Arabesque Chicago Dance 3703 N. Elston Avenue
 

workshops

Special Workshops offered at Arabesque are typically 2 hours in length, & cost:
$30 each if Pre-Registered by due date, $40 at-the-door (day-of, if space allows)
Pre-Pay Multiples per person & Save: Any 2 workshops for $55 or 3 for $80 or 4 for $100.

While you are welcome to register the day-of the workshop at Arabesque, Pre-Registration is recommended, as any workshop with less than 3 students pre-registered by the Friday prior may be rescheduled, and we at Arabesque pride ourselves on the intimate class sizes, so a Maximum student allowance may be enforced--1st Come, 1st Served. To reserve your spot in the workshop pre-pay Sonya at the Studio, The Arabesque On-Line Store via PayPal, or feel free to call her with your credit card number, expiration date & billing zip code; please note tuition once paid is non-refundable. Walk-ins are welcomed & if you'd still like to drop in & register at the door/day-of PLEASE check this website before you leave home, to ensure the workshop is running (minimum of 3) and has not closed/full (met the Maximum)--this website is as painfully up-to-date as possible. (If it weren't, what good would it be?) Updates are also sent monthly through our Emailing List, so Sign up today! See Schedule Below for Current Offerings.



costume clinics

Costume Clinics offered at Arabesque are 2-4 hours in length, & cost:
$30 (plus materials if you're interested in leaving with a completed project)

To be a performer it is very advantagous to know the basics of sewing & garment creation! By request, my annual costuming workshop has taken a hands-on form with Costume Clinics! Much like a coffee klach, for these 2-4 hours (or however long it takes) we go thru the process of making a custom belly dance costume piece; from measuring to cutting, sewing to fitting & if time allows, finishing. It is possible for everyone to leave with a completed project! If you desire, bring pen & paper for notes (most projects include a hand-out) & also (optionally) the appropriate fabric/thread/elastic/etc as we all help each other under the helpful eyes of a belly dance seamstress. If you want or can, please bring your sewing machine, it'll definately help your project go faster. Hint: This knowledge can also help you in the Costume Swaps as a buyer or a seller...
You will learn how to sew in these workshops, but only what is needed for the project at hand. Rudimentry sewing skills will help (ie: sewing on a button), but are not necessary--see project listing for difficulty level. Suggestions for future topics are encouraged! Pre-Registration is RECOMMENDED and cheerfully accepted by the Friday Prior & accompanied by a Fabric shopping list-a minimum of 3 students required, maximum of 8 (for time constraints). Drop-ins are welcome, however PLEASE check this website the day before to be sure the Costume Clinic is not Cancelled or Full--this website is painfully up-to-date! Updates are also sent monthly through our Emailing List, so Sign up today! See Schedule Below for Current Offerings.

1is for Easy
2is for Intermediate
3is for Challenging



costume swaps

Looking for good costuming but on a budget? Have too much costuming already & wish to unload some of it, or make room for more? Come to the Bi-Monthly Costume Swap at Arabesque, aka: The 2ndHand Souk - where you can not only meet & greet other local belly dancers and performing artists but sell, swap or trade new or good condition used costuming for No Fees or Comission! This can include ANY items related to Belly Dance, Tribal, Burlesque, and more, such as full costumes/bra & belt sets, silks, veils, textiles/fabrics, trims/fringe, books, videos/dvds, cds, props, instruments, decor items, fashion/costume jewelry, tribal hair pieces & jewelry, crafts and more. Cash, check, and all credit cards accepted. Reminders are also sent monthly through our Emailing List, so Sign up today! See Schedule Below for Upcoming Dates.



performances

Would you like to see some public performances? Click Here!


schedule
Sun Feb5th 201211am Stretchy Str8 Skirt Costume Clinic w/Sonya$30
 
Sun Mar4th 201212-2pm Strut Camp; High Heels 101 w/Mae$30 
Sun Mar4th 20123-4pm Shimmy with the Right side of your Brain w/Sonya$20 
Sun Mar4th 20127-10pm In-House/Open House Performances $5 
Sat Mar10th 20121:30-4:30pm Seduce Your Hunny Veil Routine w/Sonya$30 
 
