Maha Bellydance
Maha is a Middle Eastern Belly Dance artist and instructor located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Belly dance performances and bellydance classes available in Toronto & the GTA.
Tel:(647) 654-6242
Email: maha@mahabellydance.com (Fastest Response)
Learn to Bellydance - Belly dance Classes in Toronto
May 11 – June 22 (no classes Victoria Day Long Weekend)
7 Classes: $126(HST Included)
Drop-In: $22 per class(HST Included)
Location: Street Dance Academy. 160 Spadina Ave, second floor (Queen St W & Spadina)
Beginner Bellydance: Saturdays 11:15am
Learn More About Bellydance Classes
Workshops
Choreography Candy Workshop
Saturday May 11 1:30pm-4pm
452 College St - Xing Dance Studio, South entrance, downstairs. @ College & Bathurst.
Dynamic oriental entrance choreography
Cost: $40, in advance, $45 at the door
To register: maha@mahabellydance.com
About
Maha has been drawn to performing arts all her life. Since she was young, she engaged herself in dance and music. It was a natural thing to do coming from a family of singers and musicians. Maha began her formal training in Victoria, B.C with Aiewa School of Cultural Dances under the direction of Christina Bates. After finishing her degree in anthropology, Maha traveled to Turkey and Egypt to undergo intensive dance studies. In 2007, Maha spent a year in Montreal to undertake studies with her teacher and mentor, Hadia. Maha has completed all 3 levels of Hadia’s Teacher Training program in addition to her Professional Dance Training program. While in Montreal, Maha founded Maha Bellydance Dance school and was a regular performer at La Menara and La Gazelle.
In 2008, Maha came to Toronto to be a full time faculty member at Hannan's Bellydance Studio and student troupe director for the Sultanettes. Maha has also been a member of and choreographed for Alhambra Dance Company, a flamenco/bellydance fusion dance company.
Building an impressive resume, Maha has hundreds of performances under her belt in addition to a gold medal in the 2007 AQDO competition, a performance for the Turkish Ambassador, and Egyptian Super star Dina. In 2010, Maha was a featured performer at the International Bellydance Conference of Canada(IBCC).
In Toronto, Maha has been a regular performer - everywhere! She has been a regular dancer at fine establishments such as Tabule Middle Eastern Cuisine, Anatolia Turkish Restaurant, Aladdins Palace, Ambrosia, Zanobia, and the Carasauga Turkish Pavilion. Maha, in addition to regular wedding & special event performances, currently performs a monthly show at Rayhoon Persian Eatery on the third Friday of each month.
Hire Maha
Tel: (647) 654-6242
Email: maha@mahabellydance.com (Fastest Response)
Considering bringing an exciting and energetic addition to your event or establishment? Maha is a sought out performer who is available for your event.
Restaurants, Parties, Weddings, Festivals, Corporate Events, Night Clubs, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Bachelorette Parties, Concerts, Christmas Parties, Galas...etc.
What's involved in a bellydance show
The first part of a show begins with an exciting veil or Isis wing entrance. The second part typically involves audience participation (especially if there is a guest of honor!) and is always fun and tasteful. If you prefer to sit and enjoy a show with no audience interaction, just let Maha know. The show finishes with a lively drum solo. Shows frequently involve the use of cane or finger cymbals. Shamadan can be performed by request for an additional fee.
All music is provided by Maha on a CD and may be composed of Arabic, Turkish, or Greek songs (both classical and modern) as suitable for the event. If an Arabic band is already provided, Maha can probably dance with them. If musicians or more than one dancer are required, Maha can help you with that.
Duration
The best length of time for a show is 20 mins; however, depending on the event, the show may be lengthened or shortened. Much time beyond 20mins may be over kill and wont be appreciated by your guests. If your event requires a longer performance, please call for a consultation. Adding a second show in the evening is another option to consider if you would like more entertainment.
Want to know more? View hiring Maha FAQs: Client side of things: Hiring a Bellydancer FAQs
*Please note that Maha and her affiliate dancers do not perform at bachelor parties or all male events.
Bridal Showers, Bachelorettes, Girls Night
Combine a brief performance with a lesson at your bridal shower or bachelorette! This combination takes 40mins-1hr, depending on the size of the group. Smaller parties (less than 30 women), up to an hour lesson works well. For larger groups, a shorter lesson is suggested followed by a fun bellydance contest for the remaining time. Contact Maha for suggestion on how to make your bellydance performance/lessons a great time for you and your guests!
Maha will priovide some hipscarves for guests to wear. Performance & Lesson combination is done on location at your event.
