I've taken classes from Vanessa at San Jose Athletic Club and just went to Halanda Studio last night. She's a great instructor and breaks down movements so you can understand where your body is supposed to move and finally puts it altogether so you can attempt to eventually move like her (or somewhat close to it). She also doesn't expect professional dancing from anyone and lets you go at your own pace so there's all different types of dancing levels in her classes. It's always a fun class and if you haven't done anything like this it's definitely a good challenge workout. And if you're like me and like/appreciate all types of dance this is just very fun in general. It takes several classes to finally get your body to move easily with some moves but once you do it's pretty addicting to keep on going back. I signed up for a 10 class card ($95) so I'll definitely keep going but if you want to just check it out check out her website for drop in classes which are like $12 at Halanda but there are other locations she's been teaching as well. read more

This is a two part review for Orchid Belly Dance and also for Vanessa. Vanessa is a member of Orchid Belly Dance and also teaches belly dance lessons several nights a week. Vanessa is an amazing teacher. She is always positive and even when we drill a move so much that our muscles are burning it is still fun! Vanessa's belly dance classes are a phenomenal work out but also a great chance to truly learn some difficult techniques and learn a dance style that I didn't think I'd be able to grasp at all (especially since I have relatively no dance background and am a bit clumsy). I can honestly say that my belly dance classes with Vanessa are one of the main highlights of my week! :) And fyi classes are extremely reasonably priced!! If you have ever been curious about belly dance I highly recommend trying a class with Vanessa. Orchid Belly Dance is a belly dancing group that performs regularly (once or twice a month) at Thai Lovers Restaurant in San Jose off Piedmont. They also perform at other events and I believe will do private events also. I have only watched them at Thai Lovers. Orchid Belly Dance is so enjoyable to watch. The mix of music is eclectic more than just the typical "belly dance" music and the costumes are amazing! I have major costume and accessory envy every time I watch! :) All of the girls are fun and friendly and beautiful not to mention extraordinary dancers. Every friend I have brought to watch them has had an amazing time and it is the one sure way to get my boyfriend to give up poker night on a Friday. I couldn't possibly say enough good things about Vanessa and Orchid Belly Dance so if you like belly dance go find out for yourself! :) read more

I got a chance to meet Vanessa personally. She stopped by my coffee house in the same plaza as Thai Lovers Restaurant. She ordered a drink with another member and introduced herself and invited me to come see them perform at Thai Lovers. I've heard about it from customers but never got a chance to attend. I was glad I did. It was my first time ever witnessing a belly dance performance. Very cool! Thai Lover's had a lot of attendees as well. I enjoyed the atmosphere very much. Vanessa was very friendly and I would encourage those who are interested to join her class, but are a little hesitant, to just go for it! It will be worth it! It's also a bonus because Vanessa is very pretty hahah! read more

I've been so impressed with the belly dance classes with Vanessa. She's a fabulous teacher with very positive energy and she makes everyone feel welcome. You'll also get a great work out while you're enjoying yourself. Vanessa is truly a born teacher. She makes the class work for all dancers, regardless of your level. You'll love it whether you're advanced or a beginner like me. The time will fly by and you'll be bummed when the class is over. Take belly dance with Vanessa! You'll love it! read more

I've been taking Belly Dance classes with Vanessa at the San Jose Athletic Club every Tuesday for six months now. She is such a great teacher! Her positive energy radiates through out the room! Her class is very diverse with people at all different levels. I feel very comfortable in her class. She explains how to isolate each muscle for the tricky moves! Sadly, I quit the club but I'm so glad that she offers belly dance classes in so many locations around San Jose!! Now, with her class card I belly dance even more! Wednesdays and Thursdays she is at Halanda studio in Willow Glen on Lincoln. On Mondays she also teaches at Lunatic Fringe in downtown Sunnyvale. I highly recommend belly dance with Vanessa!!! read more

I took my first class with Vanessa yesterday and I loved it! She teaches a fun class with lots of instructional break down. I really liked the music she chose as it had a little funk and hipness to it. Since I moved from SF to SJ I've had a difficult time finding good dance classes for grown ups with a little bit of urban tribal culture to them so I was thrilled to find this gem. I will be back. The other women in the class were very friendly and from a wide range of ages and sizes so it was very easy to come in new. read more

My friends started belly dancing a few years ago and I've always wanted to try it, but thought that there was no way my body could move like that! Well I was wrong! Vanessa helped break down each move so I understood how to make my body move like her! It was hard at first, but after a few classes I became hooked! You can try a class with her for free and there's no commitment or pressure to come back, but trust me you'll be back! The class is fun and everyone is having a good time! No judgments are passed and it's a very comfortable environment. I've heard that she is starting to teach yoga too now! I'm going to have to go try one of those classes from her next! read more

In a nutshell, Vanessa is a definite 5-star belly dance instructor!!! Besides being a great instructor, she is also very pleasant and fun. I highly recommend her and her group. She breaks down movements and provides tips and recommendations on how things should be done properly. I totally get her instruction style. I first tried out her group class at Halanda Studios last summer, and I waited until she got her own place to take private lessons. I always have fun and learn a lot from my private belly dance lessons with her. I never cared to take yoga classes, but I am considering taking them with her because she is such an awesome belly dance instructor! If you're contemplating on taking belly dance classes, do take them with her. Very well worth it!!! read more