Introduction to Belly Dance Movements - 101
taught by Sonya & Jonsey & Lisha & Christiana
Pre-Registration based class...First time in belly dance? Then this is the class for you! This primer class is where you start; helping you better in understand the movements that create the base of all styles of belly dance - technique through isolations and muscular training. This class focuses on break down of basic belly dance steps so that you begin with the correct way to 'do' any of the common movements. Adds up to a great no-impact workout however the goal of the class is learning the verbiage, proper posture & being introduced to the different facets of Mid-East Dance.
As a new student to this art form we do recommend you take this class 1 full session before starting any of our other beginner belly dance classes, denoted with a blue star. See Class Attire here - sorry, but no long skirts, as the instructor needs to see your knees & lower back position. No prior dance experience is expected or necessary for this class at all, which is offered Mondays at 8:30pm & Wednesdays at 7:20pm & Thursdays at 6:10pm & Saturdays at 9:30am - a minimum of 5 students is needed for each class by the end of week 1 for it to run for the full session.

Fundamentals of Belly Dance (102)
taught by Sonya & Lisha
Pre-Registration based class...After the minimum full session of INTRO class, this "102" Fundamentals class expands to teach you a wider vocabulary of basic belly dance traditional Orientale movements, traveling steps & turns common to the "classic" Egyptian-style of Mid East dance & most importantly how to connect them. Here you learn where in the music these steps are best used, why we do it & more about where in the world it comes from. Class works on clean technique with full break-downs & step-combos that can improve your posture, flexibility, balance & grace through muscle isolation and overall control. Each week we put these new moves into a dance routine, finishing the session with a full choreographed dance & a strong sense of body awareness.
This class is ideal for your first 8-12 months of your training, however you should stay in this level (blue star) until all these fundamental moves are comfortable to you. You will always come away with something new from week-to-week, session-to-session, even year-to-year. See Class Attire here -- no long skirts, as Lisha & Sonya need to evaluate your knees & lower back position. No prior dance experience is necessary for this class however please complete 1 full session of INTRO to Belly Dance class first (see above, green star). All weekly offerings of the 'Fundamentals' class contain the same lesson plan/choreographic routine, therefore interchangeable from week-to-week. Offered Mondays at 7:20pm & Saturdays at 10:45am

Improvised Tribal Style "ITS" Bellydance (102)
taught by Christiana
Pre-Registration based class...This basic building block class teaches you the fundamentals of specifically Improvised Tribal Style (ITS) Bellydance, as seen performed by popular Chicago-area troupes BellyRing, Tandava and Jezebelly. ITS Bellydance is an American-born dance form (from the west-coast in the 60's) that incorporates the use of non-verbal communication or “cues” in a group format to create a unique dance in the moment. ITS incorporates many aspects of Bellydance with movements from throughout the gypsy diaspora & inspired by world dances from the Middle East, North Africa, Spain & India. This class will focus on learning the basic movements, technique, combinations & cues for both slow-and-fast ITS vocabularies. Regular attendance is encouraged, as material will build from week to week. Performance opportunities will occasionally be available as well. See Class Attire -- Sorry, but no long skirts, as Christiana needs to view knees/lower back position. No prior dance experience is necessary for this class however if you've never taken any belly dance you should complete 1 full session of INTRO to Belly Dance first (see above). Offered Thursdays at 7:20pm

PROPS & Technique (103)
taught by Sonya
Pre-Registration based class...Great class to pair with Fundamentals or Moving Up! As a solo art, belly dancers often have the chance to partner only with an object while performing. All that effortless prop work you've been amazed by can be broken down & mastered in this class for the "experienced" beginner or intermediate dancer & above. Class begins with warm-up, technique & instruction on arm positions & pathways, then add some turns, along with tips & tricks to enhance the overall look and feeling of the prop as a dance partner! Fluidity of movement will increase all while you get a great back, chest & arm workout, closing with cool down stretching. Bring all of your silk veils, a minimum of 3 yards in length, maximum 45" wide, as we will discuss some pros & cons of the different fabrics, sizes/shapes, edges & weights. A Silk Veil is preferred for some moves.Summer 1 - Sword & Summer 2 - Fan Veils
Future topics can include Veil Trix, Double Veil, Veil+Poi-into-Voi (Veil Poi), Tray, Candles, Cane/stick, Shamedan, Fan, Jug, Parasol & more!
Please wear typical workout attire (NOT velvet, as it can static cling 'stick' to the veil, & preferably NOT long sleeves NOR a high ponytail or bun) & a NON-coined hip scarf (coin edges can snag the veil) if you'd even like to wear one at all. Please bring your prop to class each week. No prior experience with Props is necessary for this class however you must complete 1 full session of INTRO to Belly Dance class and at least a session of The Fundamentals as well first (see above). Minimum of 5 students - Offered Every Thursday at 6:10pm thru the summer sessions.

