Austin Bellydance

Robins said her students participate in belly dance classes for different reasons, including for exercise and for self-expression.

Student Kimberly Jordan moved back to Texas, her home state, in early summer and began taking classes at Austin Bellydance shortly after her return. She said belly dancing is a way to unwind and brings joy to her life, partially because of the supportive atmosphere women in the classes provide.

A belly dance instructor since 1997, Robins is originally from Houston. When she was 15 years old, a friend introduced her to belly dancing at a Greek festival. Robins said taking classes gave her the self-esteem and confidence she said she needed as a teenager.

"Belly dancing appealed to me because it is a solo dance," Robins said. "It was exotic and had mystery to it. It has put me in a community of women who support one another, who are very positive and want to see each other succeed."

Robins said she performed at many venues in Houston where she also met a band she later hired to record custom music for her classes. The CD and other items are some of the retail Robins hopes to offer in 2015 at her studio.

Customers at Caf Darband can see Robins perform every Thursday at

10:30 p.m. The hookah bar is located at 9112 Anderson Mill Road. On the second Saturday of every month, Robins offers a ladies night, which includes a potluck, a belly dance show, henna tattoos and music.

"I want [my students] to have a good time," she said. "I want them to achieve their own personal goals. I want them to feel safe, that they can let down their guard and maybe tap into a side of themselves that they've been wanting to bring out."

Austin Bellydance, 8650 Spicewood Springs Road, Ste. 104, 512-401-0202, www.austinbellydance.com, Hours: By appointment and Mon.–Fri. 6:30–9:45 p.m., Sat. 10:30 a.m.–noon