Arabesque Dance & Fitness

Arabesque is a beautiful and welcoming place to dance!
I’ve been studying bellydance for almost 10 years (and have lived in 3 different states during this time), and I’ve taken classes with dozens of teachers over the years, so when I say that Arabesque is top-​notch, know that my opinion is based on a darn good sample size.
My time living in Chicago was too brief, but when I was there, I was hooked as soon as I found Arabesque because of the great variety and quality of their weekly classes and specialty workshops. Now when I visit Chicago every year or so, I go out of my way to drop in. I took 3 classes during my most recent visit, and I enjoyed them all and learned moves and concepts that I could immediately put to good use in my dancing. I especially loved the sassy pop choreography that Sonya was teaching in the «Moving Up» class!
The class sizes are just right. The instructors are experienced and organized, and they keep the instruction going at a good pace (I’ve taken classes elsewhere where the teachers waste precious class time searching for the «right song» or trying to remember their lesson plan… not so here). The studios are climate-​controlled and really spacious, with plenty of mirror space for everyone (you guys are so spoiled… seriously).
The only thing I don’t like about Arabesque is how far it is from where I live now! If I had transporter technology, I’d beam myself to Chicago to learn there every week. Whether you’re just looking for a fun way to exercise and relieve stress, or you have loftier dance goals, Arabesque is a great place to learn. I still have two classes left on the punch card I bought during my visit this summer, because I’ll definitely be back.

Arabesque is a fantastic studio.
I started studying with Sonya and Eliza in 2005. The instruction at Arabesque is superlative and they always offer new and interesting classes. The pricing is excellent. You can get a variety of styles in classes and in private lessons.
This past weekend I rented a studio to host a guest teacher from out of town as well as a show. Sonya was very easy to work with and SO ORGANIZED. I cannot tell you the number of headaches I’ve endured as a show producer in the past six years. Sonya made the process totally painless. Also, the new location is gorgeous.

Last year, I was experiencing cabin fever and Spring was not approaching quick enough. Thank goodness I stumbled across Arabesque! Shimmying hips, rolling shoulders, snaking arms, watching portions of performances from professionals, smiling from ear to ear, sliding across the floor, giggling. What a great class to get up and moving!
Jonsey teaches younger kids, so she really knew how to help my fellow peers and reminded us to have fun. Boy, did I!
Street parking was accessible; I never had to walk more than ½ a block.
At work, I found myself getting excited about the upcoming belly dancing class!
What a great way to shake your booty and shed some calories!

Arabesque is an amazing place — definitely a must try!
If you are curious about belly dance this is the place to come! Sonya and staff are friendly, approachable and full of all kinds of belly dance knowledge!
I originally started with Jonsey’s Intro class and after those initial 8 weeks, I was hooked and my hips had some new moves. Not only were we taught dance moves, but we were introduced to all the different styles of this ancient art.
I’ve gone on to take 2 additional sessions of Fundamentals (both with Jonsey as well) and both were a blast! Unfortunately, my hectic schedule kept me from attending all classes of the sessions :(But that’s at no fault of Arabesque, their class schedule is excellent, my part time job keeps me very busy in the summer months.
Speaking of hectic schedules, maybe (like me) you can’t always commit to a full 8 week session. That’s okay! Arabesque also offers drop-​in classes! There is Sonya’s Shimmy Fit and a new addition coming soon: Fundamental Drills. I am so excited by the new Fundamental Drills offering and I cannot wait until next year when this class should become a regular part of the schedule. I am not the most talented dance in general, so rather than learning choreography (in Arabesque’s traditional 8 week Fundamentals class), I can focus on learning how to better control my body.
Before you enjoy the drop-​in options I mentioned above… I HIGHLY recommend you go through the full 8 week Intro class. I walked in with absolute zero belly dance knowledge and I think this course is the way everyone should be introduced to this sexy style of dance.
Arabesque also offers great and affordable costumes. I am definitely not ready to perform so I don’t need an actual costume, but I was able to score an awesome hip scarf complete with jingle-​y coins for a very reasonable price. Perfect for the part time/​occasional belly dancer I am.
The best thing about Arabesque, for me, is the new found confidence I have in my body. This was an added bonus, surprise and something I never expected to achieve by attending a dance class. The environment here is very safe and not judgmental at all. Seeing all of these women with different body types (ranging from stick skinny to very voluptuous), at different ages (late teens to 70s) feeling so comfortable in their skin (and proudly showing it off… meow!) was inspiring. I am thankful that it rubbed off on me and now I feel like such a lil vixen sometimes. You know what they say… the sexiest thing a woman can wear is confidence. Thanks to Arabesque when I am wearing nothing but a smile, I feel way more comfortable in my own skin. That, my friends, you cannot buy!

I loved taking lessons here when I lived in the neighborhood! Sonya is extremely talented, and she is able to transition that into a teaching style that is so fun and patient. Even in her beginner classes, her choreography is interesting and detailed, but not enough it frustrates the students. She gives ample opportunities for use of different props and performances, thus fueling interest in continuing to dance. If I still lived close I would for sure be taking classes still at Arabesque.

