About TIPS4HIPS Academy
Tips4Hips Membership program has evolved beyond being just a dance tutorial library — it has flourished into the TIPS4HIPS Academy. It’s a path to mastery in Oriental Dance: presenting an integral and well-structured program, deeper learning of various topics, enhanced consistency and a personalized touch.
Inside the TIPS4HIPS Academy you can find live Zoom classes and workshops, drills and tips, conditioning, technique and choreography classes, lessons of invited artists, exclusive lectures and talks, festival reviews, interviews and much more. Regularly enriched with new lessons, your dance journey here remains exciting and dynamic. Not to mention the extensive dance tutorial library at your disposal.
We will not teach you to be an ideal dancer — we will help you become a unique one.
This autumn we celebrate the pulse of Cairo with four months fully dedicated to Baladi and Shaabi. Together we will train core technique and create vibrant combinations that capture the groove of the streets and the depth of Baladi expression.
You will learn choreographies in both classic and contemporary Shaabi, explore the playful spirit of melaya, and work with sagat rhythms.
A special cultural session will highlight the roots and evolution of Shaabi, adding context to your dance. Step by step, you will also develop your own Baladi choreography, to be presented in our closing showcase at the end of the season.
Our guest star
“Tips 4 Extra-ordinary Hips” is an 8-week progressive technique program with Mariela Sawi
“The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.” — Jimmy Johnson
That’s why during this 8 classes, Mariela will focus on working your hips plus giving you tips with extra attention to strength, range, mobility and precision.
Over 8 weeks you’ll refine hip isolation, build control and expand your movement vocabulary to dance with more fluidity, power and confidence.
Join Mariela and add that little extra to your hips technique!
“Introduction to the Course. Baladi VS Shaabi technique” (pre-recorded)
Pre-recorded lesson “Baladi steps. Drills”
“Fabulous 5” — Celebration of the 5th Anniversary of TIPS4HIPS Platform (not included in membership). All details you can find here.
Live Zoom Workshop with Julia Farid
Time: 4 pm – 6 pm CEST
Theme: “Shaabi Old Style”
– Pre-recorded lesson “Baladi Combo with Melaya”.
– Pre-recorded lesson “Modern Shaabi technique”.
Live Zoom Lecture
Time: 4 pm – 5 pm CEST
Theme: “Shaabi Stories with Eva”
Live Zoom Workshop
Time: 5 pm – 6:30 pm CEST
Theme: “Dancing with Sagat” with Shahrzad
Live Zoom Lab Class
Time: 4 pm – 5:30 pm CEST
Theme: “Baladi Awadi: improvisation and creating a choreography”
Pre-recorded lesson “Ideas for your Baladi choreography”
Live Zoom Workshop
Time:
Theme: “Mahraganat combos” with a guest artist (TBA)
Feedback Week and Assignment submissions
Choreography Submission Deadline
Live Zoom Showcase and Coaching Q&A
Time: 4 pm — 5.30 pm CET
August Special!
Dive into the graceful world of Khaleegy dance, rooted in the culture and rhythms of the Gulf. This class focuses on technique and movement, helping you master the soft, flowing style unique to the region. You’ll also explore everyday traditions from Gulf countries — it’s more than just dance, it’s a cultural journey.
Note: This is a technique-focused class (no choreography).
With 25+ years of experience, Shayma is a leading bellydance artist in the UAE. She started in Argentina, performed across the Middle East, and has worked with royal events and five-star venues. In 2023, she founded The Bellydance Academy Dubai, and in 2025 launched a festival celebrating Egyptian, Lebanese, Khaleegy, and Iraqi dance.