Sun Apr15th 201211am Harem Pants Costume Clinic w/Sonya$30
Sun Apr15th 20123-6pm FREE! Costume Swap & 2nd Hand Souk  
 
Sat May5th 20127-10pm In-House/Open House Performances $5 
 
Sun June24th 201211:30am FREE! Farmers Market Performances  
Sat June30th 20127pm Save The Date! Special Event  
 
Sun Aug26th 201211:30am FREE! Farmers Market Performance  
 
Sat Sept22nd 201210am-10pm Amanda Rose Workshops & Show  
 
Sun Oct7th 20123-6pm Costume Swap & 2nd Hand Souk  
Sun Oct14th 201211:30am FREE! Farmers Market Performances  
Fr-Sa-Su Oct19-21 2012All Day! AZIZA Weekend of Workshops & Show  
 
Sun Jan20th 201312-3pm Seduce Your Hunny Veil Routine w/Sonya$30 




Stretchy Str8 Skirt Costume Clinic with Sonya
Feb 5th from 11am
$30 ($35 at the door)
Pre-Register by 10pm on Thursday, 2/2
Limited to 10 students

Str8 Skirt - Calling all creatives! By request, my annual costuming workshop has taken a hands-on form with bi-monthly Costume Clinics! For these 2-4 hours (or however long it takes) we casually go through the process of making a belly dance costume piece; from measuring to cutting, sewing to fitting & finally finishing. (Construction at minimum will be achieved.)It is possible for everyone to leave with a completed project!
Bring pen/paper for notes if you desire and also (albeit optional) the appropriate amount of fabric/thread/elastic/etc, a flexible tape measure & sharp fabric scissors as we all help each other create the piece at hand - under the helpful eyes of a belly dance seamstress. If you want or can, feel free to bring your sewing machine, it'll help your project go faster.
You will learn how to sew in these workshops, but only for what is needed for the project that day. Rudimentary sewing skills will help (i.e.: sewing on a button), but are not necessary--see project listing for difficulty level. Suggestions for future topics are encouraged! Click Here to Email Sonya for questions or concerns on this workshop's content and for yardage-to-size ratio. A Str8 Skirt typically requires about 1.5 yards of all-way stretch fabric, such as velvet, & 1 yard of 5/8" non-roll elastic.


Strut Camp; High Heels 101 with Mae
Mar 4th from 12-2pm
$30 ($40 at the door)
Pre-Register by 10pm on Thursday, 3/1
Limited to 16 students

A high heels walking and strutting workshop -
Do you want more swing to your step, more swagger to your sway, or do you just want to look like you know how to wear high heels? Whether you are a 5" stiletto goddess or just learning to balance on 1" heels, this is the workshop for you. Mae the Bellydancer, aka Spiffy Kins in the burlesque realm, will share what she has mastered in her 19 years of belly dance and 6 years of burlesque - to teach you how to not just walk confidently in high heeled shoes, but to strut like you mean it.

You'll need to bring your own heels, feel free to bring more than one pair of various heights, snug "workout" clothing, and leave your fear of heights behind... Be prepared to sashay, slink, and knock 'em dead as we integrate your steps with some heavy hip sway. Don't say she didn't warn you!!! All Levels Welcome.


Shimmy with the Right side of your Brain with Sonya
Mar 4th from 3-4pm
$20 ($25 at the door)
Pre-Register by 10pm on Thursday, 3/1
Limited to 15 students

Ever desire technical knowledge on the actual mechanics of your shimmy? Want to know exactly *which* muscles you are using & therefore NEED strengthening as well as stretching? Then this one's really for you. Skill, Speed then Stamina in the Secrets of the Shimmy - Sonya's got the goods to share. Conditioning handout included. Come ready to move!


