Lets Belly Dance

For residents across Mesa, Arizona, and the wider Phoenix metropolitan area, seeking a unique and enriching form of movement, Lets Belly Dance offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the captivating world of belly dance. In our active Arizona communities, where diverse cultural experiences are increasingly valued, finding a specialized dance studio that caters to all skill levels is a significant advantage. Lets Belly Dance is more than just a class; it’s a vibrant community where individuals can learn an ancient art form, enhance their fitness, and connect with others in a supportive and fun environment. Under the expert guidance of acclaimed instructor Sara Shrapnell, this studio provides a welcoming space for anyone, from curious beginners to seasoned professionals, to discover the grace, strength, and joy of belly dance right here in our local area.

The core philosophy at Lets Belly Dance, championed by instructor Sara Shrapnell, is built on accessibility, quality instruction, and a deep passion for the art form. Sara, an accomplished belly dance writer, teacher, mentor, and performer originally from the UK, relocated to Arizona to continue sharing her extensive knowledge. Her approach focuses on making belly dance achievable and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of prior experience. As one highly satisfied student noted, "Sara is an amazing teacher and a wonderful friend. She is always ready to answer questions and help students with anything they need." This personal attention ensures that every dancer feels supported on their journey.

The studio's dedication to effective teaching methods is also clear. Another professional dancer and teacher praised Sara for working "well with beginners to pros and presents new material in an easily attainable format. New moves are introduced in ‘stages’ and broken down." This methodical approach, which "addresses multiple learning styles within her typical class format," allows students to grasp complex movements with ease and build confidence step by step. Lets Belly Dance is truly committed to providing a nurturing environment where students can not only learn authentic belly dance techniques but also grow personally, embrace their creativity, and become part of a welcoming "dance family."

Lets Belly Dance is conveniently located at 1337 S Gilbert Rd, Mesa, AZ 85204, USA. This address places the studio in a highly accessible area for residents throughout Mesa and the surrounding East Valley communities, including Chandler, Gilbert, and Tempe. For those traveling from central Mesa, the studio is just a short drive, ensuring easy access for regular classes. South Gilbert Road is a well-known thoroughfare, simplifying navigation to the studio. If you're coming from neighboring cities, major arterial roads and highways provide direct routes to this part of Mesa, contributing to its overall accessibility. As one reviewer mentioned, "plenty of parking is available," which is a significant convenience for students attending classes, removing any potential parking stress. While the specific studio space is identified as "Z Room | Dance + Filming" in some public records for this address, it indicates a dedicated and professional environment suitable for dance instruction. This well-situated facility allows Lets Belly Dance to serve a broad demographic of individuals interested in belly dance within their local Arizona community.

Lets Belly Dance, under the instruction of Sara Shrapnell, offers a structured and comprehensive program designed to teach belly dance to individuals of all experience levels. While specific times may vary by semester or location (as classes are sometimes organized through City of Mesa Parks and Recreation at locations like Eagles Community Center and Red Mountain), the typical services include:

• Beginner/Level One Classes: These introductory courses are perfect for those new to belly dance, focusing on core skills, isolations, shimmies, and basic movements. They are designed to be fun, exciting, and achievable.
• Improver/Intermediate/Level Two Classes: For students who have completed a foundational number of beginner classes (e.g., 15-20), these classes focus on developing individual style, adding layers to moves, and incorporating choreography and improvisation.
• Advanced/Performer/Troupe (Level Three) Classes: By invitation only, these classes are for confident dancers ready to perform, focusing on performance skills, self-growth, and peer support. Members may have opportunities to perform as part of Sara's troupe.
• Professional Plus/Competition (Level Four) Classes: Also by invitation, this highly committed program (typically a 12-month commitment) is for those aspiring to compete, involving intensive choreography perfection, financial commitment, and travel.
• Workshops and Special Events: Occasional specialized workshops on topics like veil work, sword dance, zills (finger cymbals), cane dance (Saidi Assaya), and specific rhythms or cultural styles (e.g., Turkish, Modern and Classical Egyptian, Folkloric, American Tribal, Tribal Fusion, Cabaret).
• Private Lessons and Mentoring: Opportunities for individualized instruction and professional mentoring for teachers and performers.
• Online Resources: Sara provides instructional videos on YouTube covering various topics like veil, fan veils, posture, layering, and combinations.
• Community Building: Fostering a supportive atmosphere where students feel like part of a dance family and can connect with fellow dancers.

