Class Overview
Raksanna’s award-winning, internationally acclaimed program features a full curriculum designed for beginners through advanced/professional levels. The clear line of progression is structured to build a solid foundation and essential skills, whether your goal is a fun night out or performing before an audience.
Class Structure – Belly dance classes are taught in 6-week sessions and meet once a week for 55-minutes. Each class starts with a warm up, then transitions into technique and “across the floor,” choreography and dance patterns and finishes with a cool down. Tuition is based on the number of classes per week in which a student enrolls.
Class Curriculum – Classes are divided into different levels to meet individual student needs and provide a path for progression. Private lessons are also available by appointment.
Beginner to Advanced Beginner (Level 1) – Learn the 12 fundamental belly dance moves and be introduced to an essential belly dance skill! In Beginner Belly Dance, dancers learn how to dance with a beautiful silk veil and are introduced to exciting finger cymbals. Each session rotates between veil and cymbals. Both veil and cymbals must be taken before advancing to Intermediate Belly Dance. Prerequisite: None
Click on the video below to see a Beginning Belly Dance class on their last night of the session!
Intermediate (Level 2-3) – Aimed at students who want to increase their skills, Intermediate (Level 2-3) features both intermediate choreography and technique. Dancers add grace and polish to overall dance presentation, while introducing intermediate to advanced belly dance patterns. Additional props and genres (such as Sword, Drum Solo, stick, candles and more), as well as historical and cultural contexts, are introduced. Intermediate students are expected to practice outside of class time.
Please note: students can take Beginner and Intermediate simultaneously; however, if the student wishes to take only Intermediate, s/he must have completed all themes of Beginner (veil and zills (finger cymbals) or successfully demonstrate proficiency with these props. Please bring veil and cymbals to every class.
Prerequisite: All themes from Beginner Level.
Advanced/Professional (Level 4) – For the serious student with an interest in performance, classes focus on advanced choreography and may include topics such as Creating a Solo Performance and Improvisation Techniques.
Advanced/Professional (Level 4) features a blend of advanced technique and advanced choreography. The Technique portion of class incorporates the world famous Reda Technique, as well as modern Oriental training. A wide variety of genres are presented in the choreography section, which is exclusively advanced. Both group and soloist choreography are presented. Students are expected to practice outside of class time.
All members of the Advanced/Professional class are considered members of Raksanna’s Near East Dance Ensemble. As such, members are expected to perform at a variety of venues throughout the year.
Prerequisite: Entry to Advanced/Professional for the first time is by audition and must be accompanied by registration in the 2-hour Advanced/Professional class.
Click on the video below to see Raksanna’s Near East Dance Ensemble performing an advanced class choreography!
Soloist Track – A special class tailored for dancers interested in pursuing a soloist track, this class is a partnership between the instructor and the student. The student defines his or her goals and then works throughout the semester to reach those goals. Topics can include choreography, creating a professional set, building a business plan and more. Please note: Enrollment for an entire semester – not just a 6 week session – is expected and required. Preparation outside of class is required.
Prerequisite: Instructor approval only.
Special Workshops – Life-long learning is a key value of Raksanna. To promote continued learning in the art of Belly Dance, Raksanna is the producer and sponsor of special workshops, such as her annual ChicagoRaks ™ with esteemed artists from around the globe. Workshops are typically held on the weekends. Workshop fees are separate from class tuition. Prerequisite: None.