Raksanna’s Faculty

You’ll find the best belly dance talent in Naperville, Aurora and the Western Suburbs of Chicago in Raksanna’s program. Every instructor is hand-selected and must successfully pass Raksanna’s intensive apprenticeship program that includes 25 hours of observation, 25 hours of practice teaching time, a practical exam and a comprehensive written exam.

To complete the apprenticeship program is comparable to earning an associates degree and is quite an accomplishment! This requirement ensures that each and every student receives the highest quality instruction possible.

Scroll down to learn more about the faculty!

Raksanna

Award-Winning, Internationally Recognized Founder and Artistic Director

Featured in international magazine, local media and workshops and shows across the globe, Raksanna has been involved with Middle Eastern dance for nearly two decades. Each year, she travels to Egypt to continue training with the world’s best teachers and choreographers, returning to Naperville to share her knowledge and love for the dance.

Raksanna’s most recent accomplishments include being a featured instructor at the world-renown belly dance festival, Ahlan Wa Salan, in Egypt, nomination two years in a row as one of the top 5 in the nation for Instructor of the Year and Favorite Cabaret Dancer for  2008 and 2007 by Zaghareet Magazine, as well as placing 3rd out of 40 dancers from North and South America and Europe in the 2007 Queen of Raks Sharqi Competitions in Dallas.

Raksanna is known for her fun, energetic teaching style, her sincere interest in each and every individual student and her love of the dance.  Her greatest professional reward is to see dancers grow and develop as they dance out their dreams with her.

Jodine

Sr. Faculty Member | Sr. Assistant Director of Alif Ba, our Performing Student Troupe

A dancer from the early age of twelve (12), Jodine began her journey in Middle Eastern Belly Dance,  Hawaiian and Polynesian dance with her mom. They took classes together with Virginia Daveran from the Chicago area. Since then, she has continued her dance career through the Studio and earned her certification of completion from Raksanna’s Apprenticeship program in 2007.

Jodine believes that dancing can literally change your life for the better. The increased self-confidence, the knowledge that you are a beautiful woman regardless of your age, size or shape and increased self-awareness are among the most powerful changes that transpire when you dance.

She takes this guiding philosophy into her classes. Jodine starts by appreciating each student for her individuality. She teaches the movements for the body and the music for the dance, but just as important, Jodine enables women to break down taboos and self-imposed limitations to help each student develop into the authentic, real woman she is.

Jodine is a graduate of Raksanna’s Apprenticeship program, teaches Belly Dance at Waubonsee Community College as part of of Raksanna’s outreach program and is the Senior Assistant Director of Alif Ba, the student dance troupe.

Ruth

Sr. Faculty Member | Assistant Director Alif Ba | Marketing Director for Raksanna Productions Inc.

A year after her son was born, Ruth took her first belly dance class – and never looked back! With a flair for fun, a passion for dance and a love for all things sparkly, Ruth gives her all to each and every class. As Assistant Director for Alif Ba, she delights in creating beautiful choreography that inspires both the dancer and the audience.

In addition to the dance program, Ruth is the Marketing Director for Raksanna Productions, Inc. She is responsible for branding, creative design and the overall “look and feel” of the Raksanna experience. Her talents are extensive and she has a knack for glamour!

Laura

Faculty Member | Office Assistant

Laura started dancing as a form of exercise. As a size 22, she was looking for something fun that she would stick with. Now a size 8 and 4o pounds lighter, Laura has found her passion in teaching belly dance. More importantly, she learned to love herself again. She can relate very easily to women who come to class searching for something that speaks to their souls.

She is the Office Assistant for Raksanna Productions, Inc. and helps keep Raksanna focused and on schedule (a feat within itself!). Additionally, she earned her certification as an indoor cycling instructor and is mentoring under Raksanna as a Pilates Reformer instructor.

Kim

Faculty Member

Kim earned her degree in dance and enjoyed bringing music to life through movement very much. Several years ago, Kim was in a terrible auto accident and had to give up this major part of her life.

Over time, Kim realized how much she missed dancing and decided to take a chance with belly dance. She stopped by Raksanna’s class and, within one class, fell in love! Her passion for choreography is a great influence on the program and she is a very patient teacher.