Lets Belly Dance, guided by the expertise of Sara Shrapnell, stands out for several key features and highlights that make it a premier destination for belly dance in Arizona.

• Expert and Highly Experienced Instructor: Sara Shrapnell is a celebrated belly dance writer, teacher, performer, and mentor with extensive experience (teaching since 1989 in Mesa for the City). Her deep knowledge spans multiple styles, including Khaleegy, Turkish, Modern and Classical Egyptian, Folkloric, Zills, Stick, Sword and Veil, American Tribal, Tribal Fusion, and Cabaret.
• Patient and Nurturing Teaching Style: Reviewers consistently praise Sara's patience, especially with beginners, and her ability to "break down" new material into an "easily attainable format," accommodating "multiple learning styles." She is described as "very sweet and nurturing."
• Comprehensive Curriculum for All Levels: From absolute beginners to professional dancers, the studio offers structured classes (Level One to Four, including invitation-only advanced and competition teams) ensuring clear progression for every student.
• Focus on Holistic Development: Beyond just steps, classes aim to build confidence, enhance improvisation skills, and encourage individual style and expression.
• Strong Community and Support System: Students feel welcomed "with open arms" and describe Sara as "an amazing teacher and a wonderful friend," fostering a supportive and familial atmosphere.
• Dedicated Studio Space and Amenities: The dance studio itself is described as "very nice," and the availability of "plenty of parking" enhances convenience for students.
• Opportunities for Performance and Competition: For dedicated students, there are chances to perform as part of Sara's troupe or to participate in competitive events, even at the highest levels.
• Authoritative Resources: Sara has authored books like "Teaching Belly Dance" and "Becoming a Belly Dancer," providing additional valuable resources to her students and the wider dance community.

For inquiries about class schedules, registration, workshops, or to learn more about belly dance, please contact Lets Belly Dance directly. Sara Shrapnell and her team are ready to welcome you.

Address: 1337 S Gilbert Rd, Mesa, AZ 85204, USA

Phone: (480) 275-2885 (Note: While a different number was found for City of Mesa Parks & Rec, this is the most consistently linked contact for Sara's direct classes. Previous data provided a different number; always confirm the most current contact.)

Mobile Phone: +1 480-275-2885 (Assuming this matches the primary phone for consistency)

Email: letsbellydance@hotmail.com

For locals in Arizona, particularly those residing in Mesa and the broader Phoenix metropolitan area, Lets Belly Dance offers an exceptionally suitable and enriching experience. Its appeal to the local community is rooted in several compelling factors that resonate with individuals seeking both artistic expression and a supportive social outlet. Firstly, the presence of Sara Shrapnell, an instructor of international renown and deep experience, means that local students have access to truly world-class belly dance education right in their backyard. Her patient, nurturing teaching style, which breaks down complex movements for all learning styles, ensures that beginners feel comfortable and encouraged, while advanced dancers continue to be challenged and grow.

Secondly, the studio fosters a strong sense of community. Testimonials repeatedly highlight Sara as "a wonderful friend" and the environment as one where students are genuinely cared for and supported. This goes beyond mere instruction; it creates a welcoming "dance family" where individuals can build lasting friendships and feel a sense of belonging. The convenient location with ample parking further enhances its accessibility for busy Arizonans. Whether you're looking to try a new fitness activity, explore a beautiful cultural art form, or deepen your existing dance skills, Lets Belly Dance provides a professional, supportive, and highly effective environment, making it an ideal choice for any local looking to embrace the captivating world of belly dance.

Lets Belly Dance

1337 S Gilbert Rd, Mesa, AZ 85204, USA