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, $35 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:
$25 (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
Sat July12th 200812-1:30pm "2nd Saturdays" Beg./Inter. Soloist Training w/Kimahri$22 
Sat July12th 20082-3pm Introduction to Finger Cymbals (Zills) w/Sonya$15 
Sat July12th 20082-3:30pm "2nd Saturdays" Inter./Adv. Soloist Training w/Kimahri$22 
Sat July12th 20084-6pm Secrets of Spinning Technique w/Sonya$30 
Sun July13th 200812-2pm Bollywood Basics w/Dina Mehta$30 
Sun July13th 200812-2pm FREE! Stitch & B*tch @ Arabesque w/Sonya 
 
Sat August9th 200812-1:30pm "2nd Saturdays" Beg./Inter. Soloist Training w/Kimahri$22 
Sat August9th 20082-3pm Intro to ShimmEssentials Technique w/Sonya$15 
Sat August9th 20082-3:30pm "2nd Saturdays" Inter./Adv. Soloist Training w/Kimahri$22 
Sat August9th 20084-6pm Stage Make-up, Presence & FACE w/Sonya$30 
Sun August17th 200812-2pm Graceful Arms; Technique w/Danielle$30 
Sun August17th 20082:30-4:30pm Tai Chi Single & Double Fan Technique w/Danielle$30 
 
Sun September14th 200812-2pm Veil Trix & Beyond; Technique w/Sonya$30 
Sun September14th 20082:30-4:30pm Sword Balancing a la Serpentine Floorwork w/Sonya$30 
 
Sun October5th 20081-3pm FREE! Stitch & B*tch @ Arabesque w/Sonya 
Sun October5th 20083-6pm FREE! Costume Swap & 2nd Hand Souk  




"2nd Saturdays" Beg./Inter. Soloist Training with Kimahri
July 12th from 12-1:30pm
$22 ($25 at the door)
Pre-Register by 9pm on Thursday, 7/10
Limited to 16 students

For dancers seeking growth in their movement vocabulary and building a great performance from the ground up! This class is heavy on identifying and closing technique gaps, developing musicality and putting it all into practice with performance combinations. 90 minute class, minimum of 7 - Questions? Email: Kimahri or visit her online at ShimmyChicago.com


Introduction to Finger Cymbals (Zills) with Sonya
July 12th from 2-3pm
$15 ($20 at the door)
Pre-Register by 9pm on Thursday, 7/10
Limited to 12 students

All Levels Welcome! We will break down & play through all the basic ring types, 5 basic patterns you cannot live without, & how to practice them half-speed, with dancing, up to full speed. This foundation workshop opens you to possible intermediate weekly Finger Cymbals class. Hand-out included, Finger Cymbals available from Kimahri through Saroyan Mastercrafts. Minimum of 3 needed to run this class - Questions? Email: Sonya


"2nd Saturdays" Inter./Adv. Soloist Training with Kimahri
July 12th from 2-3:30pm
$22 ($25 at the door)
Pre-Register by 9pm on Thursday, 7/10
Limited to 16 students

For dancers seeking to to expand their movement vocabulary to include fluency in layers, traveling, and transitions. This class emphasizes refining technique, enhancing musicality and developing your own performing style. No props or zills needed for this class, just bring yourself! Minimum of 7 needed to run this 90 minute class - Questions? Email: Kimahri or visit her online at ShimmyChicago.com


Secrets of Spinning Technique with Sonya
July 12th from 4-6pm
$30 ($35 at the door)
Pre-Register by 9pm on Thursday, 7/10
Limited to 12 students

Back by Popular Demand - Does the thought of spinning turn your stomach? Do you falter or fall at more than 2 or 3 consecutive turns? Do you wish to learn the secrets of being able to spin with abandon? This class is geared for the dancer who never really got drilled in the proper techniques of maintaining turns, beginner thru advanced. We'll focus on the how, when & why, while working together as a group (as well as one-on-one) to establish proper body alignment & posture, spotting techniques, and turns that travel in addition to stationary spinning. Both slow turning (for taxims) & faster spinning (into pose for finales) will be focused on for my 'volume knob' approach. Participants would benefit from a basic understanding of fundamental belly dance movements. This is a staple class for a foundation for Veil Trix. Please wear typical workout attire & feel free to bring a very full, long skirt. Handout included. Minimum of 6 needed to run this class - Questions? Email Sonya.


Bollywood Basics with Dina Mehta
July 13th from 12-2pm
$30 ($35 at the door)
Pre-Register by 8pm on Friday, 6/11
Limited to 16 students

Have fun while you learn some of the fundamental movements of Bollywood Film dancing. Additionally, Dina will work on some choreography to a recent hit song. This workshop is great for beginners as well as for some more experienced folks who want to learn a new routine, & it promises to be a great workout too! Women & Men are welcome! Minimum of 6 to run the class - Questions? Email: Dina Mehta


"2nd Saturdays" Beg./Inter. Soloist Training with Kimahri
August 9th from 12-1:30pm
$22 ($25 at the door)
Pre-Register by 9pm on Thursday, 8/7
Limited to 16 students

For dancers seeking growth in their movement vocabulary and building a great performance from the ground up! This class is heavy on identifying and closing technique gaps, developing musicality and putting it all into practice with performance combinations. 90 minute class, minimum of 7 - Questions? Email: Kimahri or visit her online at ShimmyChicago.com


