
Take a class with me
Group Classes
I currently teach belly dance classes on Tuesdays at The Royal Peacock Studio in Oakland Park, FL.
Level 1: 7:15 - 8pm
Level 2: 8-9 pm
You can check the schedule and sign up for class here:
https://www.theroyalpeacockstudio.com/book-now
Drop ins welcome!
Private Classes
Private lessons and one on one coaching is a great way to advance in your dance goals. We can work on many topics of your choosing, including:
- technique
- choreography creation
- performance prep
- improvisation
Rates:
In person: $100/hour (studio rental fee included)
4 pack of in-person: $380
Online: $75/hour
4 pack of online: $280
Student Testimonials
"I've been taking classes with Marina Viola for the past several years, and even though it's an hour-and-a-half drive each way, I still make the trip every week. That's how much her classes mean to me.
She is an incredible dancer and teacher, but what truly stands out is the way she cares about her students. From the very beginning, she made me feel welcomed, supported, and capable of more than I thought I was.
When I first started, I told her that I struggled with my shyness and had always felt like a wallflower. While preparing for my first performance with her, she told me, "You're not a wallflower, you're a bud—and this is where you'll bloom." I still remember and hold those words today. They perfectly capture the kind of teacher she is. She sees potential in her students, encourages them to grow, and celebrates every step of the journey with them. She's not just our teacher—she's our biggest cheerleader.
As an instructor, she has a wonderful balance of warmth and expertise. She cares deeply about technique and form, but teaches in a way that is accessible and encouraging for dancers at every level. Whether you're brand new or have years of experience, she meets you where you are and helps you improve.
I originally came for the dancing, but I stayed because of the community she has built. Her dance skills are exceptional, and her classes are warm, safe, encouraging, and filled with kindness. Because of the environment she has created, I've found myself doing things I never would have imagined when I first walked into her classes.
I can't recommend her highly enough. She has been so much more than a dance instructor to me, and I am incredibly grateful to have found her."
"I used to think belly dancing was designed specifically to expose how uncoordinated I am. Marina had congratulated me on my other performances, and I told her I’d heard she was an award‑winning belly dancer and that one day I’d learn from her. Meanwhile, my body was like, “Please don’t drag us into this.”
But I did it anyway. And in the beginning, I was so frustrated. My shimmies looked like I was trying to shake a bug off my shirt. Marina saw my natural style nudged me towards different dances like Kawleeya, everything clicked.
Now I’ve been taking classes with her for over a year, and belly dance has become the most intuitive dance for me. Not sure when it happened…maybe the 45th time she said “Relax your knees.”
We brainstorm ideas together. She helps me get creative for performances, she hands out inspirations. I went from “I can’t do this” to “wow I look niiiice,” and I look forward to continue growing with you."
"Marina Viola is a wonderful belly dance teacher—kind, patient, highly knowledgeable, and supportive. With extensive training and years of teaching experience, she brings both strong technical expertise and a thoughtful, student-centered approach to every class. She collaborates extensively with the belly dance community and is deeply motivated to help it grow by building partnerships with other professionals. She shines on stage through her international and South Florida performances, but what makes her truly special is how she helps her students shine too. Her classes are fun, inspiring, and grounded in a deep understanding of the art form and effective teaching methods. I highly recommend her!"
