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.
For those ready to elevate their skills, the Intermediate Shimmy, Layer, and Travel class takes place on Tuesdays 6.30-7.30pm AND Saturdays from 12-1pm.
Additionally, there is a unique Egyptian Spirit “Yousra” 5 week choreography course on Saturdays from 1-2 pm, running from March 15 to April 12.
Master the Art of Vertical Balancing with Tarik Sultan!
Ready to take your belly dance skills to the next level? Join Tarik Sultan’s Vertical Balancing Workshop, a 5-week course designed to teach you the mesmerizing art of balancing free-standing vertical objects—from bottles and jugs to candelabras and even hookahs!
What You’ll Gain:
✔️ Strengthen your posture, core control, and focus
✔️ Learn techniques used by professional dancers to balance props with ease
✔️ Boost your stage presence with an impressive new skill
✔️ Train with one of NYC’s most respected instructors
What to Bring:
🟢 A Cotton Knitted or Crocheted Kufi – Find these at Islamic stores, beauty supply shops, or Amazon (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbCEj0RbEB0).
🟢 A Handmade Bean Bag – 6-inch fabric circles, loosely filled with beans. (Instructions included in the full course details!)
🟢 A 2-Liter Bottle – Bring one filled halfway with water for practice.
🟢 Optional: A Small Hookah – For advanced balancing! Choose one 19-20 inches tall with a wide base (5-6 inches in diameter). Find it on Amazon.
Why This Course?
Whether you're a belly dancer looking to add a jaw-dropping prop trick to your repertoire or just love a fun, physical challenge, this workshop is for you. Limited spots available—sign up now and elevate your dance!
These classes promise a comprehensive and enjoyable learning experience for all participants.
WHEN:
Tuesdays
6.30-7.30pm: Intermediate Shimmy, Layer + Travel (Drop-In)
7.30-8.30pm: Vertical Balancing 4/1-4/29 (5 Wk Course)
Saturdays
12-1pm: Intermediate Shimmy, Layer + Travel (Drop-In)
1-2pm: Egyptian Spirit “Yousra” Choreo 3/15-4/12 (5 Wk Course)
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:
Drop-In Class: $25, class-cards and unlimited passes apply
Vertical Balancing 5 Wk Course:
$100, $90 members