Intro to ShimmEssentials Technique with Sonya
August 9th from 2-3pm
$15 ($20 at the door)
Pre-Register by 9pm on Thursday, 8/7
Limited to 12 students

Shimmy technique can be broken down in so many ways, as there are many shimmies we can do with certain parts of our bodies (more than 8 types of shimmy will be introduced in this class). This will be fully a movement class, working step-by-step with shimmy technique for skill, then up the tempo to build proper speed before maintaining the speed for increased stamina. Once stamina is achieved we can work layering & traveling with the shimmy. Great for all levels! Please wear typical dance/workout attire, bring water, a towel & a light snack if desired--In other words be prepared for a workout--Sweat is Welcomed! Minimum of 3 needed to run this class - Questions? Email: Sonya


"2nd Saturdays" Inter./Adv. Soloist Training with Kimahri
August 9th from 2-3:30pm
$22 ($25 at the door)
Pre-Register by 9pm on Thursday, 8/7
Limited to 16 students

For dancers seeking to to expand their movement vocabulary to include fluency in layers, traveling, and transitions. This class emphasizes refining technique, enhancing musicality and developing your own performing style. No props or zills needed for this class, just bring yourself! Minimum of 7 needed to run this 90 minute class - Questions? Email: Kimahri or visit her online at ShimmyChicago.com


Stage Make-up, Presence & FACE with Sonya
August 9th from 4-6pm
$30 ($35 at the door)
Pre-Register by 9pm on Thursday, 8/7
Limited to 12 students

Dancing on a stage requires a different approach in how you apply make-up. This workshop will spend time discussing the proper techniques, appropriate styles & brand/types that help make you shine as a belly dancer! How-to flatter any face shape or skin type--feel free to bring your questions & your make-up, if you'd care to follow along, workshop will also cover daily make-up, night time make-up & performance make-up when not on a stage. Stage presence is not just something you're born with, the fundamentals can also be learned in this workshop to help you become a stand out in the line-up! FACE refers to what to do with your face, while perfoming. (Sonya is a licenced cosmetologist in IL with extensive theater make-up training, in addition to her working knowlegde of dance make-up as a performer herself, on the stage since 1997.) Minimum of 3 needed to run this class. Questions? Email: Sonya


Graceful Arms; Technique with Danielle
August 17th from 12-2pm
$30 ($35 at the door)
Pre-Register by 8pm on Friday, 8/15
Limited to 16 students

Bellydance is not just about the belly! This workshop will cover six kinds of snake arms suitable for cabaret, tribal, and fusion, as well 10 specific arm and hand moves from Flamenco, South Indian dance, Javanese court dance, as well as combination moves exclusive to Danielle's world fusion style. Detailed handouts will be provided, but DVDs of the workshop (with bonus moves) will also be available for $10. All skill levels from cabaret and tribal are welcome!Minimum of 6 needed to run this class - Questions? Email: Danielle or visit her online at AlephDance.com


Tai Chi Single & Double Fan Technique with Danielle
August 17th from 2:30-4:30pm
$30 ($35 at the door)
Pre-Register by 8pm on Friday, 8/15
Limited to 16 students

Meditative and dreamlike, Tai chi fans are a unique prop not often seen used by bellydancers. This class will cover fundamental fan technique alongside tai chi and fusion movements that can be performed with or withoutthe fans. Handouts will be provided, DVDs available for $10. Students can bring one or two hand fans to use, some available for purchase. Minimum of 6 needed to run this class - Questions? Email: Danielle or visit her online at AlephDance.com


Veil Trix & Beyond; Technique with Sonya
September 14th from 12-2pm
$30 ($35 at the door)
Pre-Register by 8pm on Friday, 9/13
Limited to 12 students

All that slinky veil work you've seen can now be broken down, named and learned in this technique workshop for the newly intermediate dancer and above. Bring your favorite veil, a minimum of 3 yards in length, and feel free to bring more than 1, as we will discuss all the pros & cons of the different sizes, shapes & weights. Silk is preferred for some moves. Arm positions will be reinforced, importance of the overall look and feeling of the veil dance enhanced while we get a great upper body and arm workout. Please wear typical workout attire (NOT velvet, as it can stick to the veil) & a non-coined hip scarf (coin edges can snag the veil) if you'd like. Handout included. TAKE BOTH 9/14 workshops for just $55! Minimum of 3 needed to run this class - Questions? Email: Sonya


Sword Balancing a la Serpentine Floorwork with Sonya
September 14th from 2:30-4:30pm
$30 ($35 at the door)
Pre-Register by 8pm on Friday, 9/13
Limited to 12 students

A great addition to your theater stage routine, this workshop breaks down most all of the moves that can be executed on the floor. We'll work stretching exercises to strengthen while learning the proper & safe ways to move on the floor, including how to gracefully lower into the floorwork portion of the routine and how to rise out of it. A great deal of Orientale arms will be covered in addition to floorwork moves we'll apply in combinations to a song. We'll be dancing a great deal on our knees, so feel free to wear knee pads or bring a yoga mat to kneel on, water & a towel - this will be a suprising workout. Participants would benefit from a basic understanding of fundamental belly dance movements before taking this workshop. Please wear typical workout attire & a non-beaded and non-coined hip scarf if you'd like. TAKE BOTH 9/14 workshops for just $55! Minimum of 3 needed to run this class - Questions? Email: Sonya




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