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: Cherie Leigh Marshall, Sadie Marquard, Rachel Bennett, Al Warner, Cat Barclay, Darkstar, Serena Ramzy, Hossam Ramzy, Natasha Bradley, Louise Brooks, Melissa Bellydance, Jasirah ( online ), Diva Darina, Ozgen, Maelle, Katie Alyce, Alla Kushnir ( online ), Charlotte Desorger, Iana Komarnytska ( online ). Jamilah ( online ), Julia Farid ( online ), Marta Korzun ( online ) 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 |
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
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.
The wheel chair space is now reserved, so only regular seats are available for this show.
Apologies if this causes inconvenience.
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 )
£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.
Upcoming dates:
Tuesday, 2nd September 7pm-8pm
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
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
Upcoming rehearsal dates for 10 year anniversary show:
Tuesday, 22nd July 7-8pm at MP
Tuesday, 29th July 7-8pm at MP
Monday, 1st Sep 7-8pm at MP
This is an add on session ( no purchase required )
Sunday, 7th September 10am-11:45am at Loddon Hall in Twyford
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 )
Wednesday Drills PAYG 6pm
£11.50
This pay as you go option is only available for drill classes at Lower Earley Home Studio - Please specify the date you are booking in for, it will be automatically assumed that the nearest date session is meant. - Check availability here first
Bellydance Drop in Classes
Session type: Bellydance drop in classes, learn moves, technique and combos, have fun whilst staying fit!
When:
Tuesdays at 11am
Wednesdays at 6pm
Thursdays at 11am
Duration: 1 hour
Where: Home studio in Lower Earley,
RG6 3**
Additional info:
Open level, beginner friendly
Pre-registration and minimum sign up required for classes to run.
If the minimum sign up is not met 24 hours prior to the class, then class will be canceled.
Failing to attend a registered session will not be refunded, however if a class you signed up for is canceled, a full refund will be given, or the credit can be used for a future date.
Attend 6 drill classes within 2 months and get your 7th drill class for free.
These are weekly classes held in Sandy's home studio in Lower Earley, where we focus on technique, musicality and going back to basics to refine our moves. These classes are suitable for beginners.
Please note:
This class requires signing up at least 24 hours before, as minimum registration needs to be reached for the class to run.
Once registered and the minimum sign up has been reached, the class will not be refunded.
In the event of cancelation by Sandy Maya's Dance, you'll get notified 1 day prior to the event and a full refund will be issued or the credit can be used for another class where minimum sign up is reached.
4 week saver pass - Performance sparkle, technique and stage presence
£46.00
£30.00
Saver-pass for 4 sessions at Home studio
valid only for the following dates as a package:
18th and 25th March 2026
1st and 8th April 2026
For individual drop in sessions at £10, please use the "rehearsal at home" option
Lunch classes on Wednesdays at 12:00-1pm + 15 minutes rehearsal time.
Zills intro at 7pm - Monday, 16th March 2026
£15.00
Zills Introduction session
Session type: An introduction to playing finger cymbals
When: Monday, 16th March 2026 at 7pm
Duration: 1 hour 15 Minutes
Where: Hawkedon Way Home Studio in Lower Earley, RG6 3..
Additional info:
You do not require your own zills or any prior knowledge, as it is aimed at beginners.
You can borrow a pair of finger cymbals in the session
The full address will only be provided once the booking has been placed.
Wear clothing you feel comfortable moving in
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.
Session type: An introduction to playing finger cymbals
When: Monday, 16th March 2026 at 7pm
Duration: 1 hour 15 Minutes
Where: Hawkedon Way Home Studio in Lower Earley, RG6 3..
Additional info:
You do not require your own zills or any prior knowledge, as it is aimed at beginners.
You can borrow a pair of finger cymbals in the session
The full address will only be provided once the booking has been placed.
Wear clothing you feel comfortable moving in
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.
CanCan 2027 - Pay As You Go £13
£13.00
Option 2: PAYG option for the course
Session type: Cancan choreo course ( 6 Saturdays )
in the build up to perform at Bastille Day Festival Reading
Dates: Saturdays
16th January / 20th February / 13th March / 17th April / 15th May /26th June 2027
Time: 10:30am
Option1: Complete course ( all 6 sessions ) £55
Option2: Pay as you go £13 ( requires pre-registration at least 24 hours prior to avoid overbooking, space limit is 5 per session )
Duration: 1 hour
Where: Home Studio
Additional info:
The cancan choreo moved to this format as we require a certain amount of cancan dancers to perform at Bastille Day Festival and it proved difficult in the past to agree on one date for enough participants to run it. So I am trying this approach instead. This also gives individuals a chance to sign up as a one off just to get an idea of what it is ( provided there is space ) We only have space for 5 dancers at any given date to facilitate this format. Should there be more demand, then I am happy to add another session on the same dates at the same location, but that depends on demand. Thank you all for understanding.