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 magazines, 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 | Operations Manager
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 | Assistant Creative Director | 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 Creative Director, she delights in creating beautiful choreography that inspires both the dancer and the audience. Her goal is to assist Raksanna in realizing her vision of elevating the art of Oriental dance and to encourage the women that come to learn from them to always pursue excellence and reach for the stars.
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!
Look out for the emerging tabla skills of her son in about 10 years!!
