06/06/08

high quality and enjoyable classes, performances, and workshops

by mhgvw

Three years ago I developed an interest in Middle Eastern dance, and after much research entered my very first belly dance class at Arabesque studios. Not feeling the most graceful nor athletic, I was a bit intimidated, but quickly saw the class was composed of women of all ages with a variety of athletic/dance skills and backgrounds. The beginning class truly breaks each move down and allows one to adjust stretches and movements based on one's ability. The classes have a relaxed atmosphere rather than a sense of 'keeping up'. That doesn't mean belly dancing isn't challenging, I discovered muscle groups I didn't know I have, and learning to control and isolate them is much harder than it looks. But the undulations and the joy of dancing have done wonders for my sense of self, even if I continue to leave the solos to the pros.

The instructors are very knowledgeable about technique and the history of the dance, and conversationally throw in tidbits about the music we're dancing to, rhythms adopted in various countries, and other cultural aspects. Sonya truly is Chicago's Belly Dance Oriental and Tribal Dance Authority, and the teachers at her studio are selected very carefully to ensure Arabesque maintains the high standards of its owner.

The dedicated beginning classes include a choreography which helps one understand how to put all the moves together. On occasion these include a veil, and who does not feel graceful swirling a veil around?

The zills class is a blend of more advanced belly dance moves along with a bit of music theory about Middle Eastern rhythms.

Check out the latest class schedule and upcoming workshops and shows online at ArabesqueChicago, and do drop in for a class--it's a great way to stay fit!

• Pros: great atmosphere, free parking

06/05/08

great place to bellydance!

by sevandal

I have been bellydancing at Arabesque for nearly 3 years now. All of the instructors are wonderful! The best part about Arabesque is that it allows you to learn bellydancing at your own pace. Its pure fun and all the girls are great - both students and instructors!

05/30/08

A great learning environment

by crouchdown

I have been taking tribal bellydance at Arabesque for nearly 6 months and it's terrific. It's a top-notch studio that offers both cabaret and tribal style dance in a friendly, low-key environment. Sonya is a true professional who makes things go right, from scheduling back up teachers to putting on amazing workshops. The one time a teacher couldn't make it and class was cancelled, Sonya offered me an alternative class that same night and comped me a class on my class card. I also love Eliza and Jessie of the tribal group Jezebelly, who teach at Arabesque: they are both terrific. Arabesque is good for both committed dancers and those who just want to try something new.

• Pros: good value, comfortable facility, excellent instruction
• Cons: no good coffee or snack places nearby, neighborhood a bit desolate

05/30/08

Want a fun new hobby you'll LOVE?

by stacy1984

If so, come take belly dancing classes at Arabesque!! You won't believe how much fun you'll have and how comfortable the studio environment is. From the cute decor to the friendly instructors, you will look forward to coming every week to unwind and soon you will be addicted like the rest of us! Whatever style you're into, you will find it here. Whatever level dancer you are, you will find it here! I can't recommend Arabesque enough...drop in during a buffet session for a class (only $15! Half price if you ride your bike during the summer to the studio!!!) and you'll see what I mean!

05/30/08

Best belly dancing in town!

by honey00

I love Arabesque!

After my first class almost a year ago, I was hooked! I've tried a variety of classes (tribal, Egyptian cabaret, yoga/belly dance, etc.) and have had the opportunity to learn from a number of instructors, including Sonya. Not only has everyone been well-versed in what they are teaching, but they are also extremely patient, friendly and welcoming to both new and the more-seasoned students! Sonya offers a wide variety of belly dance classes (beginner all the way up to semi-pro and cabaret to tribal). She also sponsors several special events throughout the year, such as the costume swaps/souks and top-notch workshops. I have also enjoyed the various shows produced by Sonya and Arabesque; you get everything from student shows to local and nationally-known dancers.

I can honestly say, I look forward to attending class each week!! I did quite a bit of research before trying out Arabesque. After a glowing recommendation from a fellow-belly dancer, I took the plunge and haven't looked back!

