Pure Raks Belly Dance with Jasmin Jahal

She is such a gifted dancer– and is a good teacher. She teaches art, not a sexualized pop trend. If you want to connect to your sensuality work on your strength, flexibility and have fun take lessons here. If you want to be a stripper this isn’t your class… although you could tweak and adjust some of the movements. :)

This a a place to study a beautiful dance with talented teachers & other students. Comfortable, professional studio, challenging classes, and fabulous students. Small boutique but has everything you need to get started & stay dancing! Been there for almost 4 years!

I have taken oriental dance lessons on and off since 1998. I have had many teachers and have taken lessons in several parts of the U.S. and in Brazil. During all those years taking oriental dance classes it has only been at Jasmin Jahal School of Dance that I have seen myself truly improve as a dancer. I have been a student at Jasmin’s school for almost a year. I have taken 4 sessions of level 2, 3 sessions of level 3 and 2 sessions of level 4T. I have completed Level 1 Certification and I have just participated in the annual Student Showcase. I feel very fortunate to be a part of Jasmin’s school. I have taken all classes from Jasmin herself. Having had many teachers, I can honestly say that the method of teaching that she developed has been the most effective way to learn oriental dance and that Jasmin is an incredibly talented teacher and an amazing choreographer. She breaks down every movement in a way that is easy to understand and to execute. When Jasmin teaches she watches her students very carefully and guides them on how to improve. If you get to know her you will see that everything she does in her school is for her students’ benefit. I don’t know any other teacher who is as dedicated to her students as Jasmin is. Through workshops, certifications, and performance opportunities, students at her school are given every opportunity to learn the skills they need to become a beautiful and elegant oriental dancer.

Jasmin & her dance studio ROCK! The dance classes are challenging and super fun! The teachers are really nice and approachable, & know their stuff. The choreographies taught are amazing, most folkloric & some modern, from Egyptian to Turkish to Tunisian, this place has it all! They offer different types of workshops for all levels throughout the year & the weekly classes are affordable & well worth it. I’ve been dancing here for 2+ yrs. & still can’t get enough!

Jasmin has been a friend of mine for many years! Her belly dance performance was the very first one my wife and I ever saw live and made us instant fans of her and her art form. Jasmin is inspirational and an amazing performer.

Studio space is very clean and spacious and the instructor was friendly and patient. Everyone in my class seemed to have a good time, and the easy (metered) street parking was a plus!

I love this studio! They are such a wonderful beautiful group of women. They take the artform of Egyptian Belly Dance very seriously but they have a lot of fun sharing their passion. The classes are filled with women of all sizes, backgrounds, ages & levels of coordination. Don’t feel intimidated. After a few weeks you’ll nail that shimmy and you’ll be shimmying as you brush your teeth or waiting in line.
Also check out their website periodically. They have seasonal performances by pros and students that are lots of fun.
I will encourage you to try out a few different instructors. They all definitely have different styles. They all teach the same choreography but each one has a little different style. It’s all an issue of compatibility.
Don’t feel pressured to buy all of the lovely accessories. I have a serious coin hipscarf habit. I have to keep taking classes to justify buying for so many.

This place is it for the serious Belly Dancer (or aspiring b.d.)! I took classes here for 2 years before it was apparent that I wasn’t going pro. :) Seriously, the level of instruction is great compared with other places I’ve taken dance classes (of all kinds), the prices are good and it’s serious business! Class starts on time and it’s all work! But a lot of fun if your body moves that way. Mine doesn’t so much, that’s why I stopped. But they’re so great there! Jasmin herself is a little intimidating. (Think strict elementary school teacher-​scary) But if you’re serious about belly dancing, try this!

I’m taking my 3^rd bellydance class at this school. I like the school and the instructors. Professional, good teachers, comfortable environment. Expect Egyptian only for bellydance. (There may be tribal at other levels beyond mine.)
The owner and some others appear to have a strong dislike for Turkish bellydance, which I don’t understand. Having taken Turkish before, I’m not seeing any difference between the two. Admittedly, I’ve only learned as far as beginner level for both styles. So Turkish dancers won’t want to look for Turkish instruction here. (I had been taught by my Turkish instructor that Egyptian was performed on releve and Turkish is flat foot… but beginner classes have remained flat foot, which is what my back and knees prefer.)
You can also purchase a CD for the class, which includes your routine song with the instructor’s voice speaking the steps over the song. Very helpful. They also have supplies on hand for purchase. Parking is available nearby on the street or at a parking lot a block or so away.
The classes can (depending on day and time) be crowded. But thats not too big of a problem for me personally. My only real complaint is that they don’t like you to bring personal belongings (other than veils or cymbals) to the dance room. You put your purses, etc. in a cubbyhole… that’s not locked. So keep your valuables in your trunk if you drive there, or leave them at home. I’ve never had anything stolen while there, but I have had things stolen elsewhere before. And usually in scenarios where I thought my belongings were safe.