Atlanta Fusion Belly Dance, Atlanta

Whether it’s rooms, clothes, or pet hamsters, sisters share everything. For Faaridah, that transaction extends to her love and appreciation for belly dancing and the Middle Eastern culture. Eventually, her passion led to the opening of Atlanta Fusion Belly Dance, where she—along with her 10 sisters—lead sultry, body-sculpting belly-dancing and Zumba classes.

Basic classes lay a foundation of arm and hip movements, and specialty sessions fuse belly dance with a number of other dance styles, including hip hop, blues, and Bollywood, for a dance mélange that tones muscles more effectively than waltzing with a Bowflex. Classes may cover traditional Egyptian, Turkish, Tribal, and Gypsy styles, while others create innovative choreography set to steam-punk-tribal fusion, Arab electronica, and tango fusion. Some even incorporate such props as fan veils, canes, and brass candleholders, all available for purchase so that guests can practice at home, or play makeshift games of Clue.