About Raksanna
One of the most versatile Middle Eastern belly dancers today, Raksanna is known for her entertaining, dynamic and powerful Egyptian style belly dance featuring veil, zil work, stick (raqs al-assaya), Melaya and Saidi/Beledi folkloric dances.  In addition, her creative works have showcased sword work as well as a unique blend of Middle Eastern dance with contemporary American music. Each piece Raksanna creates and performs looks and feels dramatically different, while capturing the beautiful essence of Raqs Sharqi.

Performer
Raksanna, known for her exciting and spectacular performances, has danced as a soloist for nearly a decade. She is featured in theatrical venues, at corporate events, weddings, festivals and fund raisers. In addition, she is often an invited guest to give demonstrations and educational lectures on the art form and history of Middle Eastern dance.

Certified by World Renown Instructor, Choreographer and Producer, Raqia Hassan
In December 2006, Raksanna returned to Cairo for Raqia Hassan’s (producer of the internationally recognized  Ahlan We Sahlan dance festival) intensive teacher training conference where she received her certification from Raqia in Egyptian dance. She is honored to hold this professional credential. At this prestigious program, Raksanna was one of eleven teachers from across the world to be invited to perform in the ending gala ceremony.

Energetic, Motivational Teacher
Raksanna is known for her energetic and motivating teaching style. She is the owner and artistic director of her own dance studio, with a structured curriculum with Levels 1 through 4 for the beginner to advanced dancer and a formal apprenticeship program for beginning teachers who embrace the authenticity of Egyptian-style Cabaret Belly Dance.  Graduates of her apprenticeship program earn a Certificate of Completion and have the opportunity to assume faculty positions at her Studio.

Weekly Classes, Seminar Weekends, Master Classes
With in-depth knowledge on a broad series of belly dance genres, Raksanna offers weekly classes for beginners through advanced and professional dancers at her Studio in Aurora, a suburb of Chicago. She also teaches a comprehensive menu of seminars and master workshops across North America and abroad.

Artistic Director, Event Producer, Seminar Sponsor
In addition to teaching, Raksanna is the artistic director of The Desert Flames, her professional Middle Eastern dance company which performs a large variety of traditional and modern choreographies and experimental improvisations.  The Desert Flames have been invited to perform at numerous functions including the College of Du Page, the Woodridge Cultural Festival, the American Cancer Society’s Walk for the Cure and the Harley Davidson’s 100th Anniversary celebration in Wisconsin.

Raksanna also produces numerous events including her annual -
“A Night at the Cabash – Belly Dance Cabaret.” 
She hosts halfas (Arabic dance party) throughout the year, as well as entertaining student showcases in Murder Mystery Dinner theatre style. Her goal is to write a full stage production and perform, with her Desert Flames, at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

A firm believer in supporting fellow artists and continuing the education of her students, Raksanna is proud to sponsor artists from all over the world. Her goal is provide artists with the opportunity to share their knowledge and passion with other like-minded dancers, to produce first class events and bring top world talent to the Chicago area dance community.  

Instructional Videos
Raksanna is also featured in and the producers of several instructional videos, “Experience the Magic.” This series of video instruction emphasizes both technique and choreography. 

Continued Life Long Learning
Every year, Raksanna travels to Cairo, Egypt to study intensively with the world's top teachers and trainers such as Raqia Hassan, Dr. Mo Geddawi, Magda and Atef, Mona Said, Kamal Neim, Methat Fahmy, Ehab Gedulla, Ibrahim Suezi, Dr. Magdi M Ferki, Nabil Mabrook, Hamada Hossam, Shalaby, Wafaa Fouzy, Do’a, Momo Kodous, Zaza Hassan, Beba, Yousrey Hefni, Nany Sabry, Katia, Dina, Randa Kamel, Morroco, Nagwa Fouad, Sorayya, Asmahan, Ala Yousef and Ala Abu Leya. Her past training also includes workshops with Dahlena, Dolphina, Jilliana and Abeer Will. In addition, Raksanna continues to study, train and mentor under internationally acclaimed Jasmin Jahal on a weekly basis.