Aalim Dance Academy

- 2520 N Meridian Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73107

Aalim Dance Academy, nestled in the heart of Oklahoma City, is much more than just a Dance school; it is a vital Cultural center and Arts organization dedicated to promoting the public awareness, history, and beauty of the dances and music of North Africa, Southwest Asia, Turkey, and Greece. Organized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit Dance company, Aalim has built a reputation across Oklahoma for its professional instruction, inclusive community, and commitment to genuine cultural education.

Specializing in Belly Dance—referred to more broadly as SWANAHT (Southwest Asia, North Africa, Hellenic, and Turkish) dance—the academy provides a wide spectrum of classes ranging from absolute Beginner's classes to Advanced classes and professional training. The mission is multifaceted: to educate the community through structured teaching programs, lecture/demonstrations, and to entertain the public by presenting professional Dance company concerts and Bellydance Shows with trained, accomplished dancers and authentic costuming.

The community at Aalim is renowned for being supportive, nurturing, and incredibly welcoming, often described by customers as having a feeling of family. This environment is intentionally cultivated to empower individuals and provide an authentic and inclusive learning space, regardless of age, body type, gender, or previous experience. Belly Dance is promoted as an art form for "every body," making it an accessible and beautiful way to exercise and express oneself while connecting with rich global cultural traditions. The academy also serves as an Entertainment agency, booking professional dancers for various local events, corporate functions, and private celebrations across the state.

One exciting piece of local news is that the studio is reportedly growing and has future plans for a new building, reflecting its expanding positive impact on the Oklahoma City arts scene.

Aalim Dance Academy is strategically located to serve the greater Oklahoma City metropolitan area, making it a convenient destination for local users looking to engage with cultural dance and educational programs.

Address: 2520 N Meridian Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73107, USA

The location on N Meridian Ave ensures easy access from various parts of the city. More importantly, the academy is committed to physical accessibility, offering a Wheelchair accessible entrance and a Wheelchair accessible parking lot. This thoughtfulness ensures that the studio is welcoming and accessible to all students and visitors, supporting its mission of inclusivity.

For tuition and program fees, the academy provides convenient payment options, accepting both Credit cards and Debit cards. The environment is also known to be Good for kids, indicating that while many classes focus on Adult lessons, the overall cultural center is a safe and positive space that serves families and younger students in certain programs.

As both a Dance school and a Cultural center, Aalim Dance Academy offers a comprehensive range of services, blending structured Dance Education with performance and community outreach.

• Dance Classes and Programs:
  • Belly Dance / Bellydance Lessons: Core training in the ancient and beautiful art form of Middle Eastern dance, specializing in Egyptian Raqs Sharqi and other styles.
  • Cultural Dance Classes: Instruction in a great number of styles, including folkloric, cabaret, tribal fusion, and American Tribal Style. These classes emphasize not just movement, but also the music and cultural context from North Africa, Southwest Asia, Turkey, and Greece.
  • Skill Levels: Classes available for all proficiency levels, including Beginner's classes (such as "Intro to Bellydance"), Intermediate classes, and Advanced classes.
  • Adult Classes / Adult lessons: The primary focus is on adult students, welcoming all ages from early teens to late 70s and older, with specialized classes like "Divas" for older, experienced dancers.
  • Class Formats: Offered as Single Class drop-ins, 1 Hour Classes, and full sessions.
  • Choreography classes: Dedicated sessions for learning routines and rhythm-based combinations to refine movement and build fluidity.
• Accessibility and Flexibility:
  • In-Person Classes: Traditional instruction conducted in the Oklahoma City studio.
  • Virtual Classes: Online training options, ensuring Dance Education To students who may have travel or schedule constraints.
  • Home Classes: Arrangements for customized instruction.
• Performance and Professional Services:
  • Bellydance Shows and Professional Performances: The academy functions as an Entertainment agency, booking professional dancers for various events, including birthday parties, wedding celebrations, corporate events, and community festivals.
  • Community Outreach: The organization actively performs ethnic Middle Eastern dances for arts councils, fairs, and other community and educational entities (like the OKC Arts Council and Oklahoma State Fair), promoting positive cultural awareness.
• Educational Events:
  • Lecture/Demonstrations: Programs to promote public awareness and understanding of the history and culture behind the dances.
  • Conventions and Workshops: The academy hosts events like "Starfest," a Middle Eastern dance convention dedicated to bringing world-class guest artists and knowledge to Oklahoma dancers.
  • "Dance Passport" Initiative: An initiative offering free cultural dance classes in various world dance styles to the Oklahoma City community, making cultural exploration accessible to all ages and abilities.

The unique attributes of Aalim Dance Academy solidify its position as a leading Cultural center in Oklahoma City:

• Non-Profit Cultural Mission: Operating as a 501(c)(3) organization, Aalim is dedicated to cultural preservation and education, teaching students not only the steps but also the history, music, and cultural stylizations of the regions the dances originate from.
• Inclusive "Every Body" Philosophy: The studio is celebrated for its incredibly nurturing, welcoming, and "drama-free" environment, emphasizing that Bellydance is accessible and beneficial for every person, regardless of their background, size, shape, or gender.
• Diversity of Styles: Instruction goes beyond basic Belly Dance to include specialized forms like folkloric, tribal fusion, cabaret, and American Tribal Style, offering students a comprehensive and deep dive into the art form.
• Community Focus and "Family" Atmosphere: Long-time students consistently praise the strong, supportive community, where members form genuine friendships and support each other both in dance and in life.
• Dual Role as Entertainment Agency: Beyond teaching, Aalim maintains a professional Dance company that provides high-quality, authentic Bellydance Shows for hire, bringing culture and entertainment to events throughout Oklahoma.
• Extensive Accessibility: The facility offers both a Wheelchair accessible entrance and Wheelchair accessible parking lot, ensuring that the space is physically welcoming to all members of the community.
• Innovative Outreach Programs: Initiatives like the "Dance Passport" program demonstrate the academy’s commitment to community engagement by offering free, accessible cultural education to the public.
• Accommodating Class Formats: Offering both In-Person Classes and Virtual Classes provides maximum flexibility for busy Oklahoma residents, ensuring that Dance Education remains accessible.

For class schedules, professional performance bookings, or general inquiries about the Dance Academy and Cultural center programs, please use the contact information below.

Address: 2520 N Meridian Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73107, USA
Phone: (405) 844-0304
Mobile Phone: +1 405-844-0304

For residents of Oklahoma City and surrounding areas seeking a truly unique, enriching, and welcoming artistic experience, choosing Aalim Dance Academy is choosing an authentic cultural home. It distinguishes itself from general Dance schools by operating as a non-profit Cultural center with a dedicated educational mission. Students don't just learn steps; they learn the culture, music, and history behind the movements, ensuring a deeper appreciation of the art form.

The commitment to inclusivity, famously promoting that Belly Dance is for "every body," creates a family-like atmosphere that is incredibly nurturing for both absolute Beginner's classes and experienced Advanced classes. Furthermore, the dual function as a professional Entertainment agency means the quality of instruction is top-tier, and students have exceptional opportunities for public performance in a Dance company setting. By choosing Aalim, local users support an Arts organization that actively enriches the Oklahoma community through cultural education, professional artistry, and an environment that fosters personal confidence and lifelong friendships.

Aalim Dance Academy

2520 N Meridian Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73107, USA