Classes
SPECIAL WORKSHOP!
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Street Dabke
for Dancers
​with Samer Karaja
of
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Nov. 24: 7 to 8:30 PM
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More details in SPECIAL CLASSES section
...scroll down!
How to Register​
1) Send your payment: Venmo or Paypal.
2) Sign the WAIVER.
You will then receive a confirmation email with class details
​Weekly Class Dates
Thank you, Dancers, for another wonderful session!
Dec 2025: Beginner workshop TBA
Jan 2026: Weekly Classes resume on MONDAY NIGHTS at our gorgeous NEW LOCATION!
2026: NEW FORMAT
We will offer one-hour weekly classes for Beginners, Mixed Level, and Intermediate/Advanced
(Class dates subject to change)
Offerings, Rates, and Times:​
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1) Mixed Level: Technique & Combos​​
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6:30 to 8 PM CST, Mondays
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$37.5 Drop Ins
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$262.5 advance payment for the 8-week session (one class free!)
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​ This course will teach technique of movement in raqs sharqi and combine skills into movement combinations. This is great for those who have just started their journey and up!
If you are a complete beginner,\ you are welcome to schedule a private with me in advance to
get you up to speed before class starts. ​
​ 2) ​​​​Int/Adv: Technique & Choreo
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8:10 to 9:40 PM CST, Mondays
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$262.50 advance payment for the 8-week session
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This class is progressive and attendance is by instructor invitation/consultation ONLY. Intermediate/Advanced techniques will be explored and full choreographies will be taught.
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This is not a drop-in eligible class.
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3) Private Classes: ALL Levels
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In person and via Zoom. 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.
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Duration:​ Weekly classes are 1.5 hrs 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)
Street Dabke
for Dancers ​
with Samer Karaja
​of El-Funoun Palestinan Dance Troupe
Dancers, don't miss your chance to study with the REAL DEAL!
Learn authentic Palestinian dabke from one of the experienced professional practitioners in the industry.
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ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Samer Karaja is a Palestinian farmer, dancer, and choreographer from Safa village, near Ramallah. He is a member and choreographer with El-Funoun Palestinian Dance Troupe, founder of Street Dabkeh, and part of the international production Badke.
Samer has led Dabkeh workshops across the U.S. and Europe, connecting movement, community, and cultural memory through rhythm and collective expression.
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ABOUT THE WORKSHOP:
What: Dabke for Dancers
When: Monday, Nov. 24, 7 to 8:30 PM
Where: Bellydance by Phaedra at Hokulea Academy, 5180 N Elston, Chicago
Investment: $30
Registration and Details at BellydanceByPhaedra.com
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This workshop is geared toward regular dance practitioners of ANY style and those with experience in dabke.
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***********​IMPORTANT NOTE************
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Participants MUST bring a separate, clean pair of supportive shoes with them.
No shoes worn on the street will be allowed on the dance floor.