Cassandra School of Belly Dance

My favorite thing about this place is the inclusiveness of all ages, body types, and level of dance experience. From my experience as a beginner to more advanced levels, there has always been a range of bodies and ages from twenties to seventies. There have even been some belly men!
Another big positive for me is that instruction is really grounded in a knowledge of and respect for the cultures behind belly dance. Especially as you become more advanced, you’ll learn about different regional or folkloric styles of movement and music. Cassandra Shore is an internationally regarded dancer and you’re truly learning a new art form. An example of art over fitness is that we practice moving with finger cymbals in every class. It’s not always the most athletic thing, but it’s awesome. In short, this isn’t just about wearing sparkly tops, feeling sexy and getting fit (you could still do all those things, but that’ s not the focus).
That’s not to say the instructors are uptight – they’re extremely friendly and helpful and classes are always a lot of fun! You learn a lot of movements that are completely different from other forms of dance and you’ll notice muscles you never thought existed. I have to disagree with something Kristen H. mentioned, though, about not wanting to jiggle your stomach to look like a fatass. I’ve actually learned to appreciate my jiggling from belly dance! Every woman’s got something extra that moves, and while my instinct was always to hide that, from really focusing on wanting to get better at belly dance that changed. When you’re doing something well, your body can make really neat jiggles and ripples that are rhythmic, that rise up from different parts of your body like waves.
By the way, my name is Cassandra but this is not my school. I just take classes here.

I have been taking classes with The Cassandra School for about 8 years now and I am so happy to have discovered such an amazing Middle Eastern dance school that is so highly regarded. I started dancing in my adult life as an absolute beginner. Women anywhere from the ages of early 20’s through 70’s have been in my classes over the years.
All of the instructors are professionals and have studied Middle Eastern Dance for many years, however the star of the Cassandra School is the founder herself, Cassandra Shore. Not only is Cassandra a marvelous dancer and choreographer, but she is also an amazing teacher, taking the time to break down movements and explain things so that you can work on developing the best technique. Instructors follow a curriculum so that dance steps and topics progress throughout the different class levels (levels 1 – 5). All the instructors are excellent and have their unique dancing and teaching styles.
If you are looking for a workout, belly dance is a great way to stay fit as well. The first portion of class is stretching and toning exercises, much like Pilates. Beginner classes focus on base techniques and some musicality. Advanced classes are longer (2 hours) and can be a very good cardio workout. Classes are extremely reasonable considering the classes are 1.5 to 2 hours and cost only as much as most 50 minute to 1 hour yoga/​pilates/​social dance classes.
The studio is a lot of fun to be around, it is a very friendly environment well suited to all levels. If you like Middle Eastern music, like to dance or have an artistic or creative streak, I highly recommend signing up for a class or a session to see for yourself how fun and inspiring taking classes at The Cassandra School can be.

I’ve taken 3 levels of classes at Jawaahir, and I loved it! You don’t need to have ANY experience to get started. The classes are fun, the instructors are kind, the other dancers were always friendly, and it’s a great workout.

I started at the Cassandra School with absolutely no dance experience and two left feet to boot. After 10 weeks of Kathy’s Level 1 class, I had learned a simple 2.5 minute choreography and had a chance to perform it at a ‘showing’ (their name for a recital) for friends and family.
The teaching is absolutely top-​notch and professional, and while I have only taken Kathy’s classes thus far, she makes everyone feel welcome regardless of experience, talent, fitness level or even body size. She breaks things down methodically and I have never felt overwhelmed or frustrated as she is very patient. In every class, not are you only learning new steps and movements, but you learn how to play zills (finger cymbals) and a whole lot about the history of belly dance and its cultural influences from the Middle East. What a deal!
Class rates are reasonable, for the first two levels it is $ 16/​class for a drop-​in, or $ 140 up front for 10 weeks of 1.5 hour classes. They have locations in Minneapolis, Bloomington and St. Paul with a variety of times to fit anyone’s schedule. They are flexible about going to another class if one is missed.
Nothing bad to say about this place and it’s a great way to spend an evening having fun that is also light exercise. Even if you think you’re not a dancer type, if you stick with you’ll feel a bit of a confidence boost and will be a whole lot more graceful. Totally worth it!

Wow! I knew belly dance was a good workout but didn’t know how fun and challenging it could be. I’m going to disagree with Amy Z and say it’s actually way more difficult than it looks. I’ve seen lots of chicks belly dance (given certain friends, plus my love of middle eastern cuisine and the fact that places with that style of food often employ dancers!). I saw it and thought ‘I can do that’. Then i went to class and realized… wait…you want me to shake my boobs… and my hips. at the same time. in the opposite directions. and meanwhile NOT shake my tummy to make me look like a fatass. damn. But all the instructors have been excellent and provide lots of great feedback and challenge you without making you feel bad. Totally worthwhile and so much fun.