A: Yes! Each single class makes perfect sense and teachings will be specific to those you attend so you'll always know what you're doing. Starting on the first week of a term gives you the option of pre-booking your space at each class throughout that term but you can drop in any week and not feel lost.

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HIPS - Wearing a hipscarf is wildly great fun, looks gorgeous and connects you to your feminine goddess energy. A hip scarf is also a statement of individual style, personal wealth and is physically beneficial - you can see and feel the movements more and you literally add resistance making the movements more helpful for fitness and toning. At Sahara we stock a carefully curated range of unique hipscarves which are specifically designed and custom made by talented tailors & artisans in Egypt, Türkiye, Morocco, Tunisia and India. We do not support fake machine-mass-produced costumery made in sweat-shops and/or where slavery and poor working conditions are rife. Each of our items is fairly traded and supports the livelihoods of skilled designers, artisans, tailors their families. We work with women's co-operatives and community producers wherever possible. These are available to try-before-you-buy at Sahara Studio and in our online shop.

FEET - We traditionally bellydance bare foot, this gives natural grounding and is beneficial for posture and nervous system, although soft soled indoor shoes/ballet pumps may be worn if preferred. For fitness focused classes such as 'BellyJam' indoor trainers can be worn for extra grip. For regular dancers we recommend FootGloves - these provide optimum friction, protect knee joints, help align posture and give gentle arch support - these are available to buy in the Shop and are sent to Sahara from our manufacturer in Australia.

CLOTHING - For all classes & workshops, wearing something stretchy is a really good idea as this allows you to move freely and without risk of injury. No, you don't have to show your belly!

Additional helpful info:

• For technique focused classes, such as BellyBasics, wearing something figure hugging will enable your technique to be developed properly by the teacher as they can see your movements more clearly, think vest top & leggings
• For styling focused classes, such as BellyDance, wearing practice costuming & accessories is encouraged as this can assist in your creativity of movement, think circle skirts/harem pants, vest/belly tops, light jewellery - available at Sahara
• For fitness focused classes, such as BellyJam, wearing sports fitness clothing will keep you comfortable and supported. Indoor trainers are recommended for good grip
• For spiritual classes, such as Lunara Moon Circles, wearing suggested colours of the season can encourage alignment with astrological energies

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REFRESHMENTS - As with any physical or spiritual activity, hydration and blood-sugar levels are important. You're welcome to bring your own water bottle and snack, however, for your convenience and enjoyment hot & cold drinks and healthy snacks are available to purchase at Sahara Studio.

Refuel before and after your session with tea & tarot in our Lunara Lounge, relax in our book neuk with apple juice and an energy bar, enjoy chat & chai with friends, come early for co-working in community.

PROPS - Bellydancing props such as veil, cane, finger cymbals etc. may be used in some classes, in this case you'll be informed in advance.

EVENT SPECIFIC ITEMS - Check the need to know tab within any event listing on the Classes & Events page for further guidance.

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The average age changes all the time, on a term-to-term and even week-to-week basis as new friends join us all the time. Ages in any given class currently range from around 25-55 years and the more diverse the group the richer the experience.

We have no minimum or maximum age. We ask that anyone under 18 years old, or with disabilities, should contact us/have a guardian contact us before attending in order for us to provide adequate adaptations and safeguards.

A: As our classes are popular, and historically fully book out quickly, pre-booking in advance is strongly advised so you don't miss out. This also helps to ensure we have enough committed attendees to run a class. 'Drop-in' on the day is an alternative attendance option whilst spaces remain however this doesn't guarantee you space each week (any Drop-in spaces will be displayed on the class listing after week 1 of a term) 

A: Monthly Membership – Minimum contract of 3 months. Clients may cancel monthly membership at any time after the initial 3 month period, by informing the studio in writing with at least 7 days notice. Cancellations may not be backdated. 

A: Your best option is to buy an 8 Class Pass. You then have the card punched at each class you attend and carry over any you can't make it along to. Click through to the Shop page to find out more and order yours.