Weddings
Bellydancers at weddings is common among certain Middle Eastern cultures. Maha is an experienced wedding entertainer and appreciates the signifigance of your special day. Bellydance shows are high energy and are great for getting the party started. Therefore, the best time for a bellydance show is anytime after dinner to later in the evening. Bellydancers will typically dance with the bride & groom together and then some of the guests. If you would prefer Maha not to ask you or your guests to dance, just let her know in advance.
Maha will only dance at weddings where both the bride & groom are happily anticipating a bellydance show. Guests or family may hire Maha as a gift for the bride & groom so long as it is not a surprise.
Zeffas
Zeffas may include props such as shamadan, cane, and finger cymbals.
The cost of the Zeffa is the same cost of a regular show. To combine a Zaffa with a bellydance show later in the evening, please contact Maha. For multiple dancers and/or musicians, please contact Maha.
Prices
| Location | Maha Only | Maha + One Dancer | Maha + Two Dancers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Toronto | $250 | $450.00 | $550.00 |
| Outside Downtown Toronto (East York, North York, Etobicoke, York and West Scarborough) |
$275 | $550.00 | $625.00 |
| Greater Toronto Area (Pickering, Mississauga, Thornhill, Richmond Hill, Markham, South Brampton, Woodbridge/Vaughan, East Scarborough) |
$300 | $575.00 | $675.00 |
| ***Outside Greater Toronto Area (Halton Hills, North Brampton, Oakville, King City, Whitby etc) |
$350 | $600.00 | $725.00 |
| Weekly Nightclub or Restaurant | $150 - $200 | ||
| Monthly Nightclub or Restaurant | $200 - $300 | ||
*Add 50% for New Years Eve & Christmas Eve or Day
Distance beyond ***Outside Greater Toronto Area is subject to a $50 per half hour travel time.
Booking Policy, Contract, & Payment
Booking Maha requires a 25% non-refundable deposit and an agreement to the terms and conditions stated on the contract. Deposit can be made by paypal, credit card (MasterCard or Visa), cheque, or cash. The balance is due the day of the performance. Payments accepted for the balance are as follows: cash, paypal (in advance), cheque (corporate only, no personal cheques).
How To Book
1. Email or call Maha (text is ok too!) and let her know the location of the event, date, and performance time.
2. Maha will email you a booking agreement, which looks like this: View a sample PDF contract
3. A 25% deposit is required to secure the date and time. Deposit can be made by cash, cheque, credit card, paypal, or email transfer. The balance is due the day of the event.
Learn to Bellydance
New classes and locations coming soon!
Interested in joining a class? Email Maha and she will notify you of the times & locations when they are starting.
Email: maha@mahabellydance.com (Fastest Response)
Interested in joining a class? Email Maha and she will notify you of the times & locations when they are starting.
Tel:(647) 654-6242
Email: maha@mahabellydance.com (Fastest Response)
Bellydance Classes
Learn Egyptian style bellydance. Learning an artform is a journey starting with a beginner level, intermediate, advanced, then professional. In each level, movements are broken down into their simplest components for easy aquisition. Movements are then practiced with repitition and variation, then put into sequences and choreographies, to get you really dancing! History ∧ cultural aspects are covered. Students learn both Oriental and folkloric styles, props, music, improvisation techniques, and have opportunities to perform in student settings.
Time
Saturdays 11:15am
Private Classes
Private classes and Semi Private classes are an excellent way to get feedback and instruction on technique and choreographies that students cannot get in class. It is recommended to take a few a year as a supplement to weekly classes. For students wanting to achieve a high level of mastery of the art form or become professional, private lessons are necessary. Privates can be taken instead of weekly classes for out of town students or for those who cannot schedule a regular weekly class.
*Lessons must be paid in full in advance to secure studio & Maha's time. Payment can be made by cash, cheque, paypal, or credit card.
Workshops
Choreography Candy Workshop
Saturday May 11 1:30pm-4pm
452 College St - Xing Dance Studio, South entrance, downstairs. @ College & Bathurst.
Dynamic oriental entrance choreography
Cost: $40, in advance, $45 at the door
To register: maha@mahabellydance.com
Prices
Group Classes
May 11 – June 22 (no classes Victoria Day Long Weekend)
7 Classes: $126(HST Included)
Drop-In: $22 per class(HST Included)
Private Classes
All Privates are 1hr long and cost:
- 1 student - $90 (HST Included)
- 2 students - $100 (HST Included)
- 3 students - $110 (HST Included)
Location
Street Dance Academy. 160 Spadina Ave, second floor (Queen St W & Spadina)