Zurich is home to a vibrant international community, but many expats still struggle to feel truly connected.
Beyond work and everyday routines, finding a space to belong can make all the difference. Belly dance is more than movement; it’s a joyful way to connect, build confidence, and create a sense of home in Zurich.
I grew up dancing. As a child, movement felt natural, joyful even. But as my body developed, I started to feel self-conscious. The curves that belly dance might have celebrated became, for me, a source of shame. Slowly, I turned away from the studio and poured myself into art instead, where I felt safer behind words, colours, and ideas than in front of a mirror.
Years later, when I moved to Madrid as an expat to work at the Reina Sofía Museum, I thought I had left dance firmly in the past. My life was about exhibitions, research, and the city’s vibrant cultural scene. I met people, I went out, yet something was missing: I didn’t feel at home.
I never planned to start belly dancing again. In fact, I only went to a class because my flatmate invited me, and I had nothing better to do that evening. The studio was called El Horno, and the teacher was Cristiane Azem.
The moment I stepped into that room—packed with women in colorful skirts, the air alive with the jingle of coin belts—I felt something shift. For the first time in Madrid, I belonged.
From there, I dove in headfirst: twelve hours of belly dance classes a week, late-night rehearsals, and, before long, my first performances. Of course, I was nervous. I still carried traces of the shame I’d felt as a teenager, but the women around me lifted me up. The dance itself was generous, forgiving, and alive. With every class, my confidence grew. Soon I was even dancing solo in restaurants, something I would never have imagined when I first arrived.
I owe so much to that first teacher and community for opening this world to me. And it’s this same spirit of welcome and empowerment that I try to create now in Zurich. Today, expats and newcomers often walk into our belly dance studio with the same mix of nerves and curiosity I once felt. What happens next is almost always the same: they find belonging.
Finding Belonging Through Belly Dance in Zurich
Starting over in a new city often means rebuilding your social circle from scratch. For many expats, the studio becomes more than just a place to learn dance steps—it’s where they find connection, encouragement, and a sense of family.
Gabriela, who joined ZeoT as an expat, described her first experience in class this way:
“Joining ZeoT felt like stepping into a family. We support each other, cheer each other on, and celebrate every little progress.” Read more about Gabriela’s journey here.
That sense of belonging is echoed by Sasha, another expat in Zurich, who shared in her student interview:
“Through the classes, I met women from all over the world. We share stories, laughter, and sometimes tears—it’s more than just dance.” Check out Sasha’s full story here.
Together, their words capture what so many newcomers experience: belly dance offers not only movement, but also friendship and belonging in the heart of Zurich.
Confidence That Extends Beyond the Studio
For many expat women, belly dance in Zurich becomes more than a weekly activity. It’s a chance to rediscover confidence and reconnect with their bodies in a supportive space. Students often describe how the experience transforms not just their dancing, but how they carry themselves in daily life.
Alexia reflected on her journey:
“Dance helped me finally feel at home in my body. I made peace with my limitations and became proud of what I can do.”
And Petia added:
“I never thought I could feel so confident moving in front of others. Belly dance made me realize my own strength.” See Petia’s story here.
This kind of growth is just as important as learning steps and techniques. It’s about reclaiming confidence, self-expression, and a sense of home in a new city.
The Joy That Brings Us Back
Confidence and connection are powerful, but joy is what keeps students returning week after week. Classes combine music, movement, and laughter, creating moments of lightness that help women feel more themselves.
Vanessa summed it up beautifully:
“The laughs we share during class are as important as the steps we learn. I leave feeling lighter, more connected, and more myself.”
That blend of fun and friendship becomes a source of energy and resilience, reminding newcomers that building a life in Zurich can be joyful as well as challenging.
An Invitation
On November 8th, our studio will gather for our Hafla—a celebration of belly dance and community. It’s an evening where students perform, friends cheer them on, and newcomers can experience the warmth of this circle firsthand. You don’t need to know a single step; you can come simply to watch, meet people, and maybe even feel inspired to try a class yourself.
And if you’d like to take that inspiration further, you can also book a free trial class at any time. It’s a simple way to experience the joy of belly dance for yourself and meet others on a similar journey.
If you’re an expat in Zurich searching for connection, confidence, and joy, I’d love to welcome you into this world, just as I was welcomed years ago in Madrid. Who knows? It might feel like home.