Shabnam Bellydance & Stretch Studio

This is a review for Shabnam’s Flexibility and Contortion classes.
I have been training with Shabnam for several years now. I first came to her with a burning desire to fulfill a New Year’s resolution — to learn how to do the splits before I turned 40. It took me over a year (only training once or twice a week – or else I would have had those splits faster), but I did it. There is no way I could have accomplished this safely (or ever) just by doing yoga or trying to figure it out on my own. I even tried other flexibility classes offered at those circus places around Oakland. They were a joke.
I wanted to be more flexible because I also wanted to take up ballet and modern dance, which I did. There’s no way you can do those dance styles with grace without having a good range of motion. Flexibility training is a must for any style of dance, and while you can develop flexibility (and strength) through dance training, you really need to train separately in those things if you ever want to do anything interesting in dance. Luckily, Shabnam’s flexibility classes focuses on both of these things. Classes are small and semi-​private, the main reason you will see progress as long as you commit to coming to class regularly. She will push you while never letting you do anything dangerous. You will be sore, but I would have quit a long time ago if that had never been the case. Her classes aren’t for relaxation. They are for people who have a specific goal.
Over the years I have taken classes with every age range and body type imaginable. Flexibility is one of the few things that CAN get better regardless of where you’re at in terms of age and weight. I have witnessed this first hand with the people I have taken her class with. If you don’t believe it, come check out a middle-​aged, big-​butted woman on Saturday morning do the splits and you will become a believer!
P. S. I haven’t trained with her in bellydance, but I know they are popular classes!

I have been a student of Shabnam’s for two years now and it has truly changed my life. I first went in for the stretch classes and eventually ended up in her bellydance classes. I have taken all the classes she offers and can honestly say that she is a master of her art. With her charismatic and funny personality, she will challenge you and inspire you to get better and dream high.

I have been taking classes with Shabnam for almost a year now and it has made A HUGE impact to my dancing! If you want to work on being a better dancer, or just wanting a good work out (with those choo choo shimmies) you need to come here! Shabnam’s 360 degree teaching style is challenging, detail oriented, all consuming fun and totally addicting! On top of her regular classes, she also holds workshops for specific details in oriental dance, whether it’s hair tossing, back bends, stage presence… I highly recommend Shabnam Dance Studio for anyone at any level of belly dancing!

A very flexible friend of mine from my dance team recommended the flexibility class. I just finished my first month and it was worth every penny. Highly recommended for anybody who would like to gain flexibility. Shabnam is awesome!

After six years of training with Shabnam, my life has been immensely improved for the better. She is an absolutely remarkable teacher who will motivate you and get you to challenge yourself in ways you never thought possible. Her bubbly personality is contagious– it makes you forget how hard you are working!
Not only is she a fantastic, detail-​oriented teacher, but she is a magnificent performer. Seriously, go look her up on YouTube right now!
This is a great place to come if you want to be active or work on your flexibility. If your goal is to truly learn this beautiful art form, than coming here is a MUST. She is a master finger cymbal player, and an expert on all things bellydance.
5 stars for the BEST bellydance teacher around! I’m sooo lucky i found her!

I’ve studied Belly dance in New York City and Los Angeles, and I have never had a teacher as great as Shabnam. I just completed her Basics Class and learned more in that time than in months of previous classes — and I will definitely be taking more!
She has this joyful enthusiastic energy, obviously loves and is passionate about dancing and teaching. I’ve never had this much fun belly dancing, and I feel comfortable and at ease to be there, release and let go into dancing. It’s rare to find that in a teacher anywhere.

i’m enrolled in the flexibility 1 series. it seems as though all the other people in the class are familiar with the teacher and her other classes, but i’m only taking this series and it’s my first time with this teacher and with these types of classes. i have to say that as a beginner, i’m having a great time and am learning a lot. i was worried about feeling intimidated or awkward, but it’s a very positive environment. i feel like i will take a bunch of these warmups and stretches and try them at home. shabnam is very friendly and encourages you to try things that are maybe out of your comfort zone in a positive way, which is pretty awesome. she takes time to give everyone individual attention and accommodates different levels and experience in class. even though i’m new, a beginner, and don’t practice classical bellydance or ballet like everyone else, i don’t feel alienated or left out in her flexibility class. i’m definitely interested in trying the contortion series after this one is done. i also notice that after sitting at a desk all day long, these stretches are having a positive effect on my sore office body!

I am a newbie to Shabnam dance studio, but have been dancing for many years on the east coast. Never have I had a teacher so devoted to the success and happiness of her students. Shabnam’s classes are worth every penny! The class is structured in a positive, comfortable environment where the students are encouraged to express themselves and discover the beauty of belly dance.
I love coming to every practice :)

WOW!!! Where do I start…
I have been taking classes from Shabnam for 7 years. Shabnam is hands down the best instructor I have ever taken a class from!!! I have taken several classes and workshops, and I’m a firm believer that you get what you pay for in her classes. You drill PROPER technique so much that you can go home and do it in your sleep. She will also correct you if you are doing something incorrect. Shabnam shows and explains to you the proper muscles that you need to be using in order to do certain movements. This comes in handy so you don’t injure yourself. She trains her dancers to be all around good (not just good at one particular thing). If you’re up for the challenge go to the store and get some epson salt cause you are going to need it.
Shabam is not just a dancer but an artist. Her students are a reflection of her and she takes pride in everybody. I highly recommend Shabam’s Bellydance Studio. I wouldn’t drive 600 miles from Las Vegas for lessons if I thought otherwise!!!
Go big, or go home!!! ;-)

I have recently joined the belly dancing world and I have to say that coming in for the first time I was very intimidated and shy about it. Shabnam however, makes it easy and comfortable for new students to start feeling comfortable. I have known many friends who tell me that they always have been wanting to learn belly dancing but they are afraid because it’s unknown, I would encourage anyone who loves the music, the movements, or even if you want to try it for fun, to come in and try at least one session.
Shabnam is an outstanding teacher. She is very technical and detailed and will give you the individual attention to correct you and coach you. She hypnotizes me every time I see her move, she is just amazing… Once you see her sharp, precise yet delicate movements, you won’t see belly dancers the same way.
She offers great introductory and basic classes, and even though I am not at that level, I know she has great contortionist and advance level classes. It has given me awareness of my body, of what it can do, of how it can look, I feel great and it has also given me a bit of an edge in my other dancing styles. Try it, you own it to yourself!

I am shocked that I am the 1^st to review Shabnam, especially considering how completely awesome she is both as a dancer and instructor. I have been taking classes with her for about 2 years now and I can say that her class is the highlight of my week.
First off, let me start by saying that this is not just a class, it is a «school» of bellydance. If you are looking for a kumbaya type of class where everything you do is «great» or «beautiful» then this is not the place for you. Her classes are challenging both physically and mentally as she makes it a point to ensure that you are not only learning something, but being respectful of the dance as well. You will learn to manipulate muscles that you never knew existed and in turn those muscles will come back to haunt you (in a good way of course.) My posture, self image and physique have all benefitted from my time with Shabnam and if you are dedicated and hardworking, you can reaps the benefits of Shabnam’s knowledge and talent as well. (once you sign up for her class, run to you local CVS and stock up on the Epsom salts for your post class soak, you’re going to need them.)
Now if you are not ready to take on the challenge that is her class, you should at the very least track her down and see her perform. Her choreographies are the perfect blend of strength and grace; I can’t remember a performance of hers where I didn’t tear up or get the chills, she’s just that wonderful to watch.
She is definitely in a league of her own and we are very, very lucky to have her teaching and performing in the bay