In-House/Open House Performances
Mar 4th from 7-10pm
$5 (includes a raffle ticket)

Just $5! Open to the Public - Arabesque Presents "CAIRO BY NIGHT" - A Bi-Monthly Dance Party (or 'Hafla' in Arabic) Wear your Hip Scarf & Bring a Friend! Feel free to just watch or use some of your new moves (or pick up a few from our instructors) during Open dance! Doors Open 7pm to shop & occasionally a Henna Artist is available to you for Mehendi art! The "Circle Dance" at 8pm is somewhat instructional & followed by more Open Dance... at 8:30 we present a mini-show of special performances by our students, instructors & occasional guest artists, RAFFLE Prize winners are then pulled & more Open Dance Fun can close the night! Don't miss this great event for the whole family. Event concludes at 10pm - All Proceeds Benefit the School & Future Showcases! Ample/free street parking & close to both Blue Line & 90/94 (Kennedy/Edens).
Upcoming 2012 Dates: 5/5 * 7/8...


Seduce Your Hunny Veil Routine with Sonya
Mar 10th from 1:30-4:30pm
$30 ($40 at the door)
Pre-Register by 10pm on Thursday, 3/8
Limited to 12 students

"...The Earth delights to feel your bare feet and the Wind longs to play with your hair..." - Kahlil Gibran
Finally! A workshop where the goal is to be playful and emote in a seductively stylish way! Take all that belly dance training & give the St. Valentine's gift that cannot be returned, nor would it want to be! Sonya will present a short and relatively simple routine with a 3 yard silk veil that is meant for *your Hunny's eyes only* packing the show with not the most difficult moves, but moves with attitude and coyness, being sweet yet sharp, bold but with humor. This workshop is for all levels, impressing that the delivery has just as much impact as the message itself!
Participants should have an understanding of fundamental belly dance movements to get the most out of this workshop. All steps will be broken down for technique; however the goal is to learn the veiled routine. You will not be removing clothing. Bring your Veil; Notes and MP3 is included in workshop price, and a variety of veils will be available for purchase. You may wear typical belly dance class attire; however feel free to dress up with the addition of a long/full skirt. (Please note that wearing velvet or coins tends to make the veil stick to you, so perhaps avoid it for this class.)
About the Instructress: Sonya is the owner of Arabesque and has been dancing Egyptian-style Mid Eastern belly dance for 15 years. Her goal has been to elevate the perception of the art of belly dance. In that goal, she seeks to remind us that dancing is passionate, seductive, fun, and light-hearted. With this workshop she hopes to show that her intentions are innocent, in offering a special dance for the purposes of seduction, tempered with humor. Sonya has a very strong history of choreography and hopes to help open the minds of those who think this dance, brimming with integrity, has no charm for your loved ones. Please feel free to Email Sonya for questions or concerns on this workshop's content.


Harem Pants Costume Clinic with Sonya
Apr 15th from 11am
$30 ($35 at the door)
Pre-Register by 10pm on Thursday, 4/12
Limited to 10 students

Harem Pants - Calling all Creatives! By request, Sonya's annual costuming workshop has taken a hands-on form with bi-monthly Costume Clinics! For these 2-4 hours (or however long it takes) we casually go through the process of making a belly dance costume piece; from measuring to cutting, sewing to fitting & finally finishing. (Construction at minimum will be achieved.) It is possible for everyone to leave with a completed project!
Bring pen/paper for notes if you desire and also (albeit optional) the appropriate amount of fabric/thread/elastic/etc, a flexible tape measure & sharp fabric scissors as we all help each other create the piece at hand - under the helpful eyes of a belly dance seamstress. If you want or can, feel free to bring your sewing machine, it'll help your project go faster.
You will learn how to sew in these workshops, but only for what is needed for the project that day. Rudimentary sewing skills will help (i.e.: sewing on a button), but are not necessary--see project listing for difficulty level. Suggestions for future topics are encouraged! Click Here to Email Sonya for questions or concerns on this workshop's content and for yardage-to-size ratio. Harem Pants typically requires about twice your hip-to-floor measurement (2.5 yards should be suffice) & 1 yard of 5/8" non-roll elastic, .5 yard 3/8" soft elastic. FOLLOWED 3-6pm by our FREE Costume Swap!


