Dragonfly Dance is dedicated to bringing quality bellydance instruction in Toronto that is open to creative exploration while keeping great respect for the traditional forms of the dance. Our focus is versatile. While our foundation is Oriental Raqs Sharki, composed by both Egyptian and American Oriental styles, our classes spring from a vision that is open to the exploration of diverse styles: from the traditional rich folklore variety of the Middle East to the modern developments of Bellydance fusion and the enthralling images of Bellydance fantasy. Our view of bellydance is spiritually and creatively inspiring, free in its exploratory component, yet grounded in a deep understanding of the roots of the dance. Dragonfly Dance is a unique school, forming students in traditional Egyptian Dance but also well rounded artists knowledgeable and skilled in different international bellydance styles and both traditional and modern bellydance props.more...See more text
Ruyah fondly remembers the first time she saw a bellydance performance. She was invited to a show while visiting her sister in Halifax. “I was amazed,” Ruyah remembers. “I thought it was the most beautiful thing.” After she returned home to Toronto, Ruyah sought out bellydance classes in the city and immersed herself in learning and practising the dance form.
One of the most popular classes in the city was taught by Zahira, who accidentally fell into bellydance while studying at the University of Toronto. Ruyah and Zahira quickly bonded over their love for bellydance and dreamed about running their own bellydance school. So they teamed up, found the perfect studio space in The Annex and opened Dragonfly Bellydance in 2010.