Yoga (ALL LEVELS WELCOME!)
taught by Danery
Drop-in or Pre-Register...This class is great for dancers and anyone that also needs a moment from their busy week to refocus on them and relieve everyday stresses. Here we build endurance, flexibility and help strengthen your bones! Using simple terminology to help execute the poses/help students understand how-to develop into their poses, we also enjoy the perk of balance, grace & flexibility. Class focuses on learning how to breathe and understanding from within the importance of oxygen to assist our muscles as we build & go into more challenging positions. No prior yoga experience is necessary!
Danery provides modifications to ensure your safety, and also to challenge those with a more established practice. She is a certified Yoga instructor and has been teaching her format over 15 years. Please dress comfortably, bring a yoga mat, and water ($1 bottles also available); straps & a couple extra mats will be available to borrow if you don't have one. Offered twice weekly both Tuesdays & Wednesdays 8:30-9:30pm

Salsa-Ton Fitness (ALL LEVELS WELCOME!)
taught by Danery
Drop-in or Pre-Register...Salsa-Ton is an amazing high energy dance class! Danery has been teaching this class for over 20 years and it is her signature fitness class. Every class is different and offers change in levels while you dance and includes floor choreography giving everyone an increased heart rate and incinerates calories. Tone, lengthen and strengthen your body balance while having so much fun.
The word "Salsa-Ton" comes from the Reggeaton singer/rap artist Daddy Yankee and Salsero Andy Montanez; their rhythms combined make this class what it is! No experience is needed and all levels are welcome - all students will need to wear a jazz sneaker with a split-sole, non-marking. Offered TWICE a week Tuesdays at 7:20pm & Saturdays at 10:45am

Salsa-Bachata (ALL LEVELS WELCOME!) returns Summer 2
taught by Danery
Pre-Registration based class...Beginners, intermediate & even advance levels welcome in this all movement class that will add coordination and enhance your own style, wearing NO SHOES! Danery will be getting back to basics and understanding the natural body movement and how to incorporate creativity with improvisation along with the spins and combinations that you may or may not already know. Basic steps & combinations will be introduced as the class progresses each week. This is a 90-minute all movement class that hones coordination & adds enhancement to your own style, with NO SHOES! This way you can learn the full function of the feet, hips and sway that are restricted sometimes by the type of shoes that you wear when you do go out dancing. Dress casual and be ready to sweat for all of Danery's classes. You may bring your partner or come solo, as this class is all about helping you find your own personal dance style. Great class for anyone that is not as flexible with their hips and shoulders as they'd like to be and especially the females that wish to look more sensual & graceful while dancing to Salsa or to any other Latin American music. Coed class, Offered Thursdays at 7:20pm Summer 2

Showgirl Swagger (ALL LEVELS WELCOME!)
taught by Sonya
Drop-in or Pre-Register...This class is for anyone who just wants to strut her stuff! Fully a movement class, we will explore the basics of "showgirl" burlesque dance complete with the tease. No clothing will be removed - actually, there will not be a single-song focus either - this class gets you moving with confidence and will hone your skills of stage presence, body line & accent. Improvising, traveling, showcasing all angles to fun music that will give you all the sass needed to slither, slink, & strut. Sinfully sexy floor-work will add core strength through exercises that don't seem like exercises. No prior dance required for this follow-the-bouncing-butt style class, although Intro to Belly Dance "101" would be helpful. Please bring a yoga mat (if you like) & definitely dress comfortable in stretchy clothing, no shoes required. Offered Thursdays at 7:20pm Summer 1.

Belly Dance - Improve Your Moves (201)
taught by Lisha
Drop-in or Pre-Register...If you’re ready to push yourself to the next level, this "purple star" intermediate class will help you get there. This class introduces layering concepts, more challenging isolations, turns, and traveling steps (including shimmies!). Each class will also include a warm-up, conditioning/strengthening exercises, as well as a delicious stretch/cool-down at the end of the hour. Although this is a drop-in class, content will vary from week to week, however regular attendance is recommended for the best results. Students should have a solid foundation of the Fundamental movements as this class is geared to an Intermediate and above pace. Can be used to make up a missed lesson within the same session. Intermediate Drop-ins always encouraged on a space available basis - literally start anytime & always come away with something new. Great for *all styles* of modern belly dance! For your comfort please bring a yoga mat, towel, or knee pads for some exercises. Ask your instructor if you are ready to move up to this class or Drop-in to give it a try! Offered Saturdays at 12 noon

Choreo, Core & More - Belly Dance Blast (201)
taught by Eliza
Drop-in or Pre-Register...Join Eliza on the belly dancer’s journey to muscle isolation & control. This one hour class is perfect for intermediate dancers who want to gain more control over and clarity in their movements. Attention is paid to building strength & endurance in the body’s core muscles. Class begins with a strength-building warm-up, followed by drills that target the core muscles that create sharp and controlled dance movements. Offered Mondays at 7:20pm.