In-House/Open House Performances
May 5th from 7-10pm
$5 (includes a raffle ticket)

Just $5! Open to the Public - Arabesque Presents "CAIRO BY NIGHT" - A Bi-Monthly Dance Party (or 'Hafla' in Arabic) Wear your Hip Scarf & Bring a Friend! Feel free to just watch or use some of your new moves (or pick up a few from our instructors) during Open dance! Doors Open 7pm to shop & occasionally a Henna Artist is available to you for Mehendi art! The "Circle Dance" at 8pm is somewhat instructional & followed by more Open Dance... at 8:30 we present a mini-show of special performances by our students, instructors & occasional guest artists, RAFFLE Prize winners are then pulled & more Open Dance Fun can close the night! Don't miss this great event for the whole family. Event concludes at 10pm - All Proceeds Benefit the School & Future Showcases! Ample/free street parking & close to both Blue Line & 90/94 (Kennedy/Edens).
Upcoming 2012 Dates: 7/8...


FREE! Farmers Market Performances
June 24th from 11:30am


Each Summer Arabesque enjoys donating a short (20-ish minute) mosaic of dance performances featuring the students & instructors of our fine school to the local Farmers Market at 11:30am - Look for the white sign in the corner of the market's path. Held in historic Old Irving Park's beautiful Independence Park on Chicago's north side (off Irving Park between Springfield & Hamlin, which is east of Pulaski/the Kennedy 90-94) Upcoming Dates: 8/26 * 10/14


FREE! Farmers Market Performance
Aug 26th from 11:30am


Each Summer Arabesque enjoys donating a short (20-ish minute) mosaic of dance performances featuring the students & instructors of our fine school to the local Farmers Market at 11:30am - Look for the white sign in the corner of the market's path. Held in historic Old Irving Park's beautiful Independence Park on Chicago's north side (off Irving Park between Springfield & Hamlin, which is east of Pulaski/the Kennedy 90-94) One more on Oct 14!


Amanda Rose Workshops & Show
Sept 22nd from 10am-10pm


More Coming Soon - Click to learn more about Amanda Rose


FREE! Farmers Market Performances
Oct 14th from 11:30am


WEATHER PERMITTING! Each Summer Arabesque enjoys donating a short (20-ish minute) mosaic of dance performances featuring the students & instructors of our fine school to the local Farmers Market at 11:30am - Look for the white sign in the corner of the market's path. Held in historic Old Irving Park's beautiful Independence Park on Chicago's north side (off Irving Park between Springfield & Hamlin, which is east of Pulaski/the Kennedy 90-94)


AZIZA Weekend of Workshops & Show
Oct 19-21 from All Day!


Firday Master Class, Saturday & Sunday Workshops with a Fantastic Show Saturday night!
More Details Coming March - Click to learn more about Aziza!


Seduce Your Hunny Veil Routine with Sonya
Jan 20th from 12-3pm
$30 ($40 at the door)
Pre-Register by 10pm on Thursday, 1/17
Limited to 12 students

"...The Earth delights to feel your bare feet and the Wind longs to play with your hair..." - Kahlil Gibran
Finally! A workshop where the goal is to be playful and emote in a seductively stylish way! Take all that belly dance training & give the St. Valentine's gift that cannot be returned, nor would it want to be! Sonya will present a short and relatively simple routine with a 3 yard silk veil that is meant for *your Hunny's eyes only* packing the show with not the most difficult moves, but moves with attitude and coyness, being sweet yet sharp, bold but with humor. This workshop is for all levels, impressing that the delivery has just as much impact as the message itself!
Participants should have an understanding of fundamental belly dance movements to get the most out of this workshop. All steps will be broken down for technique; however the goal is to learn the veiled routine. You will not be removing clothing. Bring your Veil; Notes and MP3 is included in workshop price, and a variety of veils will be available for purchase. You may wear typical belly dance class attire; however feel free to dress up with the addition of a long/full skirt. (Please note that wearing velvet or coins tends to make the veil stick to you, so perhaps avoid it for this class.)
About the Instructress: Sonya is the owner of Arabesque and has been dancing Egyptian-style Mid Eastern belly dance for 15 years. Her goal has been to elevate the perception of the art of belly dance. In that goal, she seeks to remind us that dancing is passionate, seductive, fun, and light-hearted. With this workshop she hopes to show that her intentions are innocent, in offering a special dance for the purposes of seduction, tempered with humor. Sonya has a very strong history of choreography and hopes to help open the minds of those who think this dance, brimming with integrity, has no charm for your loved ones. Please feel free to Email Sonya for questions or concerns on this workshop's content.




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