Elizabeth Parr's impression of belly dancers changed when she was 16. After being a bit embarrassed following a performance at a downtown Dallas restaurant two years earlier, she began to realize that there was more to the dance form than she thought.

DARNELL RENEE/Special Contributor

Bonnie Herzig, who is studying to be a professional belly dancer, performs the 'veil dance' as part of a Sa'diyya's School of World Dance performance at the Carrollton Plaza Arts Center.

"The perception [of] belly dancing is it is for entertaining men," the 28-year-old said. "I started to see it as less for men and more about empowerment and self-expression."

By 19, Ms. Parr, who is originally from Colleyville, was a belly dance instructor. Just over a year ago, she went solo after marrying and moving to Frisco. Since then she's gone from teaching 15 students out of her home to nearly 100 through her business, Sa'diyya's School of World Dance. She is planning to open a studio this summer in Plano.

"I didn't expect it to take off like it has," Ms. Parr said. But once people see what the dance form has to offer, they keep coming, she said.

Most of her business comes by word of mouth. Ms. Parr has a way of settling the most timid newcomer, students said.

Mimi Jacob drove from Arlington before moving to Gunter. She was first introduced to belly dancing in 2002 at the Scarborough Fair.

The 33-year-old found Sa'diyya (Ms. Parr's stage name) on the Internet.

"Sa'diyya has a great personality and makes you feel comfortable," she said.

Afraid for years to try it, the former ballet dancer finally decided to give it a shot last summer. She, like many others, saw it as one-dimensional.

"I get so many phone calls with women saying, 'I want to do a sexy dance for my husband,' " Ms. Parr said. "Then they realize it's a time for them to relieve stress and do something for themselves."

Students, ranging in age from 18 to 60, come to classes for a variety of reasons: exercise, self-expression, sisterhood.

"It's more than a dance," said 36-year-old Leslie Johnson of Plano. "I enjoy the exercise and girl time."

Nineteen-year-old Bonnie Herzig is studying to be a professional belly dancer. That career path will lead her to jobs at weddings, Middle Eastern restaurants and festivals.

In her professional training, Ms. Herzig could spend the next three years in classes and workshops. Part of Ms. Parr's teaching includes understanding the culture and music in order to fully appreciate the dance.

After only six months of classes, beginner Wendy Williams performed a choreographed solo at an event Saturday, along with 29 other students.

"It's more of a spiritual thing than anything else, an expression," the 30-year-old said.

Mikki Kirby is a freelance writer in Dallas.

mikkikirby@yahoo.com

Where: Sa'diyya's School of World Dance

When: New classes begin in March for all levels.

Price: Classes begin at $50 per month for weekly classes.

Contact: www. sadiyyadance .com, 214-387-0738