Nazeem Allayl Belly Dance Studio

I would like to offer a response to some of the issues that Mila C raises in her review:
Regarding teachers: No beginners teach our classes. All our teachers are troupe members, which means they passed the six month audition process in addition to a two month teacher training seminar. That's nearly one year in in addition to whatever classes they took before they joined our ranks. Most teachers have four or more years of intensive belly dance background and performed in restaurants.
And if one prefers Schadia's style, she is teaching six courses per week. If you are an intermediate level student, only Schadia and on occasion senior teachers teach the higher level classes.
Regarding the intermediate level requirements: One has to complete 4 beginner choreographies, and there is a fast-forward option for transfer students: Take one course w/Schadia and show her that you know your Shimmies and that you can learn a choreography.
Regarding Studio Show costume cost: We provide numerous performance opportunities for students that do not require a costume at all - a coin sash is all that's needed (Hafla's, Amateur nights). For our studio shows, we publish the cost of the costume in advance, and it has always been around $100, starting at $95 in Fall 09, $97 Spring 09, or $89 Fall 08. That includes skirt, pants, sash, jewelry etc. The cost of the costume also pays for 4 supervised 1hr practices AND 2 hr staging AND a 2 hr orientation meeting. We challenge you to find a better deal anywhere.

Posted 11/10/09 | Report Abuse

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I've taken a couple of classes at Atlanta Bellydance Studio and the the quality of instruction has changed.

I first took classes with the owner before she had studios around town, when she taught in her living room that was converted into a studio. The instruction with the owner herself is high quality. However, the instruction with her other teachers is mediocre at best. As her studios grew and she needed other teachers to run her classes, she brings in teachers with very little experience and has beginners teaching her classes. While they may be able to do the moves, don't ask a question because they can't answer them due to their inexperience. It's clear to anyone with experience that they don't know what they are talking about--or they give robotic, regurgitated non-answers.

Also the system in which the studios are run is quite money-grubbing and if you are a dancer with experience coming into their studio, you must pay to take ALL SEVEN of their beginner classes before advancing, even if you are already at an advanced level. If you are a beginner and want to participate in studio shows, you have to spend at least $200 on the costuming that the performers are required to wear and you have to pay for rehearsals.

If you can take classes with the owner herself, you will get quality instruction. If you take classes with some of her newer, inexperienced teachers, you will feel like you've wasted your money.

Posted 10/24/09 | Report Abuse

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I have been taking classes here on and off for almost a year and I absolutely love it! The teachers are very nice and connect with you one on one. You work up a sweat within the first 5 mins! There are a lot of different classes you can choose or even just come in for a walk-in class. I never thought I would be dedicated to any form of exercise but I couldn't live without belly dancing at Nazeem Allayl!

Posted 01/13/09 | Report Abuse

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Nazeem Allayl Belly Dance or Atlanta Belly Dance has 3 studios. The perimeter one is my favorite, its large and gives the dancers room, great store also. I have been taking dance classes for over a year and love it. Take a class - you will agree.

Posted 01/12/09 | Report Abuse

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I'm a student and have been for a while. They offer many classes, different dances and levels. Good prices for classes, the stores have a good assortment of dance costumes and class wear and accessories. I highly recommend taking a class.

Posted 01/04/09 | Report Abuse

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