Business Details
29 Years
experience
Authentic Middle Eastern Dance Classes in Miami
Founded in 1997 by internationally acclaimed artist Samay, Mid East Performing Arts Academy has dedicated over 25 years to preserving and teaching authentic Middle Eastern dance traditions in South Florida. Our academy offers comprehensive instruction in Egyptian-style and folklore-inspired dances through a team of four award-winning instructors with extensive global performance experience. We combine technical mastery with cultural education, emphasizing historical context, musicality, and artistic expression across our curriculum.Our graduates have achieved recognition in competitions like the USA Belly Dance Queen Competition and Lelah Masriya Dance Competition. We maintain partnerships with Miami Dade College's School of Continuing Education and Spotlight Dance Academy, providing state-of-the-art facilities and flexible enrollment options. Our professional dance troupe, Azhar Dance Ensemble, delivers culturally rich performances for diverse events while maintaining strict adherence to traditional presentation standards.
Services
Belly Dance Classes
Annual Dance Shows
Professional Performances
Dance Troupe Training
Cultural Workshops
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of specialized Middle Eastern dance instruction
- Our team includes internationally award-winning instructors
- We teach diverse dance styles from Egyptian golden era to modern folklore
- We provide professional performance opportunities through Azhar Dance Ensemble
- We maintain academic partnerships for structured dance education
What people say
Elegant performances
Award-winning instructors
Authentic Middle Eastern dance
Professional dance troupe
Cultural preservation
Services
Belly Dance Classes
Our comprehensive belly dance program offers progressive training from beginner fundamentals to advanced performance techniques. Students develop core skills in hip movements, shimmies, and musicality while learning traditional Egyptian and Middle Eastern dance forms. Classes emphasize proper posture, isolation control, and cultural context through structured curriculum developed by internationally recognized instructors.
Annual Dance Shows
We produce professional-grade dance productions showcasing authentic Middle Eastern choreography. These annual events feature student and professional performers executing traditional and contemporary routines with elaborate costumes and live music accompaniment. Past shows have attracted over 2,000 attendees, offering audiences immersive cultural experiences through dance.
Professional Performances
Our award-winning Azhar Dance Ensemble provides cultural entertainment for special events. Available for weddings, festivals, and corporate functions, our performers deliver authentic Egyptian-style presentations with strict adherence to traditional presentation standards. We offer coordination with professional Arabic musicians and costume color matching services for events.
Dance Troupe Training
We offer advanced training for dancers seeking professional performance opportunities. The Azhar Dance Ensemble program develops technical precision, stage presence, and ensemble coordination through specialized rehearsals. Members participate in international competitions and cultural events, maintaining the academy's reputation for excellence in Middle Eastern dance presentation.
Cultural Workshops
Our educational programs explore the historical and cultural context of Middle Eastern dance forms. Students learn about regional variations, traditional music, and the social evolution of dance styles. Workshops include finger cymbal instruction and choreography analysis, providing comprehensive understanding of this ancient art form's cultural significance.
People
Amara Sayid
Artistic Director
Internationally recognized Egyptian dance specialist with over 20 years teaching experience. 2013 USA Belly Dance Queen Competition winner and former student of master instructor Samay. Leads advanced classes and directs the Azhar Dance Ensemble.
Danna Yasbet
Instructor
Award-winning dance artist with professional performance experience since 2008. Specializes in Egyptian-style dance with classical performing arts background. Teaches fundamental technique classes and participates in international dance festivals.
Jihan Jamal
Master Instructor
45-year veteran in Middle Eastern dance education and ethnology. Founder of ADORA World Dance Productions and Women Of the Silk Veil cultural club. Teaches specialty courses on traditional dance forms and cultural history.
Kelly
Instructor
Professional performance artist and choreographer with international touring experience. Founded Belly by Kelly instructional company and BBK Bellydance Boutique. Teaches intermediate and advanced classes with focus on technical development.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We specialize in Egyptian-style belly dance including classical, modern, and folklore-inspired variations, with instruction in traditional Middle Eastern dance forms.
Are classes available for beginners?
Yes, our Level 1 classes provide fundamental technique instruction for complete beginners with no prior dance experience required.
Can I book performances for private events?
Our professional Azhar Dance Ensemble is available for cultural festivals, weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions with advance booking.
Do you offer payment plans?
We provide flexible payment options including single classes, multi-session packages, and multiple payment methods through our online system.
Are there performance opportunities for students?
Yes, students can participate in annual dance shows and our Mermaids of the Nile student dance group with appropriate skill level development.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Sualy Sardinas
Apr 28, 2021
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Excellent studio with passionate and friendly staff. From the moment you walk in they make you feel welcomed. All instructors are knowledgeable and patient. Always a fun experience!
Dunia Wilson
Apr 25, 2021
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What an incredible dance program. Ive been a dancer my entire life but this school has honestly exceeded my expectations! The teachers are patient, engaging, fun and super super talented! What I love most is the authenticity and rounded education. Not only do you learn the dance moves, you also learn the history and geography of where they originate from. Its such a breath of fresh air. Its been a mental health relief for me during Covid. If I could give them a million stars I would. 10/10 highly recommend! Bring your friends, family and coworkers no matter the age, body type or level
Jeni Pins
Apr 15, 2021
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After the pandemic Ive decided to do what Ive always wanted and it was to learn how to Bellydance. What I like the most is the instructors professionalism and knowledge towards the culture, the costumes, rhythms, and dancing styles, they teach you all about it besides dancing. The classes are fun, stress free to follow, and if you dont know they help you and care for your performance. Im a newbie and I love my me time learning Bellydance :)
Jocelyn Obando
Oct 15, 2019
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Looking for a dance studio to learn middle eastern dance culture (Bellydance) in the Miami/kendall area? This is the place to be! MEPAA is a dance studio with instructors and directors who are truly inspiring, passionate and influential in teaching their students authentic middle eastern dance, culture and art. This studio is so fun, welcoming and oozing with knowledge; from the awesome students, spacious dance studio space, and talented and patient instructors!
Kadence Wheeler
Feb 05, 2018
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I have tried several dance schools and instructors between Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, but I found my home at MEPAA. Never have I experienced a set of instructors who are not only skilled and talented but equally passionate and diligent about preserving the art of the dance, it's culture and what it represents to the dance community. You feel like a family when you come to dance in the studio and are immediately welcomed by the sisterhood here. Not only do you learn the incredible moves, but you also learn and understand the origins of the dance. By far one of th best experiences I have ever had
Adriana Quintero
Sep 14, 2017
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This academy has been my home for over 15 years. It has given me the chance to meet incredible women, break out of my shell, and achieve my dance dreams. I recommend all of you who are looking for a passionate and authentic Middle Eastern or Central Asian dance environment to study with any of the amazing instructors. You won't regret it! They have classes of all levels and many chances to dance on stage in beautiful costumes. This school instilled a passion for this magnificent culture that will never go away.
Pre-Rich Not Broke
Sep 09, 2017
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I love this academy! I've always wanted to learn belly dance and I'm so glad I found an authentic middle eastern school to teach me! The girls are friendly and the classes are so much fun!! My dreams are coming to reality with MEPAA! Thank You Amara for everything! So happy I found you all!!!
