In 2004... Chris and Jon led me to Kaeshi. My guy friends are HANDSOME. Sporty, pretty boys. Chris happens to look like a handsome version of Brad Pitt and Jon like a handsomer young Paul Newman. Up to that time, my years in NYC were oddly plagued w random men cornering my grad school friends asking to meet me. So, women did not feel comfortable hanging out w me. When Chris, Jon and I bc friends, that attention was dispersed w women swooning for them, and attempts to corner and throw themselves at my friends as we went about the city. The three of us communed; We had jaundiced eyes for that kind of attention. We had enough of mismatched people pursuing us w lots of games, lots of pretending. So any hint of those games were turn offs, and got our scorn and ridicule. We were at the same fork in the road of fed up. So imagine my guy friends, who wouldn't trifle their attention w fevered women, excitedly rushing to tell me all about a woman named Kaeshi, and bellydancing w fire! (It was a presentation at Chris' school that I couldn't make.) Chris was all about the bellydance moves. Jon was all about the fire dancing moves. Both were all about Kaeshi! --And I just came from a medical appointment for childhood trauma symptoms resurfacing in my adult body. The nurse's last words were that I need to do lots of things w my hips. She said lots of dancing would be very good for me. At first Chris and Jon could only remember the name 'Kaeshi'. Lol! They did not know how to spell her name (so I could find her). Eventually, they found the postcard that said 'Bellyqueen'. I never told them I started bellydancing (thanks to them). Bellyqueen has been paradigm shifting. As a dancer, you learn about body illusion, body control, directing attention, commanding a room, pacing yourself, pacing others, and female friendships and mutual support amongst all women (Classes are always open for men to enroll in too, but I only saw the occasional martial arts guy try to stay a scant few minutes in the room w us.) Bellydancing is very therapeutic. It is full of virtues FOR THE DANCER. Of the coolest things that happened w regularity is the male-dominated martial arts class next door will often result in the men crowding our window to watch us, Kaeshi would pause class, nicely address them, then offer that they can watch but they'll have to bellydance too, with us. A smooth lesson in respect and mutuality. Why Bellyqueen in particular? The tone of class is about skills in a light but respectful way. (Outside of class is about the bellydance accessories.) In fact, when I got to intermediate, then advance, I sometimes impulsively dropped in for any class or for back-to-back classes. So I would be without my dance gear, not dressed right, but no matter. I was there for skills. (However one should especially have right attire as a beginner. Helps you see your movements better, at least.) Kaeshi and Irina are excellent bellydancers and teachers. They explain the various movements well, build the skills over the duration of a single class, and the class term. You have traveling steps, isolated moves, and layered moves. You learn some history of the dance within different cultures. The other women in the room are friendly, and openly admire each other. It is not a competitive, back-biting environment. It is supportive and encouraging. My desire for positive friendships with other women started to happen here. Zagareet for each other is always fun. The dance circle at the end was always fun. Bellyqueen's bellydance isn't about performing for others. You repeatedly learn that bellydance is for you. I value what I learned here, so much. I still drop in for a class when I'm in town (I moved away in 2008). I eventually started to pursue Hawaiian Hula and Tahitian dancing when I moved to Hawai'i. (But Hawaiian feels too servile to me, and Tahitian feels too restrictive to me.) When I moved to Houston and resumed formal classes, I was invited to join their troupe two months later. So know, you can acquire a solid foundation of dance skills that go with you for years from Bellyqueen. Lastly, I also had Elisheva and Amar as instructors once in my years w Bellyqueen. I just remember class was still good. I'm always a bit star-struck w Kaeshi and Amar. Very unfortunately, Elisheva passed away. read more

We just did a bachelorette event (10 girls) organized by Bellyqueen and it was honestly the highlight of the day for the bride-to-be and all the other girls! The instructors catered to the bachelorette, and organized little activities focused on her, while also incorporating other traditional belly dancing steps and moves for the whole group. It was so much fun and they also took so many pics and videos to cherish the memories and laughs for years to come. Thank you so much Kaeshi and all the instructors- you guys made our day and motivated us to continue our belly dancing journey and learn this beautiful, sensual dance! read more

