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The Journey of Zahra’s School: From Humble Beginnings to Global Recognition
What began in the cozy basement of my parents’ home has grown into something extraordinary. Since moving into our Ajax location in 2001, Zahra’s School has blossomed into a celebrated dance institution, teaching thousands of students across Durham Region, York, the Greater Toronto Area, and Peel.
Our presence extends far beyond local borders. Zahra’s School has proudly brought the magic of belly dance to the international stage—hosting dynamic workshops and spotlight events featuring world-renowned performers like the Bellydance Superstars, Neena and Veena, and other stars of the global belly dance community. We’ve also dazzled at performances sponsored by prestigious international belly dance organizations.
Zahra has served as the primary choreographer and coach for three pageant contestants—all of whom won first place in the Talent portion of their competitions! The School itself has earned countless accolades, including:
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6-time Reader’s Choice Award winner
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City of Pickering’s Arts Award twice
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Town of Ajax Volunteer Award
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Platinum Winner of the Community Votes Award for Best Dance School in Pickering 2022, 2023 and 2024
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Gold Award Winner of the Canadian Business Award 2023 and 2024
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Durham Region Women’s Achievement Award
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And an incredible 3rd place finish in the global Disney Princess Competition!
Our story has captured the attention of media outlets like CityTV, Rogers TV, The Toronto Sun, Snap Ajax, and the Ajax/Pickering News Advertiser.
But our proudest moments come from giving back. Zahra’s School is deeply committed to community outreach—raising funds for the Ajax/Pickering Hospital, the Humane Society of Durham Region, and local women’s shelters. We bring the joy of dance to high schools, senior homes, community centres, and non-profit organizations, spreading movement and empowerment wherever we go.
No journey is complete without the people who help shape it. But most of all, thank you to every single student, past and present. Your smiles, laughter, passion, and willingness to dance are the heartbeat of Zahra’s School. This is more than a dance studio—it’s a family!
 Fire fighters from the GTA and Zahra. |  Zahra teaches Katie belly dancing for her upcoming Miss Canada Pageant. She won first in the talent competition! |
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 Zahra, Dina and Wendy on Cityline. |  Zahra and Marilyn Denis! |
 Zahra and Belly Dance great, Jillina. She's also my favorite dancer! |  Zahra and Petite Jamilla of the Bellydance Superstars. |
 Hanging out with Veena from the BellyTwins, Neena and Veena. |  Zahra and Musician, Jesse Cook! |
 Zahra and the Tribal Queen, herself, Rachel Brice. |  Zahra and Princess Farhana at the Princess Farhana Show. |
About Zahra
Zahra is an acclaimed belly dancer. Her students regard her as an amazing and inspiring instructor. Zahra supports belly dance because of its diversity and creativity. She encourages students to be open and creative so that they too can experience the many forms of belly dance. Zahra believes that when the dancer becomes more focused she becomes more physically, emotionally and spiritually independent. Her focus is always on health, creativity, motivation and fun!
Zahra has always been a firm supporter of the Durham community . She organizes an annual makeup drive where donations of new and unused makeup are delivered to less fortunate women living in a women’s shelter located in Ajax. Last year, the drive raised over 18 boxes of new and unused makeup! Zahra supported the Neo-Natal unit and Emergency department at the Ajax/Pickering Hospital by donating over $5,000 and purchasing equipment for the hospital. Her contributions to the Humane Society of Ajax were essential in repairing the emotional and physical scars due to a fire at the centre where many animals were housed. In 2008, the Town of Ajax recognized Zahra as an exceptional volunteer by honouring her with the Volunteer Recognition Award. Her emotional speech at the Award Ceremonies reinforced that she is not only a proud member of Ajax, but that she has a great deal of respect and passion to contribute to the well being of the community. Zahra's School has consistently been chosen by you, the community for the Reader's Choice Awards of Durham, and we thank you for that!