Moving Up; Belly Dance Choreography (203)
taught by Sonya
Pre-Registration based class...Open to students who've mastered the basic belly dance movements introduced in the blue star classes (typically after 8-12 months of The Fundamentals, comfortable with ALL the beginning moves), this choreography class is geared for those long-time beginners who feel they learn more through choreography, drills & routine. Every move you know has 100 variations, add-ons and layers... want to learn them? Take Yourself to the NEXT LEVEL! The dances learned in this weekly class can be auditioned for & performed in upcoming Arabesque Showcases & "In-House Halfa's" if desired/available. While everyone is unique, Pre-Requisites for this class are completion of the movement repertoire from the Fundamentals class & comfort in the speed of Fundamental DRILLS and we highly recommend trying the Improve your Moves class for a session as well. Feel free to seek the instructor's advice before beginning this class, Offered Wednesdays at 7:20pm

"Big Girl" Zill Skills 2 (202)
taught by Sonya
Pre-Registration based class...Belly Dancing with full-tempo Finger Cymbal Accompaniment - This class mission is to practice, drill & "jam" together while playing our finger cymbals/zillar/segat at FULL SPEED. Class format includes warm-ups while playing, then learning simple footwork & marrying them to cymbal patterns common to some popular Arabic rhythms, we can then put them together to practice our most versatile combos & different ring types, definitely adding arm movements as the patterns become more familiar. We then finish the class with combining the movements & patterns of the day to a song, giving you lots to practice over the week, not often requiring the memorization of a single choreography. A mastery of basic belly dance moves is needed & having your finger cymbals with you is a requirement. Of course, Performance Opportunities for this class with troupe Killer Zillar! Minimum of 5 students need to pre-register for the dedicated session by the 1st day of class; offered Tuesdays at 6:10pm.

Tribal Fusion Belly Dance Choreography (203)
taught by Eliza
Pre-Registration based class...Open to intermediate students very comfortable with all the basic bellydance movements and some of their variations, this tribal fusion class features a choreography using a variety of tribal slow & fast moves. Eliza will begin with exercises that develop the strength & flexibility needed to execute flawless technique, followed by drills to help perfect both the oooey-goooey slow tribal movements & fast and furious shimmy combinations in the choreography. Finally, you'll put it all together in fabulous piece that can be performed as troupe "SpellBound" in an upcoming Arabesque Showcase if desired/available. Please pre-register the session to secure your spot in this class & ensure the class runs, minimum of 5. Please seek Eliza's advice before beginning this class. Offered Mondays at 6:10pm.

Fast Track to Tribal "ITS" Bellydance (202)
taught by Eliza
Pre-Registration based class...This class is designed for the intermediate bellydance student with good knowledge of the basic bellydance vocabulary. “Fast Track” is an Improvisational Tribal Style (ITS) class, an American style of tribal bellydance that relies on cues & communication between dancers, which came about on the west coast in the 1960's. Learn moves and combinations unique to "ITS" bellydance weekly that will broaden and enhance your existing repertoire of moves. Emphasis is on dance technique as well as group improvisation skills that will make any performance more dynamic & exciting for all involved. Students who enjoy interaction with others in a fast paced environment will particularly enjoy this class. Seek Eliza's advice before beginning this class. Offered Wednesdays at 8:30pm.

Belly Dance - High-Level Technique Drills (301)
taught by Neekole
Drop-in or Pre-Register...Technique, Style, Transitions - to challenge the intermediate & advanced dancer's skill set, this class focus' on building a larger dance vocabulary & refining the moves you know and how they look on your body! Warm-up encourages increased balance followed by free dancing at a heart-pumping rate, incorporating all of the Fundamental moves & their variations, increasing your overall dance stamina. Combinations will be taught with an emphasis on building strong dance technique foundation... Students should be fluent in all the Fundamental moves as this class is geared to an Intermediate & above pace. Can be used to make up a missed lesson within the same session. Intermediate & Above Drop-in students always encouraged on a space available basis - literally start anytime & always come away with something new. Great for *all styles* of modern belly dance! Ask your instructor if you are ready to move up to this class or Drop-in to give it a try! Offered Mondays at 8:30pm

Belly Dance - Layers & Traveling (303)
taught by Sonya
Pre-Registration based class...For the dancer who is strong in ALL the Fundamental movements & their myriad of variations, we offer a more advanced view of combinations with the moves you already know, new moves you've never seen before, as well as transitions from one move to the next, a "volume knob" approach to speed & expectations of layering movements simultaneously while traveling with them. Longer, more difficult step combinations stretch the mind & muscle memory and a few improvisational dance techniques appear, while the content of a full "Dedicated" session includes a challenging choreography with a new focus week-to-week on different dance skills, occasional prop use & special "tips & tricks" you wish you knew! Choreography's learned in this class do have the opportunity to be auditioned for & performed, as Sonya's award-winning student dance troupe, Ro-He. A mastery of intermediate belly dance curriculum is expected in this fast-paced class for rather experienced students. Being comfortable in the intermediate/purple star classes is expected to keep up in this high-level class. New students accepted only on the 1st week of the session, after already having spoken with Sonya for audition information & approval. Minimum of 5, Offered Tuesdays at 7:20pm.