursday 7:00- 8:00 pm (New time! Space available!)
New students can start any time! Sign up for your first class using the registration form at the bottom of this page, email LaylaHassam@gmail.com, or call 647-214-2880.
Class Location
Our classes are conveniently located in downtown Toronto, easily accessible by TTC, and offer on-site paid parking.
65 Wellesley Street, Suite 405, The Studio Pilates
(SW corner of Church and Wellesley. 2 minutes east of Wellesley subway station.)
_
Class Cards & Prices
New student special: Try 3 classes for $15!
(New students only. Cannot be combined with daily deal vouchers or other special promotions.)
Missed classes can be made up in another regularly scheduled class, any time before your current class card expires.
13% HST will be added to all class cards. Class cards can be purchased in person by cash or check, or online through PayPal. All class cards are final sale. Class cards cannot be returned, exchanged, or extended. Unused classes cannot be transferred to the next session.
Class Cards & Prices
New student special: Try 3 classes for $15!
(New students only. Cannot be combined with daily deal vouchers or other special promotions.)
- 1 class/week, 6 classes in seven weeks = $100 ($16.67/class)
- FlexPass, 6 classes in twelve weeks = $130 ($21.67/class)
- 2 classes/week, 12 classes in seven weeks = $170 ($14.17/class)
- Single drop-in class = $25
Missed classes can be made up in another regularly scheduled class, any time before your current class card expires.
13% HST will be added to all class cards. Class cards can be purchased in person by cash or check, or online through PayPal. All class cards are final sale. Class cards cannot be returned, exchanged, or extended. Unused classes cannot be transferred to the next session.
Student Testimonials
"Layla is an excellent and inspiring instructor who teaches dance in a clear, easily understood way, and also gives us an insight into the culture from which it comes from and that belly dance really is about empowerment for women. Layla is not only one of the most qualified and experienced dance teachers in Toronto, but also an accomplished choreographer whose talent, expertise, energy and integrity is unparalled in all aspects of dance. Truly gifted in her profession. Thank you so much, you are an inspiration to anyone who will attend your class." ~Theresa
"I wish I could dance like you one day." ~Maggie
"Classes have been super fun - definitely something I look forward to each week." ~Dalreen
New Student FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What should I wear/bring to class?
- A form-fitting tank top or T-shirt, and stretchy pants or shorts (eg. Yoga pants, sweat pants, exercise shorts)
- Hip scarf (Layla has hip scarves for sale and to lend during class)
- Water bottle and notebook (Optional)
What's the format of the Class?
All group classes are one hour long, and consist of the following components:
- Warm-up and conditioning exercises (~10 minutes)
- New bellydance moves and combinations, review of material from previous classes (~45 minutes)
- Stretch and cool-down (~5 minutes)
How long will it take for me to get good at bellydance?
Like ballet or contemporary dance, bellydance is an art that takes years to master. However, you'll learn exciting moves in every class, and reach many milestones along the way. We generally cover three new moves or combinations in each class, and also review material from previous classes. You'll be able to pick up some moves right away, while others may take a few weeks to months to perfect.
Our beginners' curriculum takes at least 12 weeks to complete, and will give you the foundational movements needed to tackle layered movements, complex combinations, and choreographies. After six months to a year of training, most students will be ready to perform in student shows. Everyone will learn at their own pace, and your progress will depend on factors such as your current fitness level, previous dance or movement training, how often you attend classes, and how much time you're able to devote to practice. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the journey!
What's Layla's dance background?
Layla fell in love with bellydance in 2002, and has been training intensively ever since. Her long-time teachers and mentors are Hannan Sultan and Mayada. In addition to regular classes with top Toronto instructors, Layla has also taken workshops with North American bellydance stars such as Aziza, Jillina, Rachel Brice, Nath Keo, Sera Solstice, and Yasmina Ramzay, and Egyptian greats such as Aida Nour, Dina, and Tito Seif. In addition to bellydance, Layla has also studied yoga, ballet, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Layla began performing in 2003, and was a member of the Mirage Bellydance Ensemble for six years. Some of her favorite performances include sharing a stage with Aziza and Ansuya, dancing at Pride Toronto, the 2006 International AIDS Conference, the Bewitching Halloween Bellydance Ball, and the International Bellydance Conference of Canada.