Nazeem Allayl Belly Dance Studio

I have had some of the best experiences at Nazeem Allayl Studios! I have taken classes at 2 of their locations and I have yet to be disappointed. The teachers know their stuff and make you feel very comfortable. They go slow and really break down their choreographies. And actually, since belly dancing, I have lost 10lbs!! I just cant seem to stop shimmying! I dont know what I was imagining when I decided to take belly dance, but I had no idea it was going to be this much fun! A big thank you to Nazeem Allayl studios for giving me back my confidence!

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I have been a student of Nazeem Allayl for four years now, and can I tell you that never have I ever felt that any of the teachers were "newbies". In fact, some teachers, like She'nez for instance, are such great teachers that me and the other girls in the studio have many times found ourselves talking about how well she/other teachers can teach: Sometimes we don't know what we are doing wrong but these teachers can break the move down and pin point exactly what we are doing/not doing that needs to change.

What I also like about this studio is that the teachers push us, they challenge us, to do faster pelvic drops, smoother snake arms, to really push out our vertical hip circles, while constantly reminding us to watch our facial expressions and our hands. THIS is quality instruction.

Oh, and about the price... yes, I too challenge Mila to find a better price for class. Ladies, if you pre-pay for a $60 class, it comes out to $50. Then, you have six classes. Do the math. That is less than $10 a class, and each class is an hour.

I was in the last studio show, and yes I paid about $100 for a beautiful costume that I can wear as glamorous class wear again, plus I had extensive practices for my dance and thus was able to perfect it. I think that was a good investment. :-)

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Take what you read in these reviews with a grain of salt. Mila C has written some very incorrect information in her review of Nazeem Allayl.

I've been taking classes at Nazeem Allayl (Little Five location) for a year and a half now, and I absolutely love it there. I go to the walk-in workout classes about once a week and I've also taken several beginner level choreographies. I've found that the teachers are really great, and I've never run into any teacher who seems like a "newbie." I have heard from other students that some teachers are better than others, but I've always enjoyed the teachers I've taken from at Little Five.

The reason I think this studio is so great is because I've taken belly dance classes elsewhere. Trust me, the teachers at Nazeem Allayl are waaay better. They explain things more clearly and they seem to have more knowledge of the Middle East and its traditions in general than other cookie cutter teachers across Atlanta. I've always found the women here to be very engaging and they've always been willing to help me after class if I can't get a move.

One more thing: I was also in a studio show at this studio last Fall. My costume cost me just about $100. I actually got a discount on it because I already had the shoes. So I have no idea what this Mila C woman is talking about when she says that costumes are so expensive.

All I know is that the show was ridiculously fun. I had lots of laughs with the other women, and I've never felt so beautiful---other than on my wedding day of course :o) Not to mention that I really got better at my belly dancing thanks to all the practices before the show.

TOTALLY recommend this place!

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I agree with Mila C. The teachers ARE newbies. You can look at their profile and see that they haven't been dancing long. And if you look at their dancing, it's more moving around than BELLY dancing.

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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.

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1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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.

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1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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!

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0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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.

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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.

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