Kamrah offers raqs sharqi (belly dance classes) in Chicago in both traditional style belly dance and Fusion dance!
Online classes are available here.
In person classes are held at Arabesque Studios (3120 W. Belmont, Chicago, IL 60618).
All of Kamrah’s classes are LGBTQ+ safe and affirming places.
Fusion Dance Classes
Intro to Fusion classes are good for the beginner with just a bit of experience under their hip scarves! In this class, students will learn basic Fusion posture, movements, and a little bit of attitude. Be prepared to be challenged, because this class can be a little tough! But Kamrah will help you through it with patient and safe technique instruction. A simple choreography will be offered for the session.
Classes are held every Monday at 6:10pm. THIS CLASS IS CURRENTLY ON HIATUS DUE TO COVID-19.
Intermediate Fusion Technique is a challenging class for the Intermediate dancer! Deepen your skills with intensive drills, strength training for improving control and tone, and occasional short combos to bring it all together. The focus is on anatomical, muscular dancing, and safe drilling. Layering will also be introduced in this class, so come with your thinking caps on! Please contact the studio or Kamrah before trying out this class, as it is not appropriate for beginners! The Sunday class is PURPLE STAR.
Classes are drop-in friendly and held every Sunday at 12:00pm (noon). PLEASE BRING YOUR MASK FOR THIS IN PERSON CLASS. More information about COVID-19 precautions at the studio are available here.
Traditional Raqs Sharqi Classes (Belly Dance)
Cardio Belly Dance
Get your heart rate up with this fast paced belly dance cardio workout. Basic raqs sharqi dance movements are drilled and combined into mini-combos specifically designed to keep the heart going for a satisfying cardio workout. We’ll throw in some traditional fitness conditioning for an all-around, full-body workout. All fitness and dance levels welcome! Bring water! This class is currently on hiatus.
Lebanese Raqs Sharqi
Learn to belly dance, Lebanese style! Lebanese belly dance is energetic, flirty, and fun! Come and learn some Lebanese dance movements to add to your repertoire and a fun combo! This class is on hiatus. If you are interested in taking this class, please let Arabesque know!
Private Lessons
Deepen your practice, get individualized technique instruction and critiques! Kamrah also offers private and small group dance lessons in the Chicago, Illinois area. If you live outside of this area, you can still sign up for classes, but travel expenses may be added.
Styles Offered:
Fusion Dance
Fusion Belly Dance (formerly known as “Tribal Fusion”) is a blend of FCBD® style (FatChance Belly Dance) movements (as well as raqs sharqi movements) with other forms of dance, including (but not limited to) hip hop (popping, locking, Krumping), modern, and Flamenco. Modern and Western-style music are commonly used in Fusion, though classic or folkloric musical pieces can also be used, depending on the dance piece. Fusion is fun and dynamic, and tones the muscles for a strong dance posture and presence.
Raqs Sharqi (Traditional Belly Dance)
Raqs sharqi (aka raks sharki, “traditional belly dance”) is Arabic for “dance of the east” and includes what most people know of as “belly dance.” Egyptian and Lebanese raqs sharqi styles are fun and delightful. American cabaret is a mix of Egyptian, Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese (among others) dance, and is often called American “restaurant” belly dance because this is the style of dancing seen in most Middle Eastern and Greek restaurants in the US. Pieces are performed to classic or modern Middle Eastern music. While Kamrah mostly performs American cabaret, he does teach and perform the Egyptian and Lebanese styles. Raqs sharqi is a beautiful art form from the MENAHT cultures and countries, and teaches strength, fluidity, grace, and musicality.