A: All classes are 'open level' or as we like to call it "free range" The class listing descriptions will indicate who they're best suited to but we believe people shouldn't be pigeonholed as beginner, improver, advanced as we all have different strengths, learn differently and at times we might like to revisit a class for a refresher. We do have classes that focus on the basics covering breathing techniques, posture and all the fundamentals, classes that focus on learning about dancing choreographies & improvisational pieces and classes with a real relaxation or fitness focus. We leave it up to you to decide which classes you'd like to take and you're welcome to mix and match. If you can't decide which is right for you get in touch and we'll advise you, the important thing is that the options are there!

A: All styles. Basics classes give you good grounding across all styles and in other classes we explore each style in more depth based on the interests of the class as a whole. At Sahara we also believe in honouring the spiritual roots of the feminine arts as well as the rituals and village sisterhood setting of our ancestors. 

A: Most classes run as 8-week terms or "blocks" of lessons. This is considered the optimal length for learning, we usually then take a short break before learning more in depth.

Great care and consideration is taken in the planning of each lesson to ensure it is tailored to the group of women attending. No term is ever repeated and fresh learning & progression for all attendees are high on the agenda. You can do a number of blocks of the same class and carry on learning or mix and match classes and blocks to gain the different dimensions of Bellydancing.

Safety is paramount and this is always at the forefront of the teachers mind. You will be given a short health questionnaire to fill in at the start of the 8 week block, this is optional and is hugely beneficial to teacher and student. If you missed the week this was handed out you can fill one out next time.

Each week registration, souk and circle time happens at the start of class after we are changed and ready to dance. We dance a varied warm up, main section and follow with relevant cooldown stretches. Finally we congratulate each other on being fabulous and usually talk about how alive we feel afterwards! Many of the women stay on for a second class and some do 3 or 4 classes a week.

A:

Yes. 

Lindsey, our founder, has very exacting professional standards and is highly qualified to deliver dance, wellbeing, health, mental health, fitness and exercise in both group and 1-to-1 settings. She has invested two decades (20+ years) in fulltime academic and practical study within the industry and has a very colourful experience CV to boot including over ten thousand classes & workshops (10,000+ events) of teaching and space holding which she continues to this day in order to ensure that as an organisation our offerings are both physically and mentally safe and healthy. Her most recent qualification is a Professional Development Award (PDA) in Mental Health Peer Support, November 2025.

We are public liability insured and advance first aid certified. 

Knowledge, integrity, truth, beauty, freedom & love are the 6 pillars Sahara Studio are founder upon.

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You will have been given a short health questionnaire to fill in in class. Filling this in is optional but doing so will enable your teacher to keep you safer within your classes and events. It will also assist you in setting any goals or intentions you may have and allow your teacher to give you an experience tailored to your interests, aims and objectives. The more detail you provide the better! This form also validates our insurance and should you ever need medical assistance when in our Duty Of Care we can pass valuable information to professionals and inform your emergency contact.

Your details will be physically and electronically stored and protected in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) 2021 and destroyed when no longer required. See our Privacy Policy page.

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Sure! If you're currently an active member of our community...

WHATSAPP - you can request to be added to our WhatsApp community where lots of chat, music, memes, meetups, astrology and fun takes place. We'll need your first name, last name and mobile phone number. Just ask before/after your next class and we'll get you added! 

NEWSLETTER/MAILING LIST - you can sign up to our mailing list to bag yourself first invites to events, workshops and offers, get exclusive alerts and early perks. It's free and you can cancel anytime. Visit the HOME page of the website and fill in the "sign up" section. 

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Courses and classes are non-refundable and non-transferable, however, we get it, sometimes life happens. In exceptional circumstances we reserve the right to discreetly provide an alternative option where possible. This may mean converting your booking to another class or attendance option and this may incur an administrative fee. During time of high demand and where classes or courses are fully booked this may not be possible. 

This policy upholds the integrity of our service delivery, equality and fairness to our customer & clients.

A: Yes! You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded individuals who are on the same journey. This space is designed for support, accountability, and celebration as you move through each week.

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Classes, courses and class passes are non refundable, non transferable and cannot be shared so please check your availability before signing up. 

