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Classes
Valentine's
Sip 'n' Shimmy
at
Dovetail Brewery
Click on the photo --->
for registration
or
scroll down to
"Special Classes" section
for more info!

For more information,
scroll down to the
"Special Classes" section!
How to Register
1) Send your payment: Venmo or Paypal.
2) Sign the WAIVER.
You will then receive confirmation email with class details.

Weekly Class Dates
Monday Nights at Hokulea Academy in Chicago
NEW 2026 FORMAT:
3 levels - Beginner, Mixed Level, and Intermediate/Advanced
CLASS 1: JAN 19
CLASS 2: JAN 26
CLASS 3: FEB 2
CLASS 4: FEB 9
CLASS 5: FEB 16 - special class - Alexander Technique for Bellydancers, 7 PM
CLASS 6: FEB 23
CLASS 7: MAR 2
CLASS 8: MAR 9
(Class dates subject to change with advance notice)
Offerings, Rates, and Times:
1) Beginning Level: Raqs Sharqi from the Ground Up
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6:30 to 7:30 PM CST, Mondays
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$30 Drop-In Rate
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$200 advance payment for the 8-week session (a $40 savings!)
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This course will teach raqs sharqi foundational techniques from the ground up.
No experience is necessary! Drop-ins are always welcome. All classes are taught with a comprehensive approach in mind, emphasizing cultural awareness and context.
2) Mixed Level: Technique & Combos
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7:30 to 8:30 PM CST, Mondays
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$30 Drop Ins with advance notice/consultation ~ send a message!
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$200 advance payment for the 8-week session
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This course will teach raqs sharqi technique and movement combinations.
This is great for those who have taken dance with Phaedra for 3 consecutive
sessions on their journey and up! If you are coming in from another studio,
send a message, and we'll find the class that is best for you!
All classes are taught with a comprehensive approach in mind,
emphasizing cultural awareness and context.
3) Intermediate/Advanced Level: Technique & Choreo
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8:30 to 9:30 PM CST, Mondays
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$200 advance payment for the 8-week session
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This class is progressive and attendance is by instructor invitation/consultation ONLY.
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Intermediate/Advanced concepts will be explored and full choreographies
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will be taught. This is not a drop-in eligible class. All classes are taught with a
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comprehensive approach in mind, emphasizing cultural awareness and context.
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4) Private Classes: ALL Levels
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In person and via Zoom. Different options and pricing available. Inquire for rates.
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How to Register
1) Send your payment: Venmo or Paypal.
2) Sign the WAIVER.
You will then receive confirmation email with class details.
Rules and Regs
Access: All Classes will be in person. Private Lessons are also available via Zoom.
Duration: Weekly classes are 1 hr in length.s.
Location: In-person classes are held at a beautiful studio on Chicago's northwest side.
Absence Policy: There are no per-class refunds.
Students who have prepaid for class and have to miss are welcome to send in a video for feedback.
Session Duration: A full session is 8 weeks of class, not necessarily consecutive.
Any changes in schedule due to holidays, travel, etc., will be announced in advance.
Special Classes/Workshops
(click on photos to register/more info)
Valentine's Sip 'n' Shimmy
at
Dovetail Brewery
DATE: Sunday, Feb. 15
TIME: 2 to 3:30 PM
LOCATION: Dovetail Brewery
1800 West Belle Plaine Avenue
Chicago, IL 60613
TICKETS: CLICK HERE
As part of Try Something New Winter, join us for an introduction to bellydance with Bellydance by Phaedra!
Learn to shimmy with expert instruction by Bellydance by Phaedra!
ABOUT THE CLASS:
For this 90-minute intro class, Phaedra will teach raqs sharqi foundational techniques from the ground up. No experience is necessary!
Your ticket also includes on .5L beer of your choice.


Balanced in Being:
An Intro to Alexander Technique for Dancers
Monday, Feb 16
7 to 8:30 PM
Hokulea Academy
Find freedom and flow while doing less! The Alexander Technique is an educational method to change habitual patterns, allowing more ease, freedom, and poise! Discover how your dancing be lighter and more dynamic while having free limbs and breath!
We will explore changing a habit through thinking, understanding how awareness supports freedom, learning about body schema, learning the principles of the Alexander Technique, and how they apply to your dancing and to your life!
About the Artist
Tommy Swanson is a flutist, board-certified music therapist, and AmSAT Alexander Technique teacher. Tommy has performed and taught nationally and internationally including Peru, Spain, France, Ireland, Canada, and Guatemala. He has participated in festivals such Tanglewood, Orford Musique, and Academie d’ete Nice!
Tommy supports people from all demographics to live more freely and to have fulfilling lives. He supports people on the autism spectrum, the visually impaired, queer folk, performers and athletes!
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