The answer might surprise you.
For centuries, belly dance wasn’t something you signed up for in a studio or followed in a step-by-step tutorial. It was learned in the most natural, cultural, and intimate way, by being there. In countries like Egypt, Lebanon, and Turkey, belly dance was passed down through generations, not in formal classes, but at family weddings, village gatherings, and women-only celebrations like henna nights or post-birth parties.
Little girls would watch their mothers, grandmothers, and aunties dance with joy and confidence. They absorbed the rhythm of the tabla (drum), the sway of the hips, and the expressiveness of the hands by simply being in the room. It was a form of embodied knowledge, not about perfection, but about feeling, tradition, and connection. Movement was intuitive and deeply personal, shaped by community and lived experience.
This traditional way of learning was immersive and emotional. You learned by feeling the music in your bones, by copying what you saw again and again until it lived in your body. That’s why belly dance has always carried a kind of sacred authenticity , it’s not just choreography, it’s culture.
Then came a shift.
With the rise of the internet and global interest in belly dance as both a cultural art and a fitness practice, online belly dance classes started to appear. What began as YouTube tutorials soon grew into full online dance academies, virtual workshops, and subscription platforms offering on-demand belly dance lessons for all levels. Suddenly, people from anywhere in the world could learn how to belly dance at home.
So, can you really learn belly dance online? My journey says yes.
When the world went into lockdown, I started teaching belly dance classes over Zoom. It was a spontaneous decision at first, something to keep the rhythm going and connect with others during a strange and isolating time. The classes were fun and full of energy, but I had my doubts. I kept thinking, Can they even see my feet? Are they catching the subtleties of hip drops and shimmies?
But what surprised me most was that teaching online actually made me a better teacher. I had to be clearer, more intentional with my words, and break things down in a way that worked through a screen. That challenge sparked something in me.
That’s how BellyFit by Leilah was born.
I realised that for so many people, especially those who don’t live near a belly dance studio, learning this art form online was a dream come true. You could learn belly dance anywhere, anytime. It made belly dance truly global.
But the real magic moment came when an American student who had been training with me online for two years came to my in-person class at Pineapple Studios in London. I was blown away. She was so in tune with the music, the technique, the energy, it was like she’d been learning in person all along. That’s when I truly saw how effective online belly dance classes can be.
That said, every dancer can benefit from personal guidance.
If you’re serious about dancing professionally or want to really refine your technique, I always recommend taking a private lesson from time to time. Nothing beats having a teacher tailor their feedback just for you.
So yes, you can absolutely learn how to belly dance online.
In fact, for many people with busy schedules, family commitments, or those who just want to dance on their own terms, online learning might be the best option. On my platform, BellyFit by Leilah, I’ve created a structured calendar of classes so you never feel lost or overwhelmed. You can follow a program I’ve designed for you, or mix and match depending on your mood or goal.
My online belly dance courses are perfect for beginners and beyond. I always recommend repeating videos, especially my Beginner Belly Dance Course, to really master the fundamentals. Practice is key – and you don’t need to rush.
And for those who are just looking to move, sweat, and feel good, I’ve included shorter dance workouts and belly dance fitness routines that blend cardio, fun, and femininity. Not everyone wants to perform, and that’s okay – sometimes we dance simply because it feels good.
Ready to give it a try?
Whether you’re looking to build confidence, reconnect with your body, or explore a new form of movement, belly dance is for everyone. Join me today and experience what it’s like to learn belly dance online , wherever you are in the world.