Sandy Maya's Dance
where Bellydance meets Showdance
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Sandy Maya is a choreographer, performer and teacher based in Reading, Berkshire, UK.
Sandy has enjoyed dance ever since she can remember, always being the first on the dance-floor at Parties. She has been trained in Ballet and Jazzdance from age 11-15. In her twenties she attended streetdance classes and started learning Salsa and Bachata before discovering Bellydance/Oriental-dance in 2011. Sandy fell in love with this artform and delved into extensively learning the art of bellydance by attending as many classes she could find. Sandy's main bellydance teacher is Helen Santa Maria of the SMBA ( Santa Maria Bellydance Academy in Reading ) but she has also learned from the following teachers, listed further below. In 2015 Sandy completed the Bellydance Teacher Apprenticeship at the SMBA and began teaching for the RBSB only a few months later. Sandy has since been teaching for the SMBA in Reading and the RBSB in Maidenhead, Twyford and Wokingham, as well as offering local classes and workshops in Lower Earley, Woodley and Earley. In addition to learning more about Bellydance and passing on her knowledge with her teaching, Sandy also attended adult Ballet and Lyrical classes with Bronia Pearce at BPD, Above all Sandy loves to create choreographies to tell stories. And that is where the fusion comes in and Bellydance meets Showdance, often including props. Sandy's students perform regularly at the local Bastille Day Festival in Reading which inspired her to incorporate the French Cancan as well as bring other show-pieces to life to cater to the general public who may not be familiar with the traditional art of bellydance. In 2016 Sandy took part in a local theatre production by the Progress Theatre, which took a modern approach on Shakespeare's A midsummer night's dream, which included music and dance scenes. Sandy choreographed the pieces for the exclusive music and taught the cast ( non dancers ) the dances to be performed for 10 evenings in a row. Sandy appeared in the play herself one evening as an understudy filling in for one of the fairies. Certifications and Achievements Take a tour down memory lane with me here |
Influence of dancers and teachers,
who shaped Sandy's style over time and made her the dancer/teacher/choreographer she is today:
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1989-1994 - Karin Schacht - Ballet and Jazzdance
2006-2011 - Redhat Salsa Classes in Reading 2011/2012 - Cherie Leigh Marshall - My first bellydance teacher at the SMBA ( Divas from Giza, Open Level ) in Reading/UK 2012 - Darkstar - Tribal Fusion workshop in Tilehurst/UK 2012 - Dance Reality Studios - Ballet classes in Tilehurst/UK 2012 - Helen Santa Maria - Samba fusion Workshop in Reading/UK 2012 - Helen Santa Maria - Intermediate classes in Reading/UK 2012-2013 - Hossam and Serena Ramzy Drumzy Foundation course in Reading 2013 - Helen Santa Maria - Private Coaching on How to choreograph in Tilehurst/UK 2013 - Helen Santa Maria - Bhangra Fusion Workshop in Reading/UK 2013 - Sadie Marquard - Shimmies and Samba fusion Workshop in person in London/UK 2013 - Sadie Marquard - Classes on Powhow online 2013 - Louise Brooks - Teacher at the SMBA (Imp/Interm) in Tilehurst/UK 2013 - Helen Santa Maria - Teacher and Principal at the SMBA ( Desert Pearls, Advanced Level ) Saiidi style 2014 - Rachel Bennett - Stage presence workshop in Hurst/UK 2014 - Hossam and Serena Ramzy Classical Egyptian Choreo Workshop in Hurst/UK 2014 - Jim - Duff and Tabla drumming sessions 2014 - Louise Brooks - Teacher at the SMBA ( Tribal Fusion ) in Reading 2015 - Louise Brooks - Teacher at the SMBA - Observing mentor for my teacher apprenticeship at the SMBA 2015 - Bachata Kariño - Salsa and Bachata classes with