• Pros: Friendly instructors & staff, price/quality of classes, parking

05/30/08

Best Instruction, Best Value and Most Artistic

by GraceinShadow

Arabesque is my favorite dance school! The instructors are soooo nice and they're so good at breaking down and teaching the moves. The whole feel is very warm and welcoming, and Sonya is one of the most artistically beautiful dancers I have ever seen. But my favorite thing is the way they handle class payment. Instead of paying for a whole session at once (and then when you miss a class you just forfeit it) you buy a pay-per-class card. So you're only paying for the classes you actually attend!

• Pros: I can always find parking, instructors are great!
• Cons: its far away from the north side where I live (but it's worth the drive)

05/30/08

Best place to laugh sweat and shimmy

by ahwnee

I have been taking classes at Arabesque for about a year now. It is my home away from home, a place that I look forward to spending time at, meeting new people, and honing my art. All the teachers there are so supportive of their students. The studio goes above and beyond just classes to provide performance opportunities, workshops and costume swaps. Sonya the director, has a rare combination of outstanding mentoring/teaching and AMAZING talent as a solo performer. You won't find anywhere that has cabaret, tribal, tribal fusion, and yoga. Arabesque provides a world class dance experience. A true jem.

oh! and love that I don't have to search for hours to find parking!! Very nice location.

• Pros: quality instruction, flexible punch-card system, performance opportunities

05/30/08

BEST belly dance instructor and dancer in Chicago!

by RebeccaBellydancer

Sonya's studio Arabesque is a fantastic space for learning many different varieties of belly dance; from authentic Egyptian cabaret to goth tribal fusion to yoga-belly dance drills, Arabesque offers it all. Sonya herself is one of the best belly dancers in the *country*, let along the Chicago area. Furthermore, she is a dedicated, innovative, and hilarious teacher who really has a knack for conveying instruction in a friendly manner to many different kinds of students with many different styles of learning. I looked around at several studios in the Chicago area before finding Arabesque--some of them were excellent, and some were abysmal--but Sonya's establishment is the best I have found. The studio is warm and welcoming, and you'll always feel comfortable in classes.

Sonya also offers a variety of free events and excellent, well-priced workshops at the studio on a regular basis, as well as sponsors larger semi-annual workshops and shows with nationally recognized dancers. She sells basic belly dance supplies such as hip scarves and veils in addition to professional costumes, both new and used.

My favorite thing about the instruction at the studio is that all of Sonya's teachers, and particularly Sonya herself, offer classes based in very solid technique.

Also, lots of free parking around the studio! A nice plus.

• Pros: Excellent instructors versed in a solid technical foundation; warm, comfortable atmosphere
• Cons: I can't take Arabesque with me when I move :(

05/30/08

Award-Winning Instructors Help Create Award-Winning Students

by SonyaArabesque

Well, of course I love it, it's mine; Arabesque tries to give home to many teachers that are not just tops in their field, but also active members of the dance community/belly dance subculture. We host many free events, we rent the facilities when we can, and host "mini-lessons" in-house for private parties, showers, birthdays & bachalorette parties on the weekends.

Class tuition is among the very most flexible around! 1 class is $15, or pre-pay 5 for $70, or 10 for $120 & enjoy the fact that they have no expiration & can be applied to any of our weekly offered classes.

Arabesque Dance also sponsors 2 big annual dance theater events in which we fly in a national star for special classes & performance, in addition to 2 annual student showcases & 2 more informal student "halfas" (Arabic for 'dance party') to give safe & fun performance experiences for the adults whom call Arabesque their home. Drop-in sessions every August, November, February & May!

• Pros: easy parking, individual attention, friendly help, approachable teachers, small boutique
• Cons: small class size enforces punctuality

12/15/07

Great instructors ... when they show up.

by smith2345

I went to my first session and thought the instructor was awesome. But when she failed to show up to the 2 following sessions, I lost interest in the place. Everyone else in the other classes seemed to really love what they were doing, as I'm sure we would have, given the chance.