At Hunter Shimmy Sisters, you’ll join a vibrant community of women and high school-age girls from all walks of life, united by a shared love for bellydance. Our bellydance classes in Maitland bring together women from across the Hunter Valley, creating a welcoming space where you can challenge yourself, celebrate your progress, and connect with others who support you every step of the way.
​
Whether you’re new to bellydance or looking to deepen your practice, you’ll find a space where you can explore your creativity and express yourself confidently. As a student, you'll have the opportunity to perform at community events throughout the Hunter Valley — because let’s face it, getting dressed up is half the fun!
​
Bellydance, or "Raqs Sharqi," has deep roots in the MENAHT countries (Middle East, North Africa, Greece, and Türkiye), with its modern form originating in early 20th-century Egypt. At Hunter Shimmy Sisters, we focus on modern Egyptian bellydance and Egyptian Folklore styles, allowing you to experience the rich traditions and rhythms of this beautiful art form.
​
Bellydance is not only exciting and joyful, but it’s also a low-impact practice that suits all body types. As a dancer, you’ll tone, stretch, and mobilize your body through natural movements that feel empowering and liberating. You’ll leave each class feeling stronger, more confident, and connected to a community that celebrates you.
Join us and discover the joy and freedom that bellydance brings!
Mikola is an amazing dance teacher and very knowledgeable about the cultural significance of the dance and music."
- Karen, Wise Woman Bellydance
"I started bellydancing two years ago with no experience.
It’s so much fun and a great workout for your body and brain! Our class is a mix of all levels and everyone is friendly and supportive.
- Kim, Beginners Bellydance
Which class suits you best?
Mondays 6:00pm
Beginners Bellydance
Join us for a fun and welcoming bellydance class where we focus on fundamental bellydance moves and how to put them together so that you feel like you're dancing from the very first session.
Whether you're a complete beginner or have up to a year experience, this class is designed to be inclusive and supportive for all beginner skill levels with extra challenges for those who are ready for more. It is expected that you will spend a year or so in this class before moving on to Intermediate bellydance if you wish.
Our atmosphere is all about creating a positive and friendly environment where you can feel comfortable and supported, have fun, and connect with others. Come move your body and enjoy the art of bellydance!
Optional 30 minute extension class available when you are ready for more challenge. 7:30 - 8:00pm
Wednesdays 6:30pm
Maitland
Wise Woman Bellydance
Welcome to the Wise Woman Bellydance Class, a fun and inclusive space designed especially for older dancers! This is a daytime class that celebrates the beauty of movement, self-expression, and the wisdom that comes with experience.
Whether you're a first-timer or have danced before, we welcome all levels and abilities.
You’ll explore low impact bellydance movements that help improve flexibility, balance, and coordination, all while having fun and connecting with others in a positive and supportive environment.
Come embrace your inner dancer, celebrate your journey, and enjoy a joyful class that leaves you feeling empowered and confident.
Wednesdays 9:30am
Morpeth
Intermediate/Advanced Bellydance
Step up your bellydance skills in our Intermediate/Advanced Bellydance Class! Designed for dancers who are comfortable with bellydance technique for both choreography and improvisation.
In this class, we’ll focus on advanced isolations, complex choreography, and dynamic performance skills.
You’ll refine your ability to seamlessly blend technique, and expression, while also exploring a range of bellydance styles.
This class is for those who are ready to push their limits and deepen their understanding of both the art and the cultural roots of bellydance.
Join us for a challenging yet inspiring experience that will elevate your performance and technique to new heights!​
Optional 30 minute extension class available 7:30 - 8:00pm.
Mondays 6:30pm
Morpeth
Extension classes
Both the Beginners and Intermediate/Advanced classes have an optional 30 minute extension. This is for those dancers who want extra challenge or would like to work on choreography for upcoming community performances. It is not a stand alone class and can only be attended if you attend the prior 1 hour class.
Beginners extension 7:30pm Wednesdays
(directly after beginners class)
​
Intermediate extension 7:30pm Mondays
(directly after beginners class)
​
Select the Add-On when booking your class
5 Reasons You Should Learn Bellydance
Never danced before? Used to dance as a child? Always had two left feet? It’s never too late to join Hunter Shimmy Sisters and reap the benefits of learning to bellydance!
​
1. Reduce Your Stress​
Dancing has been shown to reduce the stress hormone cortisol. Mindfulness is also well known to reduce stress and while learning dance, you will be mindfully engaged with your body and present in the moment - mindfulness without the need to meditate! You to leave stress behind, and mindfully focus on your dancing, all while having fun!
​
2. Improve Your Brain
Dance requires complex mental coordination. When you dance you are very consciously using your brain to control your body, memorise sequences, understanding you position in relation to others and interpret the music. The many benefits of dancing regularly include memory improvement to strengthened neuronal connections, which keep your mind sharp and help to prevent Alzheimer’s, dementia, and many other neurological disorders.
3. Socialize
We are all individual and different, but in dance class we all have at least one thing in common - a desire to learn how to bellydance. We are in it together, we laugh at our mistakes together as we learn, and we support one another along our dance journey. Hunter Shimmy Sisters is a non competitive, inclusive environment in which to learn. Together we have fun social events outside of class too :-)​
4. Improve Your Mental Health
Science has shown that dancing releases endorphins, the brain’s feel-good chemicals, which improve mental health. Dancing gives you a chance to relax and forget about your problems while enjoying all those feel-good hormones.
​
5. Fun & Community
Leaning bellydance can give you a sense of achievement and confidence, while teaching you to laugh at yourself and have some serious fun. Dancing on our own and drilling technique is an important part of learning but the real fun happens when we apply what we have learned and dance together both in class and in our community if that is your thing! Together we dance, have fun and build a supportive community that you will be proud to be part of!
Hunter Shimmy Sisters Merchandise
Feel like part of the group with some Hunter Shimmy Sisters merchandise!!
These T-Shirts, crop tops & singlets are perfect to wear to class. And the hoodies and tote bags will get you there in style! Made to order so you can choose your style, your size and your colour. The items you choose will be printed to order and shipped directly to you via Australia Post. Team up with a friend to save on postage!