Bachata Kariño in Reading 2015 - Cherie - Desert Diamonds Troupe Level - Drum solo 2015 - Helen Santa Maria - Desert Diamonds Troupe Level - Folcloric Saiidi 2016 - Sadie Marquard - Classes on Powhow online 2016 - Sadie Marquard - Mindblowing isolations Workshop in person, in London 2016 - Al Warner - props workshop on fanveils in Marlow 2016 - Natasha Bradley - Desert Diamonds Troupe Level - Shaabi style 2016 - Bronia Pearce - Ballet and Lyrical 2017 - Rachel Bennett - Advanced Cabaret fusion choreo in Wokingham 2017 - Ozgen - Turkish Oriental Dance workshop at the NBAF in London 2017 - Maelle - Lyrical, fantasy fanveil workshop at the NBAF in London 2017 - Charlotte Desorger - veil choreo at the NBAF in London 2017 - Cat Barclay - introduction to sword dancing in Bracknell 2017 - Katie Alyce - Teacher at the SMBA ( Desert Pearls - Advanced Level ) 2017 - Helen Santa Maria - Desert Diamonds Troupe, Melaya Leff choreo 2018 - Helen Santa Maria - Desert Diamonds Troupe, Golden era with zills 2019 - Melissa Bellydance - NBAF module training 2019 - Nawarra - Morrocan Chaabi with stick Workshop at NBAF in London 2020 - Katie Alyce - Bellydance combos Workshop in Tilehurst/UK 2020 - Helen Santa Maria - Online Advanced classes 2020 - Helen Santa Maria - Tango fusion choreo - online 2020 - Rachel Bennett - Featherfan Cabaret fusion choreo - online 2020 - Rachel Bennett - Polynesian choreo - online 2020 - Jasirah - Saiidi and Veil Workshop Online 2020 - Bronia Pearce - Ballet online 2020 - Bronia Pearce - Lyrical online 2021 - Diva Darina - Online Be a Diva Volume 2 course 2021 - Maelle - Bellydance drills - online 2021 - Rachel Bennett - Advanced Classical Egyptian in Woodley 2021 - Sadie Marquard - Raqs Online 2021 - Bronia Pearce - Lyrical classes online 2022 - Rachel Bennett - Angels of the Orient, Advanced Arabic Pop choreo in Twyford/UK 2023 - Tevec - Turkish styel and floorwork in Kidlington/UK 2023 - Helen Santa Maria - Desert Diamonds Troupe Level Classical Egyptian choreo 2024 - Katie Alyce - Romantic Oriental Choreo Workshop in Reading 2024 - Natasha Bradley - drumming session 2024 - Serena Ramzy - Classical Egyptian, online classes 2025 - Iana Komarnytska - Business Course for Bellydancers: Everything about Gigs ( online ) 2025 - Helen Santa Maria - Golden Era Workshop in Reading/UK 2025 - Helen Santa Maria - Desert Diamonds Troupe Level, Golden era style 2025 - Diva Darina - Be a Diva workshop in person in London 2025 - Rachel Bennett - Fantasy fusion with zills 2026 - Jasirah - Baladi Workshop Online 2026 - Iana Komarnytska ( online ) 2026 - Bellystream.TV - Jamilah ( online ) 2026 - Bellystream.TV - Julia Farid ( online ) 2026 - Bellystream.TV - Marta Korzun ( online ) 2026 - Joana Saahira - Online workshops on the Legacy of Three Egyptian Dance Legends, studying the styles and influence of Mona Al Said, Souair Zaki and Mahmoud Reda 2026 - Bellystream.TV Drumming with Artem Uzunov ( online ) Rhythms: Baladi, Masmoudi, Saiidi, Maksum, Malfuf, Ayoub, Karachi, Khaleegy, Samai, Wahda Kebira, Chiftetelli, Fallahi, Waltz, Karsilama, Sombati ( APP assistance ) 2026 - Joana Saahira - Online workshops on traveling steps and footwork 2026 - Sahara Dance - Online Workshop on Romani style origin & Tsifteteli rhythm with Sophianna and Odiney |
Videos of me performing
other teachers choreographies:
Inspiring dancers I currently follow, learn from and recommend:
Sahira ( zills technique ) Joana Saahira ( Egyptian Authenticity ) Iana Komarnitzka ( online school ) Cassandra Fox (Inspiring dance fluidity ) Hala ( effortless style ) Carolyn Rupp ( style, expression and technique ) Zizi Zabaneh ( her energy and effortless moves ) Lou Barcelos ( Romani dance style inspiration ) |
Participation in any sessions require your agreement to the waiver and disclaimer document to ensure risk awareness.