Special events, workshops and retreats are non-refundable so please do check your availability before signing up. If you are no longer able to attend, you may be able to offer your spot to someone else to attend the same workshop in your place. Please provide the name and contact details of the new attendee in advance. 

Treatments, Consultations and 1-To-1's are non refundable, non transferable and cannot be shared. Respectfully, cancellations made with less than 24hrs notice will be charged at a rate of 50%. If you wish to receive an appointment reminder please indicate this at time of booking.

Sahara Cancellations In the rare event that we, Sahara Studio, must cancel or reschedule a class, workshop, 1-To-1 or event you will be informed with as much notice as possible and given the option of transferring your booking to an alternative future event or receiving a full refund. Ensure you're on the mailing list & text message reminder list so we can contact you should this be necessary. 

This policy upholds the integrity of our service delivery, equality and fairness for all of our customer & clients.

A: Head over to the Community Code of Conduct page or you can download a copy to read in your own time here.

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You can join online for many of Sahara Studio's own classes, courses, workshops and masterclasses. 

Where you see the words "HYBID" and "ONLINE" in the event listing, these are events you can attend online.

TO GAIN ACCESS WHEN BOOKING:

• Booking via website: you will automatically receive an access code and password on the "Booking Success" page at the end of checkout process. Take a screenshot/note of these, even if you don't plan to join online. We'd rather you had the option.
  
• Booking by any other means (ie. in studio): please request the code and password at time of booking.

PLEASE NOTE:

• Passwords change frequently for security purposes and are specific to individuals - they must not be shared.
• Each individual in attendance requires their own booking success access code.
• It is your responsibility to test your connection prior to your booked session.
• Ongoing disruption to group classes may result in this secondary attendance option being revoked.
• Please use common courtesy such as muting any background noise. 

A: The waiting room will open around 15 minutes before your class starts. This allows you to log in, join the meeting, get set up in your space and relax before your teacher admits you into the studio with other students who are online and in-person. At certain times this waiting window may be shorter as demands on your teachers time may be split between online & in-person participants. Every effort will be made to give equal priority to all, however, please be mindful of the additional invisible workload that comes with offering an online attendance option.

A:

Yes please! Whilst we're not going to force anyone to do anything they're uncomfortable with, we're a screen-on community. If you're shy about being visible on-screen you may choose to use one of the many background blurring or backdrop functions within zoom and/or wear a pair of sunglasses.

We also like to have a sisterhood share circle at the start of sessions, this helps us connect with the energies that are present and helps your teacher to deliver a session that supports and elevates where we're at as individuals and as a community.

This is one of the things that creates bonds and forms friendships.

Feel free to reach out to your teacher if you have specific needs when attending online. 

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Thanks for your patience, we know you're keen to get started!

We use a waiting room function for the safety of all participants. Once all attendees in the waiting room have been verified your host will admit you into the meeting.

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STEP 1: BOOK YOUR CLASS/COURSE - Book via the "Classes & Events" page and complete the Paypal checkout. On your purchase summary "BOOKING SUCCESS" page you will receive an access code and password for Zoom. It's important to note these down.

STEP 2: DOWNLOAD THE ZOOM APP - Go to http://zoom.us and click on Sign up for FREE. You can also download the app on your mobile devices by searching ZOOM in the App Store or Google Play.

STEP 3: SIGN-UP FOR ZOOM & ENTER CODE - Once fully installed you can enter your first and last name and your e-mail address to sign up. After creating your ZOOM account you can join the class using the Zoom details you received after checkout:

Example:

Zoom Meeting ID: 123 4567 8910
Zoom Password: SHIMMY

A:

Sorry you're having problems connecting. Let's see...

Have you tried?:

• Switching it off and on again
• Checking for app/device updates
• Changing your password
• Joining a Test Zoom on the zoom website here
• Visiting the Zoom help centre here

At Sahara we have a full professional filming and streaming set up and use a wired connection with the fastest internet upload and download speeds so whilst it's not impossible for us to have a fault ...I'm gonna hold your hand when I say this... 

Please check your connection before the class starts.