I have known Sonya for a few years now! She is one of the sweetest, most beautiful and talented belly dancers I know! Every performance she gives is breathtaking and heartfelt! She is simply amazing!

Love love love this place! Very affordable and the instructors are lovely, kind, and knowledgeable. I have been coming here for at least 6 months and plan to keep going. You can start with a beginner’s course which lasts about 2 months, then move up to intermediate. They also offer classes to learn finger cymbals.

I’ve been taking classes at Arabesque for about 10 months now. Started as a new year’s resolution of a friend of mine, she quit to play roller derby but I’m totally hooked. The introductory classes are great for learning the basic moves and for improving your body awareness. And the choreography is fun and new every 8 week session.
What I really appreciate about arabesque is that even though you might just be there for a workout or a good time they are still giving you the tools you need to become a good dancer. The instructors (I’ve taken with Lisha and Sonya) are great, and the classes are set up so you get a good foundation before they start throwing crazy combos at you.
The studio is welcoming and there are women there of all shapes sizes and ages. I’m so glad I found such a great place to participate in a fun activity!

Arabesque is my favorite place in Chicago. :) I’ve got nothing but good things to say about all the teachers and students I’ve met there. There’s a place for everyone, young and old, thin and fat, beginner and expert. Also, the studio has regular fun events that anyone can attend, movie nights and haflas (dance parties) with performances. Drop in during the buffet session and try any class you like! Or sign up for a session, I guarantee you’ll have a great time and learn some things you never knew your body could do. :)

I can’t believe I haven’t reviewed Arabesque yet! I’ve been taking tribal fusion classes with the fabulous Mae since June of 2009. Belly dance has changed my life. I mean that without an iota of irony or melodrama. Mae is a wonderful teacher. She’s very supportive and funny and body-​positive. There are performance opportunities for those who want them but it’s not mandatory by any means. Arabesque is like a big extended family. I love it. If you’re interested in exploring belly dance, I highly recommend checking out Arabesque. It’s best to go during the «buffet» session, that way you can check out a class and see if you like it and if you do, you can pre-​register for the dedicated session which saves you money. (And speaking of money, the classes are very reasonably priced.)

I just started taking Bhangra here and am loving it! Shruti is an awesome instructor and is making all of us feel very successful. Not to mention that it’s a good work out and super fun!
The studio is super cute and welcoming and if it was a little closer to my house I would definitely be taking more of Sonya’s workshops, like the special Valentine’s Seduce Your Honey Veil workshop.
If you haven’t seen Sonya dance, do a search for veil poi on youtube. You will be amazed.
Here, I’ll save you the trouble:

My homegirl was getting married and we wanted to do something a little less cliché than a male strip club. A one-​hour, thirty-​minute intro to belly dancing class was one of the events for the bachelorette party.
The instructor was super cool. It was an intimate studio, perfect for the 5 of us. The cost for a private session is a flat $ 200 so it’s cheaper if you have more people in your group. I’d say this was a good choice. We were all pumped and sweaty after our session. Bellydancing is a workout — forreal!

Some of the many things I like about Arabesque (in no particular order):
1. Buffet sessions — Between each 10 week dedicated session is a 3 week Buffet session when you can «sample» any or all of the classes. It’s great if you are new to belly dance and not sure if it’s for you, if you want to move up to a more difficult level or if you want to try a style that’s different.
2. Sonya — Sonya will make you feel welcome and you will have a lot of fun in her classes. She is extremely knowledgeable about the dance form and will make sure you not only learn the correct way to do dance moves, but learn a little about the history and culture surrounding the dance. She is a beautiful, accomplished dancer.
3. Cost — Very reasonable and flexible. You can buy a 5 class punch card which never expires (my favorite!) or pay for the entire 10 week dedicated session in advance.
4. Variety — The class schedule offers a variety of styles: Egyptian, Tribal Fusion, Tribal Improv and more. Monthly workshops cover a wide variety of topics from stage make-​up to how to choreograph to veil technique and many more. Sonya hosts big name belly dancers about twice a year that teach workshops and perform.
5. Experienced Belly Dancer friendly — Dancers with several years of experience can be confident that they will be challenged at Arabesque. Sonya teaches all levels from beginner to professional.
6. Location — I’m on the northwest side of the city myself, but no matter where you live, Arabesque is right off the Kennedy. There is plenty of free parking on Elston (shhhhhhh, let’s hope the meters never find their way there.)
Be sure to check out Arabesque’s web site (see link above) for class and workshop schedules — there’s a class just perfect for you!

I have been taking classes at Arabesque with Sonya for over two years now. I have to agree with all the other comments about the professional, warm and supportive atmosphere.
The beginner classes are a great introduction to the dance, taught in an accessible manner. Whether you have been dancing for years and this is your first stab at belly dance or if you have never danced a step in your life, you will have fun in this class! The best part is that you get the music and a full dance routine that you can have forever, and maybe even have a chance to perform it at one of the many shows Arabesque students participate in.
What I love about Sonya as an instructor is that she is always offering alternative moves to take a step to the next level. Sometimes I am surprised that I can do the more complicated version and sometimes I stick with the basic but I am always offered the option and it gives you something to strive for and look forward too.
Also, though Sonya’s training is based in the classic Egyptian technique, she is always mixing it up. Sometimes teaching a dance with a tribal feel, or just a move or two added to a dance. She also gives the opportunity to work with props like veils, saidi sticks and zills. This not only keeps class fresh and interesting, but opens you up to the whole wide world of belly dance out there!

