Tarik Sultan

Tarik Sultan is one of the world’s best-known pioneers of male Oriental Dance (Belly Dancing). He began his formal training in 1985. In addition to classes, he spent countless hours in the Dance Research Library at Lincoln Center, striving to learn as much as he could about the dance, its history, and the culture from which it originated. In 1988, he traveled to Egypt for the first time, observing the dance in its native homeland. This experience allowed him to distinguish the truth about the dance from the many popular myths created by the media.

Inspired by his travels, Tarik began teaching his first class in the early '90s, eager to share all he had learned and observed. Over the years, his talent and dedication to the art have earned him a reputation as a dynamic performer and a gifted, inspiring teacher and choreographer. He has taught many successful seminars across the nation as well as internationally in the UK, Japan, Australia, Trinidad, and Argentina. Some of Tarik’s international performance credits include the Jerusalem Festival, the Dar America Association in Marrakech, Morocco, and Alexandria, Egypt. In 2003, he became one of the first male dancers to perform at the Ahlan Wa Sahlan Festival in Cairo, Egypt. Other credits include performances at the United Nations, Lincoln Center, and The Museum of Natural History.

Tarik holds the distinction of being the only male dancer to be featured in the top venues in New York City, such as Casbah Rouge, Mehenata Bulgarian Bar, Babylon, Horus, The Habibi Lounge, and Feluca and 1001 Nights in Brooklyn, NY. From 2003 to 2014, he was the premier dancer at Le Souk in NYC. Until recently, he taught regular weekly classes in NYC, The Bronx, and Jersey City. He is available for private lessons, Zoom classes, private parties, and workshops upon request.

Tarik Sultan offers a range of engaging classes at the Bellyqueen School, catering to multiple levels.

Tuesdays (In-Person)
6.30-7.30pm: Raks Baladi Performance Project 5/26-7/14 (8 Wk Course)
7.30-8.30pm: Open Egyptian Style Belly Dance (Drop-In)

Thursdays (Online via Zoom)
7-8pm: Open Level Egyptian Drills and Combos (Drop-In)

Saturdays (In-Person)
11am-12pm: Belly Dance Foundations (Drop-In)
12-1pm: Intermediate Cairo Stage Dance (Drop-In)
1-2pm: Classical Oriental Performance Project 5/30-7/18 (7 Wk Course) No class 7/4

WHERE:
Bellyqueen School @Playwrights
440 Lafayette St, 4th Floor, Studio 4D, New York, NY 10003
Press "Playwrights" on the intercom to be let into the building and to activate the elevator

INVESTMENT:
In-Person Drop-In: $25, class packages and unlimited passes apply
Online Drop-In: $12, class packages and unlimited passes apply

Sign Up Now for a Drop-In Class

Way back in the day, I had taken classes with Tarik.  He was an excellent teacher then and I am pleased to say that he continues to be. In fact, he has become a teacher who can teach everyone while, at the same time, providing support to any one individual. That's a gift! - Oliver Hummel

Drop-In Class Descriptions

Belly Dance Foundations
This class taught by Tarik Sultan gives beginners — and dancers with some experience — the technical building blocks to grow with confidence. You’ll learn core isolations, footwork, posture, transitions, and how to apply them musically so your movement looks and feels intentional. This course teaches skills that transfer across traditional and fusion styles, helping you progress with proficiency, artistry, and a strong movement vocabulary. Join a supportive class environment designed to challenge you while honoring your individual pace.

Open Egyptian Style Belly Dance
We continue building your technique through the essential elements of Raks Sharki and Baladi stylizations. In this class, you’ll develop a deeper mastery of Egyptian movement vocabulary, variations, and musicality.

Now we’ll focus on the relaxed control needed to achieve true grace and fluidity—especially through how you use your arms and hands to create elegant lines that beautifully complement your body and movement. You’ll also learn how to travel through space with poise and presence.

Who it’s for:

• New performers and advanced beginners to intermediate students building a strong Egyptian foundation

• Dancers who want to deepen their authenticity and add Egyptian musical nuance to their repertoire