Raksanna Belly Dance

Step into the enchanting world of Raksanna Belly Dance, a celebrated studio located within the Eola Community Center in Aurora, Illinois. For individuals across the Illinois region seeking to explore the expressive and empowering art of belly dance, Raksanna offers an unparalleled experience. Led by the internationally recognized and award-winning Raksanna herself, this studio is more than just a place to learn movements; it's a vibrant community where students celebrate femininity, experience personal growth, and discover a newfound confidence through dance. From exhilarating first classes to advanced professional training, Raksanna Belly Dance provides a supportive and inspiring environment that makes every shimmy and sway a joyful journey into self-expression. If you're in Illinois and curious about belly dance, or looking to deepen your existing skills, Raksanna Belly Dance invites you to unleash your inner dancer.

Raksanna's philosophy is rooted in promoting belly dance with elegance, sophistication, and beauty, while sharing its rich historical and cultural context, particularly focusing on classical and modern Egyptian Raks Sharqi. She believes that this ancient art form allows women to discover "a new-found freedom and self acceptance," emphasizing that historically, it was often performed for other women during rites and celebrations. This perspective ensures that students not only learn technique but also gain an appreciation for the cultural significance and empowering nature of the dance. As a highly sought-after educator and performer, Raksanna brings a wealth of experience, having dedicated her life to the art form through extensive training, including over 45 trips to Egypt to immerse herself in the culture. This dedication is evident in the enthusiastic reviews, with one new student exclaiming, "Loved this place it was so much fun at my first day at class! Everyone was super helpful with everything and can’t wait til next class so excited!!!" This welcoming and inspiring approach makes Raksanna Belly Dance a true gem in the Illinois dance scene.

Raksanna Belly Dance is conveniently located at the Eola Community Center, 555 S Eola Rd, Aurora, IL 60504, USA. This central location within the Fox Valley Park District's state-of-the-art facility makes it highly accessible for residents not only in Aurora but also from surrounding communities such as Naperville, Oswego, and other parts of the western suburbs of Chicago, across Illinois. The Eola Community Center provides ample parking, ensuring a smooth and convenient arrival for students. Its integration within a well-known community hub means easy navigation and access to additional amenities. The professional setting of the Eola Community Center, where Raksanna is an artist in residence, further enhances the learning experience, providing a dedicated and well-maintained space for dance instruction. This accessible and professional environment makes it a practical and desirable choice for anyone in Illinois interested in pursuing belly dance.

Raksanna Belly Dance offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to accommodate dancers of all ages, shapes, and sizes, from absolute beginners to advanced professionals. Their services extend beyond regular classes to include unique fitness programs and personalized coaching.

• Weekly Belly Dance Classes: A full curriculum is available for beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, focusing on fundamental movements, technique, drills, and choreography in Egyptian Raks Sharqi style. Classes are offered on multiple days, including Tuesday evenings and Sunday afternoons.
• RakasaFit™ Core Fitness Program: A unique fitness program that blends belly dance with strength-building cardio into an invigorating and rejuvenating workout. It's designed to improve stamina, stability, range of motion, technique, posture, and strength, suitable for all levels. Online subscription access to over 35 instructional videos is also available for RakasaFit™.
• Private Belly Dance Lessons: Raksanna accepts a very limited number of dancers for exclusive private study and coaching, providing highly personalized instruction tailored to individual goals and timelines.
• Performance Opportunities: Students have opportunities to perform throughout the year, celebrating their progress and showcasing their skills in a supportive environment.
• Dance Company Participation: For dancers interested in a deeper commitment, the studio offers a Dance Company, emphasizing sisterhood, performance, and fun.
• Workshops and Intensives: Raksanna conducts various workshops, both at home and internationally, sharing her deep love and profound knowledge of belly dance.
• Theatrical Productions: Raksanna is a choreographer and producer of full-length theatrical shows, providing a glimpse into the broader artistry of belly dance storytelling.

Raksanna Belly Dance stands out due to several distinctive features and highlights that underscore its reputation as a premier destination for oriental dance in Illinois. These attributes contribute significantly to the rich and rewarding experience offered to its students.

• Internationally Recognized Instructor: Raksanna is an award-winning, internationally recognized Middle Eastern dance artist, educator, choreographer, and producer. Her extensive global experience and continuous study in Egypt ensure authentic and high-quality instruction.
• Focus on Egyptian Raks Sharqi: While her repertoire is broad, Raksanna's heart beats especially for classical and modern Egyptian Raks Sharqi, offering students specialized and authentic training in this particular style.
• Supportive and Inclusive Community: The studio prides itself on creating a "positive and encouraging" environment where "everyone was super helpful," welcoming dancers of "all ages, all shapes and all sizes."
• Holistic Approach to Dance: Beyond just steps, classes aim to help students "celebrate femininity, experience personal growth, and enjoy a supportive community," fostering confidence and self-acceptance.
• Innovative Fitness Program (RakasaFit™): The development and offering of RakasaFit™ provide a unique blend of belly dance and core fitness, appealing to those looking for a fun and effective workout.
• Small Class Sizes and Dedicated Faculty: The studio maintains small class sizes and a favorable teacher-to-student ratio, ensuring personalized attention. All faculty members are hand-picked and trained through Raksanna's intensive apprenticeship program.
• Published Author and Producer: Raksanna has authored and published six books on belly dance and produced original music, showcasing her profound knowledge and dedication to the art form.

For more information on class schedules, registration, or to inquire about private lessons, interested individuals in the Illinois area are encouraged to contact Raksanna Belly Dance directly. Their team is ready to assist you in beginning or continuing your belly dance journey.

Address: 555 S Eola Rd, Aurora, IL 60504, USA

Phone: (630) 689-3611

Raksanna Belly Dance is an exceptional choice for locals throughout the Illinois region, particularly those in Aurora and its surrounding communities. Its prime location within the Eola Community Center offers easy accessibility and a professional environment. What truly makes this studio perfect for locals is the combination of internationally recognized expertise with a deeply personal and supportive approach. The vibrant community spirit, where students feel "super helpful" and "so excited" for their next class, fosters not just dance skills but also confidence and a sense of belonging. For Illinois residents seeking a unique and empowering way to engage with movement, culture, and self-expression, Raksanna Belly Dance provides an unparalleled opportunity to learn from a true master in a welcoming and inspiring setting.

You can enjoy a performance demonstrating the artistry of Raksanna and her Near East Dance Ensemble in this video: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qh1TtoI5Ldg)

Raksanna Belly Dance

555 S Eola Rd, Aurora, IL 60504, USA