Hi Chantal,

I agree with Samira that our bellydance community here in DC is large and diverse. I think we're really lucky in that respect. I also think that you should shop around and take classes with different teachers. Most teachers will let you take a sample class and that's important because you don't want to plunk down a ton of money and then find out that you don't even like your new teachers' style. Like Samira, I'm also weary of some of these teachers in the community who discourage you from taking classes elsewhere. I've even heard stories of students being "made fun of" in class for taking classes elsewhere. Who needs that kind of drama, really?

I can tell you who I've take with locally and really liked:
Laurel Gray at Joy of Motion
Artemis at her home studio
Rachel Brookmire at Sahara Dance
Saphira at Saffron Dance
Nadira Nasreen at her home studio
Lotus Niraja (workshops)
Faten Salama

There are lots of other wonderful teachers in the area that hopefully people will chime in and endorse. But those above are the ones I've taken with and feel comfortable recommending to someone else.

Welcome to the community! Hope to see you around.