The Rise of Dance Training Clubs in the Land of the Two Holy Mosques

In a relatively short period, dance training clubs have proliferated in the Land of the Two Holy Mosques, with renowned professional belly dancers training Saudi women to master the art.

Reports reveal the presence of dozens of dance training centers across Saudi Arabia, offering lessons in belly dancing, pole dancing, and mixed dancing.

In 2018, an advertisement circulated claiming that Egyptian dancer Fifi Abdou would conduct belly dancing workshops in Saudi Arabia, targeting both women and men for a fee of 3,000 Saudi riyals. However, Fifi Abdou herself denied these rumors, labeling them false.

At the time, Saudi writer Naif Abdullah told Al-Masry Al-Youm that these rumors aimed to tarnish Saudi Arabia’s image, emphasizing that the advertisement was fabricated and not announced by Saudi’s General Entertainment Authority.

Yet, under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, such rumors quickly transformed into reality. Previously unthinkable activities have now crossed societal red lines, fostering corruption and moral decay within the Kingdom.

For instance, “For the first time in Saudi Arabia: Oriental Dance Workshops,” was a statement published by the “Happy Dance” Art Institution in Riyadh. This workshop assists Saudi women in “mastering” belly dancing under the professional supervision of Egyptian dancer Dina.

The name “Happy Dance” leads us to its founder, trainer Sara Younis. She claims she is not a “professional dancer” but rather someone who “loves dancing.” According to her, she doesn’t dance “for the music” but for “fitness purposes.”

Sara further claims on her personal account that she only works with a “select elite of professional trainers” and assures that the belly dancing workshops are conducted in a “very conservative framework suitable to our environment.”

When reviewing the social media accounts of dance training centers in Saudi Arabia, the content varies widely, including:

• • Videos of foreign women dancing, often scantily clad.

• • Footage of participants’ feet as they learn dance routines.

• • Clips of children dancing inappropriately.

• • Men engaging in suggestive dance moves.

• • Discounts for dance workshops offered on Saudi National Day.

Dance and music clubs have even extended their services to children. Publicly advertised workshops teach belly dancing, Zumba, hip-hop, gymnastics, and ballet to children without restrictions. Some clubs even publish videos of children in inappropriate attire.

In 2020, Saudi Arabia witnessed the opening of its first ballet training center, which sparked mixed reactions. While some rejected these foreign influences on local culture, others welcomed this form of dance.

Today, ballet training centers for adults and children (both boys and girls) are widespread in Saudi Arabia. Saudi personalities who publicly excel in ballet have also gained attention.

Pole dancing, often associated with performances of a sensual nature in certain venues, has similarly been rebranded—like belly dancing—as a “sport” to break social barriers and normalize such practices.

Trainer Nada appears to have succeeded in this mission. Promotional videos of her pole dancing workshops in Saudi Arabia circulate without restrictions under the regime of Mohammed bin Salman.

Dance training centers in Saudi Arabia have grown to dozens, if not more. After several years under Mohammed bin Salman’s rule, finding dance training centers for women and children aimed at producing a new generation of professional dancers has become increasingly accessible.

These dance clubs are concentrated in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. The outcome? Mixed-gender dancing under the Saudi flag and the banner of Tawheed. On one side, children participate, while on the other, “Coach Mohammed” leads mixed-gender Salsa dance lessons for both men and women.