Subscriptions
What's included?
Monthly membership
- unlimited access to the full library
- new content every month
- interaction with a global community
- discounts on live classes
- cancel any time
Yearly membership
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For me, the classes of Mercedes are about physical and mental replenishment in a loving and supportive atmosphere.
The atmosphere in which we can be filled with positive energy and feel safe.While dancing in her classes, we can experience emotions more intensely, a special state of mind is created, which is often missing from the gray everyday life. Every moment with her is so unique with full of love and emotions.
The atmosphere in which we can be filled with positive energy and feel safe.While dancing in her classes, we can experience emotions more intensely, a special state of mind is created, which is often missing from the gray everyday life. Every moment with her is so unique with full of love and emotions.
— Gina / Hungary
When I first experienced dancing in class with Mercedes, I was mesmerised by her smooth, elegant and at the same time emotionally expressive style.
How she used space and her footwork fascinated me as she moved around the floor with seamless ease, while never losing her connection to the soul of the music. These are qualities of dance and movement that I aspire to incorporate into my own practice and so I have been exploring them while learning with Mercedes’ classes ever since.
How she used space and her footwork fascinated me as she moved around the floor with seamless ease, while never losing her connection to the soul of the music. These are qualities of dance and movement that I aspire to incorporate into my own practice and so I have been exploring them while learning with Mercedes’ classes ever since.
— Róisín / Ireland
Mercedes is a unique oriental dance teacher. I’m amazed by her ability to stay deeply connected to the tradition and at the same time teaching with a very visionary artistic aim.
I find her approach to expression in organic movement rare and importan. The acceptance of how each body needs to feel free to be able to show the intention for the story. Along with being a breathtaking dancer Mercedes is also a very talented storyteller and story teacher. I highly recommend her classes if you want to take a new level in your love to oriental dance.
I find her approach to expression in organic movement rare and importan. The acceptance of how each body needs to feel free to be able to show the intention for the story. Along with being a breathtaking dancer Mercedes is also a very talented storyteller and story teacher. I highly recommend her classes if you want to take a new level in your love to oriental dance.
— Betina / Denmark
Q&A Frequently asked questions
What is RAQSoul?
Welcome to RAQSoul by Mercedes Nieto! RAQSoul is a source of online Raqs Sharki (oriental dance, bellydance) classes, workshops, music and inspiration - and much more. Be part of a global community of dancers who are passionate about artistic movement!
We are welcoming dedicated and curious dancers from any levels, however, most of the choreography workshops are designed for intermediate, advanced or professional levels.
We are training the body - enriching the soul - moving with intention.
We are welcoming dedicated and curious dancers from any levels, however, most of the choreography workshops are designed for intermediate, advanced or professional levels.
We are training the body - enriching the soul - moving with intention.
Who is Mercedes Nieto?
Mercedes is an internationally renowned oriental dancer, instructor, choreographer, passionate about artistic movement expression, teaching, sharing her knowledge of more than 20 years spent in the world of Raqs Sharki. Founder and organizer of the CAIRO! Fest Budapest since 2007, founder and leader of the Nymph Oriental Dance Company since 2005, Master Teacher of the Nile Group Festival (Cairo, Egypt) since 2010, producer of music for belly dance since 2011. As one of Europe’s most sought after belly dancers, she has taught and performed in more than 50 countries around the world in the recent years.
Find out more at the "About me" menu.
Find out more at the "About me" menu.
Why should I join?
You can get inspired directly from your home, learn at your own pace. Mercedes with her 20+ years of teaching experience will guide you in your artistic development through live and recorded classes in various styles and techniques. With inspiring new material being released monthly, exciting discussions with other experts, classes and interviews with guest artists, you will always have a place to reach back to when in need of motivation.
What makes RAQSoul different from other membership platforms?
It focuses on the artistic aspects and emotional expressiveness of Raqs Sharki, helping you to develop and share your unique story. It’s rooted in authenticity but building on personal experiences and aiming to motivate you to move forward when you feel lack of inspiration. We are involving instructors from other fields of artistic, physical and cultural expertise, as well as focusing on injury prevention, body toning and building self confidence. An exciting part of it all is that it enables a worldwide network of inspiring and likewise minded dancers.