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We share sacred space only with skilled experienced facilitators who are qualified, insured and who align with our values. If that's you, you can send an Enquiry Form through stating your name, email address, preferred date, start time, duration and a description of your proposed event. We'll then be in touch with a Hire Info Pack and all the information you require.  

A:

Yes, absolutely! If you'd like a yoga teacher, pilates or fitness instructor, somatic dance, high priestess, tantrica, meditation, soundbath or massage therapist to deliver a deep and meaningful soul nourishing session at your event - you've come to the right place! We collaborate with the top facilitators in the industry across the UK and internationally and they have to pass our vibe check first!

Send us an Enquiry Form and we'll help make it happen for you.  

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BELLYDANCER HIRE - Yes! We provide the highest standard of professional bellydance performance & teaching with 20+ years specialised event management experience. We work with large well-known global companies, famous influencers and small independent local businesses and individuals. From one performer to a whole troupe, specific dancers and styles we can fulfil your brief and your aesthetic.

STYLE - Classical or Modern style bellydance is most popular for its glamorous and sophisticated styling although we can provide any style you like: Classical, Modern, Folkloric Dance, Tribal, American Tribal Style, and breakthrough fusion styles such as Bellyburlesque. We also collaborate with performers and teachers of other dance and art forms as well as musicians - Indian dance, fire dancers, Scottish Highland dance, drummers etc.

Some of our previous clients - Harvey Nichols, Lush, Virgin, RBS, STV, Underbelly, Edinburgh Castle, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, Dancebase, Tesco, Danone, Apple, Edinburgh Council, Girlguiding UK, Harley Davidson, Ryanair, BAA, University of St. Andrew's, Edinburgh Evening News, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Edinburgh's Christmas, Glasgow School of Art, MacMillan Cancer Support, Police Scotland, University of Edinburgh.

A: Yes absolutely! In some instances, for example a hire including a teaching element - which would prompt additional health & safety considerations for us, this can vary the total cost of your hire. In such instances an additional fee may be charged. If you think this might apply to your event be sure to let us know the estimated attendance at time of enquiry and we can discuss this whilst tailoring your event.

A: Come to our own beautiful bougie venue Sahara Studio in Edinburgh, Scotland for a totally unique, fully immersive experience or we can come to your suitable arranged venue or home address to deliver your bespoke professional bellydance entertainment/wellbeing tuition/hen party or workshops. Let us know all the details such as the exact address, rough size of danceable space, floor type & if glass might be present, if our arrival will be a special surprise for guests etc. We will be chaperoned as company policy.

Please indicate your preferred location at time of enquiry and we can look into it. Travel to you will incur a per milage charge, hire of Sahara Studio will be included in your quoted invoice.

A: Yes! In some instances distance/location can vary the total cost of your hire. In such instances basic travelling expenses will be charged over and above that of your entertainment. If you think this might apply to your event be sure to let us know the location at time of enquiry and we can discuss this whilst tailoring your event.

A: We have 20+ years event management experience and with that wealth of knowledge, networking and experience - we believe anything's possible. In some instances where event pioneering, innovation, engineering and time spent customising an experience well exceeds the norm this can add to the total cost of your hire. In such instances expenses will be charged over and above that of your entertainment and clearly communicated at the time. If you think this might apply to your event be sure to let us know at time of enquiry and we can discuss this whilst tailoring your event.

A: Yes, where demands on our time allow we accept block/multiple bookings of regular and ongoing event engagements. Corporate, restaurants, educational establishments, private tuition women's groups etc.

A:

In order to provide the best professional service to all customers & clients we require all enquires to follow our booking process before being confirmed in the diary.

Edutainment Booking Process:

1. Send us your enquiry including preferred dates, start time and duration, a brief description of your event and your create idea.
2. Once your education/entertainment package has been agreed an invoice can be generated and sent to you
3. Payment secures your booking in the diary 
4. You'll receive a booking confirmation
   

Submission of an enquiry does not constitute booking. Please book well in advance as our diary can fill up rather quickly!

A:

Sahara Studio as a venue, product and service range sits in a category of one - that is, we are industry experts with vast experience and proven skills offering something you will not find anywhere else in the world.

We understand this may place us in a band above your budget. We hope to see you in future, whenever you're ready to step in.

