Breathe. Dance. Grow.
a space where women reconnect with their bodies, find freedom through dance, and awaken their inner wisdom
Moonlight Bellydance
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Join us
Next In Person Session Starts - June 16, 2025
Intermediates - Monday nights 7:15 to 8:45pm
Prior bellydance study required.
However, does not need to be prior Moonlight Bellydance class attendance.
Needed Foundation - basic zills, foundational technique like hip hits, hip figure 8's, snake arms, undulations, cross step, 3 point turns, basic Egyptian walk, hip shimmies.
If you have any questions - please message me (Sapphire) via Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MoonlightBellydance
"Sharon/Sapphire explains the choreography in detail and in easy to follow ways."
M.G.
"Class makes me want to go home and practice the choreography because it is so fun."
C.H.
“Bellydance is my 'me time' - something just for the fun of it.”
H.G.
Upcoming Events
Why Bellydance?
Belly dance is more than just movement—it’s a celebration of your body, your strength, and your connection to yourself. Whether you’re looking for a fun way to get in shape, relieve stress, or embrace your femininity, belly dance offers something truly special.
✨ Gentle on the Body, Powerful for the Soul
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A low-impact workout that’s easy on the joints
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Improves posture, core strength, and flexibility—without crunches!
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Increases energy & stamina through natural movement
✨ Mind-Body Benefits
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Enhances balance, grace, and body confidence
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Boosts cognitive function as you learn and remember combinations
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Creates a meditative, stress-reducing flow when paired with breathwork
✨ A Supportive, Joyful Community
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Dance in a judgment-free space that encourages self-expression
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Build social connections in a supportive sisterhood
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A fulfilling alternative to yoga—mindful movement with a rhythm!
And if you’re looking to add movement to a weight-loss journey, belly dance is a fun, sustainable way to stay active—because when movement is joyful, you're more likely to stick with it!
Why Moonlight Bellydance?
For over 15 years, Moonlight Bellydance has been a home for women looking to move, express, and connect through the art of belly dance.
✨ Deep Roots in the Charlotte Community
Since 2007, we’ve brought the beauty of belly dance to Indian Trail, Monroe, Waxhaw, and beyond—teaching at locations like CPCC Levine and Center City.
✨ Authentic, Culturally Inspired Dance
Our style is rooted in American Cabaret Oriental with strong influences from Egyptian Cabaret and folkloric dances like Raks Sharqi and Raks Assaya. We honor tradition while embracing self-expression.
✨ Performance & Community Connection
We’ve shared the stage with many incredible dancers from Charlotte, NC, and Fort Mill, SC, performing at haflas, shows, and special events. We’ve also hosted local gatherings and even founded the Charlotte Bellydance Meetup (2010-2011) to bring dancers together.
At Moonlight Bellydance, we don’t just teach dance—we create a space for women to breathe, dance, and awaken. Whether you’re stepping into your first class or deepening your practice, you’ll find a welcoming, empowering community here.
Teaching Philosophy
At Moonlight Bellydance, we believe that every woman holds power and beauty within her—and dance is a way to rediscover it. Our classes are designed to be a safe, welcoming space where you can build confidence, express yourself, and learn at your own pace.
With a relaxed, encouraging, and fun atmosphere, we guide recreational dance students on a journey of self-discovery through movement. The poise, grace, and strength you cultivate in class don’t just stay in the studio—they ripple into your daily life, helping you move through the world with greater self-awareness and confidence.
Choreography Sampler
Bellydance MYTHS
🌟 1. "I don’t have the right body for bellydance."
Bellydance was never meant for one type of body—it’s literally a celebration of the body you have right now. The movements are adaptable to all shapes, sizes, and ages, and actually look more powerful when they come from a dancer who is grounded in their own authentic movement. You are the right body for bellydance.
🌟 2. "I'm too old to start dancing."
There’s no age limit to joy or movement. Bellydance is low-impact and focuses on strength, grace, and expression—not high kicks or jumping. Many students start in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond, and often say, “I wish I’d started sooner.” But the best time to start?
Right now!
🌟 3. "I have no rhythm or coordination."
Nobody starts perfectly coordinated. That’s what class is for! Rhythm can be learned, and bellydance is actually amazing for developing musicality over time. We start slow, break things down, and celebrate progress—not perfection.
🌟 4. "Bellydance is too sexy / not appropriate for me."
Bellydance isn’t about being “sexy”—it’s about connecting to your body and your personal expression. It can be sensual, joyful, fierce, playful, spiritual… whatever you bring to it. And in class, it’s all about moving in a safe, welcoming, and empowering environment.
🌟 5. "I’m shy and don’t want to dance in front of others."
You are so not alone in that. Many students come in feeling nervous—it's completely normal. But classes are structured to be supportive and non-judgmental. No one's watching or judging—they're all focused on themselves, just like you will be. You don’t have to perform, just show up and explore.