This studio is fabulous! I’ve been studying there since May 07′, and loved it from the first minute I walked in the door! All of the instructors are friendly, encouraging, approachable, and extremely knowledgeable… Each instructor I’ve had, has taught her class with a true passion for the art form… This makes for an extremely positive and encouraging environment!
Sonya offers a nice selection of classes and workshops, with varying degrees of difficulty and styles. There are also several opportunities for group performances each year — All of the shows that I have attended sponsored by Arabesque are planned with great care and are top quality! I have never walked away disappointed :) I’ve only walked away proud to be a part of this great studio!
Other positives:
*A great workout!
*Friendly staff and friendly students
*Affordable prices
*A large amount of free street parking
*Studio is easily accessible by public transit
*On-​site boutique
*Studio rental and private lessons are available (see Arabesque website)

I can’t say enough wonderful things about this studio. It’s very comfortable and you feel welcome the moment you walk in the door. The girls at the front desk are always super helpful and nice. There is even a little boutique area where you can buy your hip scarves.
Sonya is a wonderful instructor and is very patient and thorough. She never leaves anyone behind and is always very encouraging. The beginner classes offer you a 10 week dedicated session, which will give you a finished choreography and song to take home with you at the end of the session!
There is also a «buffet» session, which lasts for 3 weeks and acts as a bit of a «trial period» — you can check out any class and get an idea of what it’s like before the dedicated session starts.
I highly recommend this studio for anyone looking to try something fun and new and to get some good exercise too… you won’t regret it and by the time you leave you’ll already be looking forward to next week!

Arabesque studio is like a home away from home for me. I try to attend classes there weekly and have never had an experience that wasn’t fantastic and totally worth the money. As has already been said, Sonya is a warm, welcoming and professional instructor. I’d like to add that she also does an outstanding job of incorporating fabulous information about the history of belly dance, the styles, and most of all the music, into each of the classes I’ve attended.
Best of all is the guaranteed fun workout I get at each and every class. It’s not often you’re with an instructor who is teaching you a fabulous, innovative and appealing choreography who also manages to tone and strengthen your body and develop your skills as a dancer. It’s not stop fun and it’s a non stop sweat when she’s drilling your shimmies!
There is ample FREEEEEE parking on the street! Yes, you heard me — it’s incredible in this city to find this sort of thing.
Another favorite part for me of attending class at Arabesque with Sonya is her commitment to providing performance opportunities for those students who wish to show off their fantastic new moves. Coming from another state as a performer, this was very important to me, and I’ve been extremely happy with the level of professionalism in the shows I have seen Sonya produced and that I have also had the pleasure of performing in myself.

Legendarily, When a friend recently turned 30, we went to this new restaurant. I was challenged to a dance-​off by the belly dancer AND I WON! There are pictures. I am told it was memorable.
Swaya (I am certain I misspelled her name and apologize) told me I should take classes here. Now, I live just down the street. How can I say no? Signed up for classes.
I am soooo going to get better. look out!
(Nothing to do with classes– this happens to be the title of a Sophia Loren movie. The scene with her wearing the hottest boots committed to celluloid, her lover surrounded by all the shoes he has bought her… oh my sweet god…)

I took a burlesque class here shortly before Michelle L’Amour packed up her boa and opened her own space (see my review).
Sonya did a great job making the atmosphere just right, even in this *small* space. She’s very warm, inviting, and accommodating-​as are most of the other instructors there (that I’ve met). The night I was there Michelle had a sub «Fanny Tastic» but she was great! The class was full of diverse women and we had a great time shaking and shimmying!
Though burlesque is no longer offered here, they do have several styles/​levels of bellydancing, tribal, fusion, zills, and more!
They use a punch-​card system here, but you can also take a la carte classes for $ 15/​each.

I went to Arabesque one night when I had a girlfriend in from out of town and we wanted something fun and different to do. We weren’t disappointed.
Michelle L’amour was our instructor and man was she fantastic. She’s a celeb in her own right (came to find out) but surprisingly approachable. Her moves were great and her personality was so perky. She had a way of making everyone feel sexy and not slutty (BTW– it was a Burlesque class– not to be confused with stripping, it’s actually hard work that’s all about the choreography).
The cost of a walk in class is $ 15 but they offer punch cards for $ 75 and it gives you 5 classes at your whim. So there isn’t any push to attend every week or dedicate to any one class. You can use the punch card for any class they offer, and they offer tribal and bellydance as well as burlesque.
I would totally go back, but I’m more of a buddy system personl. Although there were plenty of women there solo, I prefer to have a friend with me. Hit me up if you think you’re game. I’d love to go back.