Channel your inner dancing queen in the city.
Dancing has always been part of any nation’s cultural tradition, a practice that throughout history, allowed communities to bond, to participate in communal expression, and to share creativity. There is something liberating about letting your body movements tell your story, to express your emotions and simply let loose—even if you do so in solitude, with the furniture as your eager audience (cue in #quarantinelife).
While dancing in Riyadh has only gained public traction in recent years, a lot of the dancers I’ve spoken to have had their passion for the craft ignited at a very young age. Some of them were able to take ballet classes within the city in local after school programs.
Fast forward to where we are now, and you’ll find those very students becoming dance professionals in their own right. Likewise, with gyms and dance studios opening up, and classes becoming more accessible; women (and men, of course) are able to try different genres and appreciate dance in its many forms.
A bit of a disclaimer, this list merely scratches the surface when it comes to exploring dance opportunities for women in Riyadh. It’s meant to point you towards people and places that can help you get started in your journey.
Pulse Personal Training
Ballet and Lyrical Dance
Saudi dancer and certified fitness and dance instructor, Samira AlKhamis began learning ballet at the age of four. Two decades later, wanting to impart her love for dance and provide a space for others to advance in the craft, she founded Pulse Personal Training. Through her private studio she provides progressive dance classes in ballet and lyrical dance open for students seven years old and above (yes, including you). Samira offers classes that allow dancers to advance in levels and master techniques. While fun will always be part of the equation, as Samira noted, “ballet and taking a serious path towards dance in general teaches you discipline. You have to practice in between the classes, form healthy habits that would help you perform better. You learn to commit and show up on time, and when you do, you stay present for every movement and moment.”
Whatsapp: +966507134043
Instagram: @pulse.ppt
Hannah Meraki
Contemporary Dancer &
Personal Private Fitness Instructor
Hannah is no stranger to DQ Living, the frequent health and fitness contributor also happens to be a professional contemporary dancer, having received her tutelage from the London Contemporary Dance School. When she came to Saudi Arabia four years ago as a personal trainer, little did she know that it would also pave the way for her to rekindle her relationship with dance. Hannah is looking to connect with others who are keen to advance to the next level in the Kingdom and those who are interested in collaborating artistically and creating opportunities— “I’ve met passionate and amazing talents from all over the Kingdom. From choreographers to professional dancers; you can see that there’s room to explore dance for its cultural value.”
Instagram: @HannahMeraki | @HannahMeraki.Dance
MOVE Riyadh
Dance Studio and Fitness Boutique
Founded by recently appointed Saudi Sports for All Federation Ambassador and Mount Everest Summiteer, Nelly Attar; MOVE has been making Riyadh groove since 2017. It’s home to one of the largest dance communities in the Kingdom, offering both advance and basic classes in a variety of genres. MOVE has expanded digitally during the lockdown, and it has proven to be an effective alternative platform. Partnering up with both international and local instructors, these online fitness and dance sessions have allowed MOVErs to stick to their active goals regardless of where they are. Currently, MOVE studio has reopened for private classes; with hopes of eventually being able to return to its usual programming in addition to hosting more events and workshops. “Our focus at MOVE would always be the community, the MOVE tribe is all about the good vibes, channeling positive energy through movements, and inspiring anyone and everyone to stay active and have fun doing it,” said Nelly.
Website: movetribe.org
Instagram: @Moveriyadh
Coach Muna
Not Just a Zumbaholic
Growing up in Riyadh, Muna Abdullah has always been passionate about dancing. Hence, it was rather expected by her contemporaries that in entering the world of fitness, she would be in part, specializing in dance classes. It was a natural progression for Coach Muna, who eventually became known in the local circuit for her energetic Zumba sessions. She has since then added other dances to her repertoire of offerings, from afro beats, Bollywood dance, salsa, and bachta. Coach Muna advocates dancing for fitness, not just for its physical benefits but as well as its positive impact on one’s overall wellbeing. “Dancing is such a positive avenue to express your emotions, to relieve stress, it’s a fun way to get fit but also a shared social experience — a way to connect with others. Sometimes, you don’t overthink it, just follow the beat and move.”
Instagram: @Zumbaholic84
One of the wonderful discoveries I’ve made in writing this piece as someone who’s a mere spectator is how helpful and supportive the local dance community is. Every talent I’ve spoken to went to mention other noteworthy dance professionals.
Whether it be for fitness, recreation, or cultural performance, one thing is clear, this community’s enthusiasm and tenacity to keep pushing forward and work together is going to elevate dance in the country in ways we’ve never seen before.
Other dancers and instructors to watch out for:
Ijlal AlSomali
Instagram: @ijlalalso
Khadija Alsheikh
Instagram: @Khadija.Alsheikh
Noura AlAbdulaziz
Instagram: @inoura.sa
DID YOU KNOW?
The Kingdom has dance ingrained within its folk-art traditions. Growing up in Riyadh, I’d often come across men wielding swords and dancing to the accompaniment of drums (and most of the time, poetry too) on television or during local festivities. Ardha was originally performed as a battle dance, particularly in Najd. It has however evolved as a celebratory dance; with different variations depending on the region.
