Hi
This is our story
For over two decades, Dance du Soleil has dedicated itself to the art of fusion belly dance, blending traditional Middle Eastern movement with classical ballet and jazz techniques. Founded in 2004 by professional belly dancer Leyla Soleil, and now co-directed by Leyla and her daughter Babette Soleil, our company represents excellence in both technique and artistic expression.


Our Journey
What began as a performance group has evolved into a respected dance institution known for its rigorous training and innovative choreography. Dance du Soleil has earned recognition as a leader in the belly dance community, where our instructors are often regarded as “teacher’s teachers.”
Our journey has taken us from our first studio in Akron, Ohio, to Columbus, and now to Atlanta, Georgia, where we continue to share our unique style and comprehensive training approach. Each location has enriched our artistic vision and expanded our dance community.
We Left Our Mark In Akron!
In Akron, Ohio we established our first Dance du Soleil Studio in 2007, offering a diverse range of movement arts from belly dance to ballet, jazz, Zumba, Pilates, and yoga.
This huge “Dance” neon sign, now an iconic landmark in the city of Akron, was sourced on Craigslist by Joe (Mr. Dance du Soleil) and put up by Tony Troppe just outside of our Akron, Ohio studio.


Dance du Soleil Studio 2.0
When circumstances required our family to relocate to Columbus, Ohio, we rebuilt our studio, developing a new student base and further refining our technique and curriculum.
Third Time's A Charm!
Now based in Atlanta, we’ve evolved into a premier training ground for advanced and professional dancers seeking to elevate their technique and performance quality.


Our Approach
The Dance du Soleil technique—meticulously developed and refined over decades—fuses the sinuous movements of belly dance with the structure of ballet and the expressive quality of jazz. This unique approach creates a distinctive movement vocabulary that challenges dancers and captivates audiences.
Our signature Dance du Soleil Technique and Choreography class pushes dancers beyond their comfort zones to reach new heights of technical proficiency while developing their artistic expression. This comprehensive training has established our reputation for excellence and innovation within the dance community.
Looking Forward
As Dance du Soleil continues to grow and evolve, we remain committed to our founding vision: excellence in technique, innovation in choreography, and dedication to the art of fusion belly dance. With each class we teach and each performance we create, we strive to elevate this art form and inspire the next generation of dancers.