Bellyqueen - So much fun - you can rent the hip scarves and veils too for the full experience! - Dance Studios Near Me - New York, New York

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Just took Kaeshis class again , very nice mix of moves and music , professionally transitions from one move to the next with style and fun ! Thanks . read more

I cannot say enough positive things about our instructor Gabriela. I hired Bellyqueen for a belly class for my best friends bachelorette party and the class was the highlight of the evening. Gabriela was engaging and helped teach us some basic moves all while celebrating the bride. We had some great laughs I think everyone needed after the year we had. Thank you Bellyqueen and Gabriela for making the night so memorable! read more

Bellyqueen - Veils and hip scarves can be rented to make the class even more interactive- definitely worth it! - Dance Studios Near Me - New York, New York

I came here for a bachelorette party and I had a great experience. We were taught by Kaeshi how to move with the music. She provided us with the hip scarves and everyone started shaking. It was an entertaining and she made the day special for the bride. She gave the bride a tiara and a specter to make her feel more special. The class was very interactive and affordable. I highly recommend this class for a fun day out with the ladies and to have everyone bond. Please give this class a try! read more

I suck at dancing! Got no rhythm as in always out of sync but here that was not an issue. Kaeshi was encouraging during her classes. Tactful with her critique without making you feel discourage. Not many places involving dance make you feel like that. Is one of the things that I miss from NYC. read more

I came for an entry level bellydance class and I am no newbie but I am nowhere near advanced level yet. The instructor was very patient and the music selection was not very interesting. The dance was not hard but somehow i just don't feel like I am burning many calories. I think I am going back to another place I took classes from before. read more

Good lessons- instructors give attention to everyone Great workout and commute on the train is comfortable!

Even if you are new to belly dance, a seasonal dance student or experienced dance or belly dance student, Bellyqueen has something to offer for every dancer. The classes are structured and the instructors are very helpful in answering questions, explaining movements and creating a fun choreography to practice the new moves you just learned in class. The environment is very nurturing; not only are the instructors but the students provide support as well. It is never a competition to be the best but a fun after work experience to learn how to express yourself through the beautiful art that is belly dance. read more

These classes are soooo much fun!! I'm a belly dance newbie, and enjoy the variety of styles I am exposed to by different instructors. Classes are fun, instructors are patient and energetic. I get a great workout in a supportive environment. After 3 classes, I feel I am gaining control of hip and chest movements, and my abs and back are more toned. If you are looking to try belly dance, get the new student 2 week unlimited pass so you can take classes with different instructors. I'm happy I decided to give Bellyqueen a try!! read more

I started taking classes at Bellyqueen after moving to NYC from Toronto. I started in the beginner level and now I'm at intermediate/advanced level. Having a fun dance class to go to once a week made the city feel like home a lot faster than I expected. The teachers and other women taking classes were also friendly and I made some great connections over time. Bellyqueen provides a safe and comfortable environment to study bellydance in and I definitely recommend it for beginners as well as advanced dancers. Just make sure you start classes at the level you are at - not higher, in order to get the most out of class without getting confused and discouraged. Performance opportunities that come up from time to time as well that are great to fast-track your training. The location is super convenient and various class times make it easy to continue training at your convenience. read more

Tried a beginner class through class pass and loved it! The instructor Kaeshi was friendly, professional and definitely knew what she was doing. I didn't feel pressured or uncomfortable at all even though it was my first belly dancing class ever! read more