If you have signed up for your session online, you have automatically agreed to the terms and conditions.
If you have signed up for your session online, you have automatically agreed to the terms and conditions.
L.E.D. wings choreo Workshop Sunday, 15th Nov 2026 at 1:15pm
£35.00
L.E.D. wings Workshop
Please review the waiver that all participants need to sign.
This workshop is not suitable for beginners who have no experience with wings,
Please bring your own props.
Props are not provided at this workshop
L.E.D. wings Workshop £35
Session type: Learn a group choreo with L.E.D. wings
When: Sunday, 15th November 2026
Duration: 2,5 hours
Where: St Peter's Church, Earley
Additional info:
Intermediate level, requires isis-wings-handling ability
Participants need to bring their own props.
Comes with a performance opportunity at the SMD Autumn Showcase on 22nd November 2026 ( tickets )
Please note that we will work in a dark room for parts of this workshop as we are
working with light effects.
There may be wings with flashing lights, so if you are sensitive to flashy lights, low
light, bright light, sudden light changes,
then perhaps this workshop is not for you.
workshop to be from 1:15pm-3:45pm ( 2,5 hours )
rehearsal time can be used 15 mins prior and 15 mins after workshop
Fatamorgana PAYG in between terms
£0.00 - £10.00
This option is for the Fatamorgana members only
Drills and rehearsals of previously learned choreos are being covered in these in between term sessions.
Please review the waiver that all participants need to sign.
Belly-Line-Dance Session - 4th June at 7pm
£11.50
Thursday, 4th Junel at 7pm - BLD No. 20
Song: Tum Takketa - Belly-Line-Dance for Woodley performance
Session type: Repetitive, combo to an upbeat song for a fun cardio workout.
When: Thursday, 4th June 2026 at 7pm
Duration: 1 hour
Where: Home studio, Lower Earley, RG6 3..
Additional info: Beginner friendly. Just for fun
Comes with a performance opportunity at Woodley Carnival on 13th June 2026
Complete address to be provided after booking
Minimum registration needs to be reached for the class to run. Once registered, the class will not be refunded.
In the event of cancelation by Sandy Maya's Dance, you'll get notified 2 days prior to the event and a full refund will be issued or the credit can be used for another class.
Please review the waiver that all participants need to sign.
Spring Student Showcase - 17th May at 1:15pm
£15.50
A Showcase for Sandy Maya's Dance students and our local dance community who are looking for a chance to showcase their talent.
The Showcase is held at
Location: Alan Cornish Theatre in Woodley
Headley Rd, Woodley, RG5 4JZ ( Parking at the Oakwood Centre ) and cross over the park to the venue by foot. It's a 3 minute walk.
This is a 2 hour event and starts at 1:15pm and ends at 3:15pm
Doors open at 12:50pm
Tickets are required for dancers and spectators of all ages as this is a theatre with limited capacity, once all seats are gone, there is no room to add to it.
There is one wheel chair space available, if you require it, please let me know so I can make sure we do not double book that one.
The venue has an in-house cafe, where you can get refreshments
before and after the event as well as during the break.
Please note that no food is allowed in the theatre itself.
For performance slots, please contact Sandy.
Home studio rehearsal - max 5 people - imaginary props ( not valid for Maiden Place sessions )
£0.00 - £10.00
This is an extension to the rehearsals run at Maiden Place.
As it is tricky to book a room at a time that fits everyone, I am adding some dates at my home studio, so that everyone gets a chance to rehearse.
Only valid at Hawkedon Way Home Studio for a small number of people
Rehearsing at my home studio means space limitation and props cannot be used as it would implicate health and safety.
If you sign up for these rehearsal sessions you are aware of space restriction and needing to go over the routines without props.
These sessions cost less than the in studio classes for that reason.
Check upcoming dates here
Skirt swishing Workshop 2026
£35.00
Skirt swishing Workshop
Romani influenced skirt dance
Session type: Romani influenced skirt dance where the skirt acts as partial prop throughout the dance for expression.
When: 13th September 2026 at 1:15pm
Duration: 2,5 hours
Where: St. Peter's Church Hall
Additional info:
Intermediate/Advanced level,
A wide skirt should be worn to get the most out of this workshop as the skirt also acts as a prop to highlight moves with expressive swishing and wrapping.