A:

We accept all major forms of payment though bank transfer is preferred. Full details will be at the bottom of your invoice and payment secures your booking in the diary.

We ask all customers/clients to pay in full in advance to secure a slot in the diary. This also enables us to give customers clear advice of our availability. In the unlikely event you cannot keep your hire booking, we ask that you inform us as soon as possible so that we can give the diary time to someone else. Please see our cancellation policy for further guidance.

A: Yes of course, we'll pop one together for you. Let us know if you need it made out to a specific company name. Payment of your invoice secures your booking in the diary.

A:

Yes, we usually need a small secure area to change into costume, adorn ourselves in gorgeousness and store any valuables during the event. We're not divas, we've changed in some funny places before but given the choice we'd prefer not to stand barefoot in a toilet cubical wearing a £3000 dress! A hotel restroom with mirror or lockable office for example is perfect.

Expect us to wear beautiful professional attire which accurately fits the session style we're delivering whilst being something we think best suits your event and audience. We will always dress tastefully and wouldn't be seen dead in anything other than designer classy costuming! Please let us know in advance if you require us to wear very loose, fully covering clothing be it for spiritual or religious reasons, we'll endeavour to try accommodation your wishes.

A:

MUSIC - We'll bring our music ready on a mobile phone and bring another device so there's a back up method. If you have any specific music requests, bellydance, wellbeing or otherwise, please let us know in advance as anything's possible! Live music, drummer for example, can be arranged as an add-on to your booking should adequate advance notice be given, this will be at additional cost.

SOUND SYSTEM - When we come to you we bring a small portable sound system from which to play our music, the volume and sound quality is great for performances and workshops in smaller venues. For larger venues we'd recommend a professional public address system (PA) as these provide really good amplification and sound quality. It's generally assumed that an event in a function room you are hiring will have access to a PA sound system provided by either the venue or a hired DJ. If this is not the case we can recommend independent equipment hire services.

If we are booking a venue on your behalf or using our own studio, we will be looking into the sound system options at the same time and will advise if any add-ons are required.

A: Yes! Experienced in the art of restaurant dancing we are not currently affiliated to any one particular restaurant and enquiries are most welcome.

A: Yes whenever we can. Check our social media pages for details.

A: A good question, glad you asked that! In short the answer is, making lots of noise throughout!

Here in Scottish culture we tend to save our applause to the end of a performance and to hiss at a performer would be an insult. In Eastern culture this is very different.. the audience are considered a part of the performance, the more you clap, the more others clap - the more others clap, the more stunning, energetic and natural a performance! Cheering is also a very favorable sign of your appreciation. You can call out the Arabic word "AIWA" or "Yalla bina!" which is similar to saying "Yes! go girl!" or the good old Scottish term "Oan yersel hen!" which basically means the same! You can even hiss like a snake when the Bellydancer performs a slinky move "Hisssssssssss" most trained dancers understand this to be flattering!

Another sound sometimes used in Bellydancing is something called a "Zaghareet" It's done by covering your mouth and moving your tongue very quickly up and down or left and right to form a high pitched "Ooolaaaaaaaaa-ee" sound, this takes a lot of practice but its fun to try! (Bet you want to try it now)

A: Yes we expect you to! We'd love to see your pics & videos, do share them on social media and tag us at @SacredSahara, @sahara.studio once approved these may feature in one of our galleries!

A:

We're delighted you can now leave feedback and testimonials on our GOOGLE business page, Facebook Page, trust pilot or fill out our Contact Form

Feedback and reviews are randomly selected across platforms and highlighted on our website!

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We create organic fair-trade products to support women and individuals through all that life brings. If you can't see an item you're looking for it's likely we either didn't list it yet or it's currently out of stock and sold out. Sold out items disappear from view on the online shop.

For best- selling items: It's likely we're currently creating another small batch - check back or contact us for suggestions of a similar in-stock item.

For limited edition items: sorry you've missed your chance - check back, a new unique limited edition item is coming soon.

Visit us in-person at Sahara Studio, Edinburgh, to try before you buy. Join our mailing list for first access to new stock and exclusive invites to exciting product launches!