Meet Veronika Maas: The Woman Behind Abu Dhabi’s First Belly Dance School
There’s a certain type of magic in dance — a silent conversation between rhythm and soul. For Veronika Maas, this magic wasn’t just a hobby or pastime, it became a lifelong calling. Today, Veronika isn’t just one of the UAE’s most recognized belly dancers; she’s a teacher, entrepreneur, community builder, and visionary, determined to reshape how the world views this ancient art form.
A Childhood Dream Sparked by Glimpses of Glamour
Like many little girls, Veronika was drawn to movement and music. But it wasn’t ballet or jazz that captured her heart. It was belly dance — those hypnotic hips, shimmering costumes, and the undeniable sense of feminine power. Even though it wasn’t something regularly showcased on TV or in public performances, whenever Veronika caught a glimpse, she felt enchanted.
“I knew early on,” she recalls, “that one of my dreams was to learn this art and one day dance like that myself.”
A Young Girl’s Quest in a City Without a Dance Scene
When Veronika moved to the UAE with her family as a young teenager, she quickly set out to pursue her dream. However, there was one major hurdle — 20 years ago, Abu Dhabi didn’t have any belly dance schools. But that didn’t stop her. Fueled by determination, she began commuting to Dubai three times a week just to take classes.
“It wasn’t easy, but I never regretted that decision,” she says. “Those trips shaped my path, and today, I’m so proud to be sharing this art through my own school in the city where it all began.”
A Career Launch That Was Nothing Short of Royal
Veronika’s professional journey began with an unexpected opportunity. After just a few months of training, her teacher — who also worked as a talent agent — sent her to perform at a New Year’s Eve event for a royal family in Bahrain.
“I remember stepping onto that stage, heart racing, and in that moment, I knew this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life,” Veronika shares.
Desert Safari Shows: A Decade of Grit and Growth
Not many see the behind-the-scenes reality of a belly dancer’s career. For over 10 years, Veronika performed daily at desert safari shows — no matter the weather, no days off, and often grueling conditions. This phase of her life taught her discipline, resilience, and the importance of consistently showing up.
“Those years weren’t easy,” she admits, “but they made me who I am today. Performing every single day pushed me past my limits and helped me grow through every stage of this career.”
Opening Abu Dhabi’s First Belly Dance School
Veronika’s proudest achievement isn’t just about personal success. It’s about creating a safe, empowering space for other women. She opened the first dedicated belly dance school in Abu Dhabi, a bold move in a region where dance, especially belly dance, can sometimes be misunderstood.
But Veronika was determined to highlight the art’s elegance, history, and ability to build confidence. Her school quickly grew beyond a classroom into a community — a sisterhood of women from diverse backgrounds united by rhythm, movement, and mutual support.
“Many of my students have become friends, performers, and each other’s biggest cheerleaders,” Veronika beams. “That sense of community means everything to me.”
Changing the Perception of Belly Dance in the Region
One of Veronika’s core missions is to shift how belly dance is perceived in the UAE and beyond. Too often, it’s misrepresented or misunderstood. Through her school, performances, and workshops, Veronika promotes a style that’s graceful, feminine, and rooted in cultural appreciation.
“I want belly dance to be recognized and respected like ballet or contemporary dance,” she says. “This art form is about beauty, confidence, and the powerful feminine energy that many women forget they have.”
Her elegant, non-vulgar teaching style focuses on posture, poise, and rhythm — emphasizing empowerment over objectification.
An Entrepreneurial Spirit: Expanding Beyond the Classroom
Not one to stay still, Veronika has been working on expanding her business. She recently announced plans to open a belly dance shop in Abu Dhabi, offering high-quality dancewear designed for both students and professional performers.
“There’s a real lack of good-quality, elegant dancewear in the region,” she explains. “I want to create a brand that inspires my students, makes them feel beautiful, and encourages them to keep dancing.”
She’s also broadening her school’s offerings, introducing new dance styles and classes while maintaining her focus on fostering a supportive, creative community for women in the UAE.
The Most Valuable Lesson From Life on Stage
In a fast-paced, ever-evolving country like the UAE, Veronika quickly realized the importance of constant growth.
“You can never stop learning,” she emphasizes. “In the UAE’s environment, standing still means falling behind. One of my favorite quotes is from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid: ‘In the race for excellence, there is no finish line.’ And that’s how I approach my work. Smile and run!”
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Dancers and Dreamers
Reflecting on her journey, Veronika offers heartfelt advice to young dreamers: don’t let other people’s opinions hold you back.
“People will always have something to say, but your dreams matter,” she shares. “I wish I had started teaching earlier because I’ve discovered that I love teaching even more than performing. It’s the most fulfilling part of my journey.”
Current Happenings: New Classes, Workshops, and Social Media Love
Veronika remains actively involved in the local dance scene. Through her Instagram account, and TikTok handle @thebellydancecompany, she shares snippets of performances, behind-the-scenes footage, and empowering messages for women.
Her recent workshops have been fully booked, and there’s growing anticipation for her upcoming belly dance retreat — a weekend of dance, sisterhood, and self-discovery.
Why Veronika Maas Matters
In a region known for rapid modernization and bold cultural shifts, Veronika Maas stands out as a woman preserving tradition while reshaping its narrative. She’s not just teaching women to dance; she’s helping them rediscover their strength, grace, and identity.
Her story is a testament to resilience, vision, and the unstoppable power of following one’s passion. Veronika continues to inspire countless women to embrace their femininity, chase their dreams, and dance unapologetically through life.
Follow Veronika’s Journey:
If you’ve ever dreamed of learning to belly dance, finding a supportive sisterhood, or simply watching a woman own her space with grace and power, Veronika Maas is one to follow.
And in her words?
“Smile and run — because in the race for excellence, there’s no finish line.”
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