What is Mercedes' purpose with this site?
To inspire and motivate dancers who are already engaged with bellydance, sharing her vision and methods that she developed throughout the past 20 years on the journey with the art of Raqs Sharki.
“I believe Raqs Sharki is a language, a beautiful communication between people, cultures, worlds - in its raw, layered, fun, passionate yet still very artistic way. I would like to help you to find your own words.”
What can I achieve with belly dancing if I subscribe and practice every day?/ Can I become a professional dancer if I subscribe and practice every day?
If your plan is to become a professional dancer or develop your performer skills, practicing every day might be a good option - however, the very essence of RAQSoul is to help you to develop your own style, finding your own voice, with creating your own learning path as you desire. Being a member you will have access to many different tools that can help you with that exciting task.
How do I join and access my membership settings?
You can follow the details of your subscription in your account
What is included in a membership?
Access to all the content of RAQSoul membership platform. You can be part of a dedicated global community and learn from Mercedes and other experts from the comfort of your own home. You can choose from online pre-recorded workshops, classes and extra content - with technique, drills, choreography, you can get first-hand information about upcoming live events, live streaming and get early access to Mercedes’ music albums and festivals.
What is the difference between workshops, classes and extras?
„Workshop” videos are long, detailed technique or choreography materials, designed around a specific theme. Approximately between 2-3 hours in length.
„Classes” are shorter training or drilling videos or choreography segments, built around technique topics and elements.
The „extra” content includes performance recordings, music, interviews, that are exclusive content only for members.
Where can I watch the videos?
Video classes are available anytime, anywhere on your personal computer or smartphone via your internet browser. All you need is wifi access, subscription and an account with us.
Are the music albums of Mercedes part of my subscription?
No, but you can purchase them separately by clicking on "Buy music" menu item.
Navigate to https://mercedesnieto.bandcamp.com/music
How can I join the live events?
You can find all the important details by clicking on "Events" menu item.
What kind of membership options can I choose from?
You can choose between annual and monthly subscriptions. You can upgrade your choice at any time.
What payment options does RAQSoul support?
Currently RAQSoul by Mercedes Nieto accepts various credit card payments (VISA, Mastercard, Maestro, DISCOVER, and AMEX). The payment platform is Stripe.
What happens if my credit card payment fails?
First of all, check your internet connection and the expiration date and balance on your credit card. Then close your browser and open it again. If none of these work, send a screenshot to info@nietomercedes.com.
How do I cancel my Membership?
Log in to your account, then click on "Account". Here you will find the unsubscribe option.
What happens if I have to cancel, can I join again?
Yes, just purchase a new membership.
Where can I change my billing details?
You have to Log In and select „Account” from the top menu bar and then again the "Account" option. Click the „edit” button here and you can change your billing adress.
Where can I Change my password, personal data etc.?
You have to Log In and select „Account” from the top menu bar and then the "Profile" menu item. Click the „edit” button here and you can change any of your data.
Refund Policy
We do not offer membership refunds either retroactively or during the active subscription period. Once the subscription date is renewed, the next subscription is active. You may cancel your membership anytime and your access will terminate on the last day of the billing cycle you paid for whether it be for the month or the year. However if you have a complaint, please do contact us at info@nietomercedes.com so we can help. You can read more about the membership cancellation in the Privacy Policy document.
Technical issues such as freezing and interrupted streaming?
If you are experiencing difficulty with playback, please reload the page. Check your internet connection and make sure it is stable. If the problem is not with your internet connection, we recommend you choose a different browser in case your browser does not support our video playback.
If after following these suggestions the problem persists, please contact us via the email link below.
How do I contact my instructor?
What if online learning is not enough for me?
In this case, you can set up live private classes with Mercedes through the e-mail above, or visit us in our studio in Budapest for in-person dance lessons. Then use our online workshops to practice at home. The location of our studio: Amira Stúdió – Hungary, 1088 Bp. Szentkirályi utca 11., First floor 17., doorbell 117.
What personal dance lessons can I choose from?
For information about personal lessons and application contact Mercedes at info@nietomercedes.com.
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