I have been attending Bellyqueen on a weekly basis for the past 7 months now, and am absolutely in love with this studio!! There is such a wide variety of classes being offered; in just one month I learned a choreography to dubstep music during one class (Danielle's class), and learned how to dance improvisational to live Middle Eastern drums during a different class (Kaeshi's class)....how cool is that?!? I love all the dance fusions, styles, and creativity that this studio offers, I feel as if I've not only learned the art of bellydancing, but have also become a more worldly dancer. Every instructor has her own beautiful and unique style, and each one of them are super sweet, energetic, and attentive. I started out taking the beginner classes which did a great job of teaching me the basic fundamentals of bellydancing, and have now moved on up to the intermediate/advanced classes. I definitely recommend taking the beginner classes (Isis, Hathor, Bastet, not in any particular order) first and foremost, as the fundamental steps you learn in these classes will be used in the intermediate/advanced classes. In terms of a workout, I've really improved my muscle memory as I take usually 3-4 classes a week, and of course, there's always a cardio workout. The amount of cardio however varies depending on the class. Usually, I get the best workout from Natalie's classes, because she's got such a high level of energy and loves to drill you!! I also took a great class with Irina that focused on the core, and we did some great belly toning exercise during this class. Lastly, this studio is truly a safe and empowering space for women of all shapes and sizes! In every class, the instructor emphasizes letting go, having fun, and loving and empowering your body. read more

I started taking classes at Bellyqueen from this year after moving to NY from Tokyo, Japan.I' ve been a big fan of Bellyqueen since I started bellydance in Japan and I've always wanted to take their classes someday.And now one of my dreams came true! All the instructors have a wonderful technique and their personality is wonderful as well. The classes are taught clear and simple, and instructors are very helpful in explaining each movements. The atmosphere during the classes are very good and not just the instructors but classmates are friendly. Bellyqueen offers various class time and various levels.It is a perfect place to start learning bellydance, brush up your bellydance technique, learn different types of fun choreographies! read more

Oooooh bellyqueen, how I love thee. I had been dancing at another studio and felt stuck when I found bellyqueen. The teachers are super nice the course schedule is set up in a way that you know what you'll be learning in each class and where to advance and best of all.....a chance to dance in public. That had always been my goal and Bellyqueen let me do it. I had only been a student for a month! They are skilled and awesome. Kaeshi and Sandralis talk to me like I'm an old friend. Love it there read more

Ah, I love this place! Such a comfortable and encouraging environment. The instructors are patient, attentive and put you at ease. I am currently taking an "absolute beginners" workshop and couldn't be more happy! Plan to purchase an unlimited monthly package & spend a bunch of time here! Highly recommended!!! read more

I've been taking classes here for just a few weeks but I already really enjoy it. These people take dancing very seriously and I can see that it would be a great place to really improve. I've taken classes at other places and it doesn't feel like you really get anywhere week to week, but at Bellyqueen the classes really build on themselves and there are a lot of opportunities to get involved in dancing outside of class. So far it's really fun and I'm looking forward to enrolling in the next semester! read more

A totally fun experience! I tried it with 2 girlfriends and we laughed the whole time. Yay!

Kaeshi is an innovative, world traveled , super star Belly Dance Artist , she started PURE, includes spirituality in her teaching and loves to share the dance with everyone - highly recommended read more

The Bellyqueen instructors are not only internationally respected performers but excellent instructors as well. They make each class fun and exciting while breaking down all the moves and providing personal attention. My personal experience was quite wonderful! I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, a muscle weakening/pain disorder in 2003. I could barely walk much less dance. I had also become quite over-weight. In my case I needed a more "gentle" form of exercise and bellydance promotes healthy weight-loss. Two years later I've lost 40lbs and been able to keep it off and feel much better. Exercise was very difficult for me then my doctor recommended yoga and through yoga I discovered bellydance. Kaeshi and her troupe offers "Fusion" bellydance which combines a range of styles from "Egyptian" to "Tribal" so that each student can develop their own personal style. Their warm-ups/cool-downs include yoga-based tecniques that prevent injury. In less than a year I was performing, something I never dreamed of. If your a "Pro" or just looking to have some fun exercise, you should come check out Bellyqueen at 440 Studios. The location in convenient and the schedule is more than accessable. If you'd like a taste of what Bellyqueen is about you can check out the weekly shows highlighting students as well as professional dancers at: Je'Bon Noodle House 13 St. Marks Place, NYC www.jebonusa.com Wednesdays 7:30PM - 10:30PM Kaeshi also runs "PURE", a non-profit organization dedicated to preace and healing through bellydance. http://www.puredanceny.com read more

Amazing teachers. Lots of individual attention, lots of different class levels. I appreciate the many workshops that are offered in addition to the weekly roster of classes. It's also nice that it's so conveniently located. read more

