Fusion Bellydance Classes in Chicago
Saturday, March 28: Workshop Day
Raks Studio
Andersonville, Chicago (exact address will be emailed after registration)
Maximum 8 Participants
Instructor: Dawn Xiana Moon
$50 for both workshops (or $30 each)
All genders and bodies encouraged!
2:00-3:30pm: Wicked Game: Choreography
Embody a fierce sensuality with the dark, magnetic pull of this fusion bellydance choreography set to a haunting remix. This class is all about power wrapped in silk - movement that stalks, coils, and unfurls with presence. We’ll cultivate slinky, serpentine pathways through the spine, deep, grounded legwork, and razor-sharp isolations that melt seamlessly into liquid transitions.
Along the way, you’ll be invited to infuse the choreography with your own nuances, textures, and emotional choices, carving out space for personal expression so the movement becomes distinctly yours.
3:45-5:15pm: Fire Water Silk: An Introduction to Fan Veils
Unleash your inner fire and flow! We're work through the fundamentals of handling fan veils - think big, dramatic sweeps, fierce turns, and smooth flourishes that make the silk come alive in your hands. We'll break down technique in a supportive, easy-to-follow way, whether you're a bellydancer or a burlesque performer. Move like fire and water - fierce, fluid, and completely captivating.
You will need a pair of fan veils (left/right hand set, 100% silk, at least 60" long). Dawn has a limited number of fan veils available to borrow.
We've had good luck with these: Fan veils 1, Fan veils 2
5:15pm: Hangout time!
Hang out with your fellow students after class! Dawn will provide some treats. Optional: Bring a snack to share.
Spring 2026 Session
We teach adult beginner and intermediate fusion bellydance classes in 8-week sessions as part of Newport Theater Camp. Their mission is to introduce you to different fringe art forms in a safe, low-pressure environment and give you a chance to perform onstage. All genders and bodies encouraged!
Newport Theater
956 W. Newport Ave, Chicago
Class Dates: April 8, 15, 22, 29; May 6, 13, 20; June 3
Student Showcase: Sunday, June 14
Maximum 12 Participants
Instructor: Dawn Xiana Moon
$160 for 8-week session ($20 per class)
Note: The Newport Theater is located up one flight of stairs with no elevator. The dance studio is air-conditioned. All students are required to comply with Newport's safety policy.
Fusion Bellydance: Level 1
Wednesdays 6:15-7:45pm
Learn the secrets of shimmies and slink! Choose to have bones only when you want them.
Join Raks Geek founder Dawn Xiana Moon, who's appeared on Britain's Got Talent and taught at festivals across the country, for an introduction to a modern, fusion dance style that combines elements from hip hop, flamenco, jazz, classical Indian dance, ballet, and more with a foundation of movements from the Middle East.
No dance experience necessary. All genders and bodies encouraged. This class is ideal for complete beginners through the first year of training - we encourage you to stay in this level for multiple sessions as we'll continually work on new movements and combinations.
Fusion Bellydance: Level 2 - Wicked Fox Fusion (Student Troupe)
Wednesdays 8:00-9:30pm
Have you studied bellydance for a year or more? Get ready for 32-count spins, layers, lots of different shimmies - and leading group improv yourself!
We'll build on the RMH-style improvisational format to jointly create dances in the moment as we connect with each other, finding freedom within the boundaries of the music and a movement vocabulary codified here in Chicago. We'll create magic through an experience that both invites and requires us to be fully aware, fully present - and that brings power and raw energy to the stage!
Open to intermediate dancers with at least a year of bellydance training (any style). All genders and bodies encouraged. Dancers in Level 2 may also register for Level 1 concurrently if extra practice is desired.