As well as private classes in her Half Moon Bay home, Helwa teaches all levels of belly dance classes through the San Mateo Park and Recreation Department. Currently, more than sixty students participate in beginner, advanced beginner and intermediate levels.

To learn more, go to the Classes page.

Interested in hearing students' comments?   Scroll below

Belly dancing has proved to be a very wonderful thing for my daughter and myself. I love how you say it is a “dance of power,” and I often tell people that now. I love things that make women, especially young women, powerful and these young women are going to change the world. And we're there at the pivotal point, powerfully influencing them. A serious responsibility, don't you think?

Laura Strom

You give me options so that I am challenged and yet you don't leave others in the wind.   Thanks for making classes fun and interesting!

Mikele Simkin

I think it's great for my 13-year-old daughter to be able to experience a woman teacher who does such an excellent job of it. You manage to teach with such grace and complete lack of criticism. I have never seen a teacher be able to focus on only the positive points and strengths in the way you do. I know my daughter will keep it as a reference all her life.

Laura Strom

The first time I saw you perform, I was so moved, I knew I wanted to learn how to bellydance! The fundamental techniques you imparted to me will stay with me forever! You are a wonderful teacher and I loved our years together dancing up a storm at your house, and all our wonderful shows. I really appreciate the way you pushed us and the intimate environment we were able to create for performing. That is something I REALLY miss!!

Rita Slobodian

You not only keep up with the dance community and events, but you also have a good camaraderie with other dancers.   You don't not hesitate to expose your students to other teachers, which was very exciting to me. You teach with a sincerity and humor that makes it easier to risk it when all that shakin' is going on. I wish you could have relocated with me.”

Annette Robertson

Your warm up is the best I have done.   It warms us up with out pain, and it is fun.

Mikele Simkins

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