Grace Ann Cerny-Pierce (USA)

"Joana goes beyond the dance. She´s an Egyptian Dance teacher, as well as a History teacher.

She sets her students on a path to authentically exploring Raqs Sharqi and classical music, and she truly wants them to dig deep into the culture and history that shapes the fundamentals of Middle Eastern dance and music. Understand Egyptian culture, which is a blend of deeply rooted ancient traditions and modern Arab influences.

She also empowers her students to be their authentic selves, setting personal intentions and goals."

Alana Hessa Lastochkina (Russia/Spain)

"I´m one of those super lucky and happy persons = Joana's student, and I can't thank her enough for all that she's shared with me, taught me; for her huge help to find my difficulties not only in dance but also in life.

I´m so excited to continue our path and see what comes next, because I never know what to expect but I am completely sure it will be a magic discovery, a precious experience, a light that will guide me in my way called Life. I can't recommend Joana enough.

You just ought to try her classes, and it´s not what I´m saying, but what comes from the deepest part of my heart."

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."

Juniper Willow (USA)

"I´m so thankful for you sharing your knowledge with the world.

I have to say, you truly changed my life in such a positive way. I feel so connected with Egyptian dance and myself on such a deeper level I had no idea it was even possible. I´m dreaming non-stop about learning more.
I cry tears of joy and a bit of sadness because this is what I have been searching for my entire life. I was so lost for so many years until I realized I wanted to be a dancer but then I became a lost dancer. Misguided because I had no one to teach me. Until I discovered you.

I fell deeply in love with Egyptian culture and I know I will visit Egypt one day. It’s so strange how the dance pulls you in. How it opens your eyes to learning the truth about the dance and Myself.

Baladi Awadi/ Baladi dance is the dance my body and spirit have been searching for. It´s right for my personality because it’s so grounded. I walk the earth barefoot. I dig my hands into the soil. I breathe with the trees and dance beneath the moon and the stars.
I live in the forest disconnected from society because that is where my heart belongs and I feel that is what brought me to Baladi. I had no knowledge of Baladi. I only knew it was a rhythm. I always wondered more about it and that’s how I found you. I googled info about Baladi and one of your YouTube videos popped up, so I decided to watch it and I was like whoa!!! Who is this beautiful magical woman? She knows what she is talking about so I watched more videos and then I saw you were a teacher. Once that discovery was made I saved every penny to sign up for one of your courses. I am hooked. I am completely hooked lol.

I feel more connected to the music. You have taught me how to listen. Once the music plays, my ears begin to twinkle and twitch like little antennas searching for the sound. Once the waves reach my ears they make their way to my heart and then my body moves in ways I didn’t even know it could. I was always so focused on what dance move I should do instead of just moving. Now I listen, feel and move. I am learning how to enjoy my dancing. I am tasting the moves and music, something I never would have thought of doing. I am less of a nervous dancer now when I am able to let go and just enjoy myself and the music.

I would highly recommend people to sign up for your courses if they wish to discover the true art of Egyptian dance. If they wish to dive deeper into the culture. If they wish to throw away their masks and become heart dancers. Exposing their inner world to the world.

Thank you again, Joana. I´m so blessed to have you as my teacher.
I´m like a drug addict waiting to get her fix but with knowledge (hahah). I wish you happiness, love, excellent health and many blessings."

Zoe Ni (China/USA)

"Simply the BEST. She pours out so much love, passion, light through the screen to all students and it inspires me so much. There had been doubts, confusions in my head but she is the one saying exactly what I need to hear to awaken myself. Now I feel my heart is more open for every movement. Her classes change the landscape of my dance basically. She is such a blessing  to the education of Egyptian Dance today."

Seiko Endo (Japan)

"I´d recommend this course because it was a great combination of dance lessons and personal development.

This course shifted my mind to be more focused on dance practice and it really helped me mentally and physically during the quarantine/state of emergency period.

Joana introduced beautiful dance sequences from each dance style, and it brought me a lot of joy to practice them.

She also prepared the personal skill sheet along with each lesson, which was a door to find more about myself and be conscious during the crisis.

Thank you so much for creating this wonderful course. This is already a cornerstone in my life."

Dana Moreno (Colombia)

"I´m very happy to have met Joana on my Oriental Dance path.

In her courses and method I´ve found answers to several needs and questions.

For instante, I´ve learned about the essence of Egyptian Dance, what´s essential and what makes it magical.

Everything Joana shares in her courses fascinates me: the concepts she introduces, the exercises she proposes find, recognize and build the unique dancer each of us carries within.

In all of her courses, I find an integrated and permanent way to develop self-empowerment, Egyptian Dance technique, and the essence of each style, all of it backed-up by the great richness of Joana´s experience in Egypt and her studies with the greatest musicians and Egyptian Dance masters. Furthermore, she does it all in a fun and vibrant way.

I´m deeply thankful for her generosity and for her willingness to create work that brings real evolution in her students.

Each course at Joana Saahirah´s Online Dance School is a meeting with myself, with my personal powers and unrecognized gifts.

Basically, I´m witnessing major growth in my dance and, above all, I feel happier and able to express who I am."

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!”

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!"

Madelyn Farr (USA)

"The success of Joana Saahirah's Online Dance School in my book is down to one thing: Joana Saahirah.

She is undoubtedly one of the most originally-minded, passionate, knowledgeable, and masterful teachers I've met in the Egyptian Dance field and beyond - and I've studied with many.

A course in Joana's online school is not just a technique class - it's a captivating, immersive experience that speaks to your heart, mind and soul. Not only do you get access to a choreography and a breakdown of Egyptian Dance technique, when you study with Joana, you're in for an adventure that will enrich your dance practice and your development as a human being.

Her methodology will offer you an opportunity to grow your life skill set.

Joana has effectively interlaced dance instruction with her view on the values and qualities inherent in Egyptian Dance and how to develop them in your personal life. She calls this training self-empowerment which is a the root of Egyptian Dance. It really doesn't matter how much personal growth work you may have already done.

I have a dance therapy background as a practitioner, and I've found her approach to dance/life skill instruction to be challenging, growthful and brilliantly unique.

I've noticed changes on a number of levels, most importantly in my expressiveness and in the fluidity of my movement. Joana doesn't shy away from opening her heart and revealing the power of her emotions.

She embodies her dance with such soulfulness - and encourages her students to do the same. Her gorgeous rendition of arm and hand technique - and the general fluidity that characterizes all of her movement - has nurtured my own skill for which I'm grateful.

Moreover, I'm solidifying my daily dance practice with an aim to furthering my own choreography. I credit my progress to my recent experience in the 30-day Challenge: Change Your Life With Egyptian Dance. In my many years of dance study, I've yet to find a dance teacher with such a holistic approach to instruction. 

I recommended the school to other students who would appreciate this rich a learning experience.

Joana asks a lot of her students because she is dedicated to helping them produce the results they are seeking. For all she expects, you will benefit abundantly."