I stared my dance experience with Bellyqueen 2 years ago from beginner level to intermediate/advanced. Bellyqueen has a lot of PROFESSIONAL teachers who will share with you their imagination, experience and make you LOVE bellydance from your 1st class. I recommend this dance studio! read more

Kaeshi and the Bellyqueen staff are committed to teaching belly dance techniques that elevate both you, the dancer, and the art of the dance itself. Awesome experience every time. (Jesska) read more

I started dancing at Bellyqueen about a year and a half ago and its been a great experience. The teachers are fantastic personalities, helpful, caring and inspiring. There's a wide variety of classes, you can get into choreography or basics as slow or fast as you want. I can't say how many times I've gone to class discouraged and tired, and come out happy and refreshed. And my core is stronger than its ever been, and I actually understand my body better. Can't recommend it enough. read more

Kaeshi Chai and her team of instructors are a group of talented, passionate and extremely dedicated women devoted to the art of belly dance as well as empowering women in their everyday lives. read more

I started taking classes at BellyQueen. The facility was good, instructors were enthusiastic and energetic. Liked it. Cheers Sapna. read more

I took my first Bellyqueen class yesterday, July 3, 2013, and I must say that I am now obsessed. I have been taking belly dancing for a while and this is the first time where I have actually found a class that I feel is truly my level. I am a beginner, but I feel like I can learn so much and grow as a dancer here and I have never felt that at any other place. I had Maki Moves who is adorable, lots of fun and very patient. She shows you the moves over and over again until you get it. The choreography is great because it is simple enough to retain, and I can come back home and practice it. I have taken other classes where there has been so much choreography it's hard for me to keep up and then I'm made to feel bad for making mistakes. It is also important to me that teachers break down the moves for me instead of just dancing and expecting me to follow. I also love the fact that they have a series of classes. There are 3 full basic courses in addition to Beginner Combinations, Oriental style belly dance, Egyptian choreography, learning how to dance to drum solos, even various workshops for you to partake in, etc. You can really hone your skills here instead of feeling like you've learned 10 basic movements and then have no idea what to do with them. While I am not interested in becoming a performer, I want the technique of one. After trying many different belly dance classes, I believe Bellyqueen and I are a perfect fit. read more

I absolutely loved it. It was a fun way to exercise but more than that it was a great way to renew-refresh my femininity. The teachers are experienced and patient with the students of all levels. I highly recommend it. read more

AD I have been taking belly dance classes at Bellyqueen for more than 3 years now in spite of my commute from NJ on regular basis during week-end schedules. BellyQueen dance instructors are the best and honest in teaching their students. I have learned a lot from each everyone's dancing styles and I love it very much. These ladies are real professionals in dancing and travel around the world. I was challenged a lot with their dance techniques as well as the new choreographs every month. I am highly recommending BellyQueen to all students who are passionate on belly dancing. read more

I love, love the teachers. They are great teachers. I wouldn't recommend those classes as most of the classes, I go to, have so many students that it is hard to enjoy dancing. You pumped into people, you can't fully extended your arms, turning is complicated. I had to left classes because of the space. I am sure we are not over the legal capacity of the room but we just don't have space to enjoy dancing. read more

Excellent! BEST experience for someone completely new to belly dancing. Instructor I have is very knowledgable and serious about us learning. Highly recommend. read more

I really love these classes! I have taken Irina and Elisheva's beginner level classes so far, and had a great time in each. They have completely different styles, but both were great teachers, and clearly experienced dancers. The atmosphere of classes was very friendly and non-judgemental, so I think people of all levels of fitness and skill will feel comfortable and have fun! read more

I have been with Bellyqueen since 2007. It doesn't matter your age, level or shape. If you enjoy dancing and being part of a warm community of folks who love to dance, Bellyqueen is the best place to be! The teachers are friendly, instructive and down-to-earth. There are classes for everyone at any level. And you still get plenty of exercise. I recommend Bellyqueen 100%! Drop by for a class anytime and you will be greeted with a warm smile. Also, I think they have the best rates in town. read more