A circle skirt/gypsy style skirt would be ideal.
Performance opportunities:
Autumn Showcase on 22nd November 2026
Romani influenced skirt dance
Session type: Romani influenced skirt dance where the skirt acts as partial prop throughout the dance for expression.
When: 13th September 2026 at 1:15pm
Duration: 2,5 hours
Where: St. Peter's Church Hall
Additional info:
Intermediate/Advanced level,
A wide skirt should be worn to get the most out of this workshop as the skirt also acts as a prop to highlight moves with expressive swishing and wrapping.
A circle skirt/gypsy style skirt would be ideal.
Performance opportunities:
Autumn Showcase on 22nd November 2026
Cancan version 2027 ( Saturday course ) Jan-Jun
£55.00
Cancan 2027 Saturday Course ( Jan-June )
( 5 spaces available )
Session type: Learn the 2027 version of the cancan
When: Saturdays
Duration: 6x 1 hour
Where: Home studio in Lower Earley
Additional info:
For this course you should have done one prior cancan workshop with us or have more than 2 years of dance or fitness dance, such as zumba experience
Requires good fitness level. To be avoided if suffering from knee or hip injuries.
This type of dance involves a lot of bouncing ( supportive bra recommended )
Participants need to bring their own skirts for swish action.
If you do not have a cancan skirt, any wide long skirt will work just as well.
The course runs on one Saturday every month from January til June 2027
Performance opportunities:
Usually at Bastille Day Festival Reading, but to be confirmed
SMD Autumn showcase 2027
Beginner Level PAYG
£11.50
Session type: Designed for beginners, learn the basic moves and simple choreography
When: Wednesdays at 2pm
Duration: 1 hour
Where: Home studio, Lower Earley, RG6 3
Additional info:
Not term based, drop in classes.
Complete address to be provided after booking
Appreciation donation
£1.11 - £55.55
Some people call it "tips" or "buy me a coffee"
If you feel like you would like to express your appreciation of any of my services, be it classes, event organisation, choreographies, inspiration, video or photography services, then please feel free to donate. Any amount will be greatly appreciated and will help me continue to do and share what I love most: Bring the joy of dance to all people.
Maiden Place Rehearsal session PAYG
£11.50
Rehearsal sessions are available to students who have learned dances at workshops and need to practise before an upcoming performance.
The dates are advertised on the What's On section as well as the "rehearsal sessions" section and are being shared within the dance community by Sandy in advance of them taking place.
Only valid for rehearsal sessions at Maiden Place in Lower Earley
Maiden Place function room at MP
MP=Maiden Place in Lower Earley
Satnav Post code:
MP: RG6 3HE
Please check upcoming rehearsal dates at this location here
The dates are advertised on the What's On section as well as the "rehearsal sessions" section and are being shared within the dance community by Sandy in advance of them taking place.
Only valid for rehearsal sessions at Maiden Place in Lower Earley
Maiden Place function room at MP
MP=Maiden Place in Lower Earley
Satnav Post code:
MP: RG6 3HE
Please check upcoming rehearsal dates at this location here
Santa Baby Solo Choreo Workshop 2026 - 13th December at 1pm
£25.00
X-mas-dance Workshop
Session type: Learn an alluring solo choreography to Santa Baby
When: Sunday, 13th December 2026 at 1pm
Duration: 2,5 hours
Where: Home studio in Lower Earley, RG6 3*
Additional info:
Intermediate level.
Dressing up festive for the video recording is encouraged, but not mandatory
Full address to be shared once booked.
This session is for fun only and does not come with a performance opportunity, but you can, of course, perform it anywhere you wish.
Halloween Dance Workshop 11th Oct 2026 at 1:30pm
£35.00
Halloween Workshop Puppet on a string theme
Session type: Learn a Halloween group dance choreo
When: 11th October 2026 at 1:30pm
Duration: 2,5 hours
Where: St. Peter's Church Hall
Additional info:
Intermediate/Advanced level,
Dressing up for the video recording is encouraged, but not mandatory
Performance opportunities:
Spooktacular on 25th October, organised by Sammi
SMD Autumn Showcase on 22nd November 2026 ( tickets )