🌟 6. "I’m not flexible or fit enough."
Bellydance actually helps build flexibility and fitness over time. We start from wherever you are and move at a sustainable pace. Think of it as training from the inside out—with strength, posture, and mobility growing each week.
🌟 7. "I’ll feel out of place because I’m a beginner."
Every dancer was once a beginner. In fact, beginners bring such fresh energy to the studio. Our classes are designed to welcome new students and help them build confidence right away. And trust me—other students love cheering on new faces. You're going to fit in just fine.
🌟 8. "Isn’t bellydance cultural appropriation?"
That's a great and important question. When taught with cultural respect, bellydance is an opportunity to honor its roots, not exploit them. In class, we talk about the origins and cultural context of the dances we learn, and we practice with respect and humility. You’re not taking something away—you’re learning with intention and love.
🌟 9. "I don’t have the right clothes or a hip scarf."
You don’t need anything fancy! Comfy clothes you can move in—like yoga pants and a T-shirt—are perfect. Some studios even lend out hip scarves, but they’re totally optional. Come as you are, and if you want to add some sparkle later, that’s part of the fun!
🌟 10. "I don’t want to perform, so what’s the point?"
Performing is totally optional. In fact, many students dance purely for personal enjoyment, wellness, and stress relief. Bellydance is an internal journey as much as an external one. You're dancing for you—and that’s more than enough.
Sapphire (Sharon Ross)
Like many young girls, my dance journey began in a ballet class in elementary school. But it wasn’t until 2002—after a break from formal training—that I rediscovered dance in a way that truly spoke to my soul.
As a new mother, I took my first belly dance class with a dear friend as a way to reconnect with myself after having children. What started as a fun escape quickly became a deep passion, rekindling my love for movement and self-expression.
From that first class, I allowed myself to fall in love with dance again—this time, just for me. I immersed myself in learning, taking classes from my teacher as well as guest instructors from around the world. I led practice sessions with fellow students, stepped in as a substitute instructor, and eventually formed my own dance troupe.
My passion for choreography, technique, and uplifting my dance community naturally led me to teaching. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of leading classes at CPCC and within my own studio space, and now at the Jewish Community Center in Charlotte helping women step into their power through movement.
Our Dance Lineage
Knowing your past informs your future. This list is not inclusive of all the instructors each dancer and teacher learned from and was influenced by. This is the main lineage.
Zarifa of Charlotte, NC
founder of the Sarab Dancers
Zarifa is the modern founder of the belly dance community in Charlotte, NC, shaping the local dance scene with her passion and dedication.
She began teaching in 1999, eventually founding the Sarab Dancers and bringing Oriental Dance (Raks Sharqi, commonly known as belly dance) to audiences across the region. Her influence even extended to the Carolina Renaissance Festival, where she introduced belly dance alongside other global dance traditions.
More than just a skilled performer and teacher, Zarifa is an inspiring mentor. She shares her deep love for the dance with every student, always reminding us that belly dance is more than movement—it’s a way for women to connect with their bodies, embrace self-acceptance, and build confidence that extends far beyond the studio.
Cassandra Shore
founder of
Jawaahir Dance Company
Cassandra Shore has been a pioneer in Middle Eastern dance since the early 1970s. She studied under the legendary Jamila Salimpour and quickly became one of the most respected and sought-after performers in the San Francisco Bay Area.
With a foundation in Wigman and Graham modern dance, as well as influences from jazz, flamenco, and Tai Chi, Cassandra developed a groundbreaking approach to Middle Eastern dance. She sought to move the art beyond the museum, blending tradition with contemporary elements to create theatrical, innovative choreography.
In 1978, she opened The Cassandra School, responding to growing demand from women who were inspired by her performances. A decade later, she founded Jawaahir Dance Company, further shaping the landscape of Middle Eastern dance in the U.S. Today, she remains a pillar of the dance community, teaching at Oasis Dance Camps and Retreats and inspiring generations of dancers worldwide.
Jamila Salimpour
founder of Bal Anat
Jamila Salimpour is one of the most influential figures in American belly dance, credited as the originator of Tribal Belly Dance and the first to create a structured format of terminology that is still used by dancers around the world today.
In 1968, Jamila founded the groundbreaking Bal-Anat dance troupe for the Renaissance Pleasure Faire, bringing to life a vibrant, theatrical show inspired by the diverse dances of North Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean. Drawing from her experience as a member of Ringling Brothers Circus in 1942, she introduced elements like the Sword Dance, Mask Dance, and Snake Dance, captivating audiences and shaping the future of belly dance in America.
Her influence extends far beyond performance—her structured approach to teaching has helped generations of dancers, including Cassandra Shore, who then passed her knowledge to Zarifa, and ultimately to me. Jamila’s legacy continues to inspire and shape the way we study, teach, and experience belly dance today.