Linda Hadj (Spain)

This year, I subscribed to 4 courses at Joana Saahirah´s Online Dance School and, honestly, her courses are amazing, I recommend them 100% because she teaches you the dance technique and choreography but the Egyptian Culture behind the dance, the mentality behind each movement.

Furthermore, she develops you on a personal level - emotionally and psychologically -, something that can help you evolve in your dance and in your life.

If you´re wondering if you should join her school, I´d say “don´t think twice, join it now!”

Cecilia Zuñiga (Costa Rica)

"I definitely recommend the school to all dancers and women who want to work not only in their dance but also in their personal development.

Everything I have learned in school has changed the way I perceive everything that surrounds me, and that influences my dances and my life in a very positive way."

Juniper Willow (USA)

"I loved this course.
I loved being taught the importance of dancing with love. I loved the choreography and the feeling of each movement.

It brings out the soul and emotion every time I dance to it.
I feel I'm more confident with expressing my emotions in my dance and life. I have more respect and appreciation for classical Egyptian music.

Joana, I would tell the world to take your courses.
You honestly deserve an award for teacher of the year.
Every course I take of yours I am seeing my skills improving.
I love you as my teacher. I am so blessed and thankful to have the opportunity to study with you. Thank you for putting your heart and soul into teaching us."

Jill Shireen (Canada)

"I´m loving the courses I've taken at Joana Saahirah´s Online Dance School, they are comprehensive, challenging and fun at the same time.

My dance feels more authentic because it's more authentically ME. Joana leaves no stone unturned and attends to every detail in one's life that needs attention in making them a better dancer.

Joana is an extremely knowledgeable and generous teacher who gives 150% to her students. In addition to providing rich detail and respect for the history and pioneers of the dance, her school provides a path to self-love and empowerment through her unique and caring teaching style."

Jian Sakakeeny (China/USA)

"When a dance friend from the Philippines sent me the link to Joana’s Facebook Live chat on her Baladi Awadi course I didn’t realize that I was going to hit a jackpot that would enrich my dance life forever. The more courses that I take, the more I get hooked.

Before long, I have signed up 8 separate courses and most recently the annual membership for the signature course. But why?

First of all, what appealed to me was the holistic approach that Joana takes to each of her courses, i.e. physical, emotional, and spiritual. And it makes total sense to learn how to integrate these elements to enhance the soulfulness of the dance, a passage leading to the divine.

Secondly, all the courses that I have taken were well designed and really focused on each of my problematic areas such as shimmies, hands and arms, hips, traveling steps, how to interpret lyrics, etc.

As the result, my vocabulary for each area got greatly expanded and my techniques, strengthened.

Thirdly, Joana’s dance style is creative in such a way that really resonates with me. Furthermore, Joana is incredibly knowledgeable about not only Arabic music but also non-Arabic music.

Since I started working with Joana four months ago I have created three choreographies. I noticed a dramatic difference between the ones that I created before and the new ones after Joana’s school. The creativity that Joana emphasises so much has become a crucial driver in my approach.

Suddenly, I feel very liberated in my application of the techniques and concepts that I have learned. Joana often says that education and application go hand in hand. And I found that the creativity she instilled in us can really make the application take off.

I recommend Joana´s School to anyone because of the transformation that I have experienced in my choreographies and performances."

Samantha Page (UK)

"You are an excellent teacher, amazing dancer & a beautiful person inside & out.

You absolutely radiate while teaching & dancing & your passion, knowledge & love for Egyptian Dance is so uplifting & infectious.
I listen & watch all your YouTube classes & bonuses as I find them so empowering & positive. It makes me believe anything is possible if I try....

So much love, Joana, & many many thanks."

Nuraya Nicole Mohn (Germany)

"I enjoyed Joana Saahirah´s Course soooo much.
Well explained and enough repetitions - it was really easy to follow.
And what I liked the most: The enormous
knowledge you shared with us. You made me understand what is Shaabi, for real.
Everything was so well-founded. This is really rare these days.
Most teachers don't care, mix up everything, don't even know what
Egyptian Dance is about and where the different styles come from.

I appreciate this very much, thank you.
And it helps me to develop my dance and grow as a person."

Heather Henna Louise (USA)

"Taking online classes with Joana Saahirah has allowed me to fall even more in love with Oriental dance than I thought possible.

As a teacher, Joana doesn't teach steps, she cultivates artists. She expects nothing less than your authentic self in every move, and she is a living example of that integrity.

Don't get me wrong, she can break down a shimmy with the best of them, but connecting you to the purpose behind that shimmy is where Joana truly shines as a teacher.

Whether in class or on stage, she is unapologetically creative and alive. Not only does she dance outside of the box, but she respects the hell out of that box, too!

From our first class, Joana has pinpointed exactly what I needed and laid out exercises and inspirations to get me there. I truly look forward to my practice these days, which is often self-discovery. Learning from Joana is the most serious kind of fun.

Thank you, Joana!"

Justine Riekena (USA)

"To study Egyptian dance with Joana Saahirah is to embark on an incredible personal journey — a journey of self-discovery, re-education and expansive growth.

This is not a course of study for those who are game to join the “belly dance bandwagon” or those simply looking to spice up their exercise regimen. It is not for the weak-hearted, you will find yourself nudged (gently, thoughtfully) outside comfort zones in order to ensure your progress.

Warning: boldness and courage may be required! In two months of study with Joana, I´ve experienced as much growth as I have in the last two years of studio classes.

More importantly, however, is the unique synthesis, context and connections I now understand by learning in this special way. My very personal journey has purposefully, artfully meandered as easily from Bauhaus to Glenn Gould to the Dionysian Mysteries as it has from Baladi to Tarab to Mawal.

As Joana repeats like a mantra, “It’s all connected.” What an incredible ride… what an incredible gift."

Yara Sultan (USA)

"She is a really *magical* dancer and teacher, my understanding of Egyptian dance (and my dance) has been trans-formative, deepened, since taking ONLY her online classes!

She develops each class personal based on your needs that are visible (and invisible) to you. What you think you know, you really have no idea! I don't even know how to begin without writing a novel.

I can only imagine what her live classes/workshops are like! Not only does she develop your dance, but your understanding of Egyptian history, the people and their culture, and learning the heart of it all... the great secrets to this dance you don't hear about in your normal classes.

Time is spent in EACH class developing not only your dance, but your understanding of the magic behind it all. Sometimes in very unusual but exciting, and interesting ways."

Zoe Ni (China) 

"Joana is the real thing. Simply the best."

Mariana Artaza (Argentina)

"There are many kinds of teachers and then, there are special teachers, like Joana Saahirah, who carry the power of transformation on their skin, and that shows, it passes on to all her students; because the best teaching we can offer someone is the love for what we do. 

To study with this prestigious dancer and teacher is to embark on a beautiful journey without end; without return; a very intimate and deep trip. Her classes are unmatched! Her world is magical, she´s magical."