Belly Dance Classes in Chicago, IL
Discover the vibrant belly dance scene in Chicago. With 13 studios offering classes for all skill levels, you'll find traditional Middle Eastern styles, modern fusion, and tribal belly dance. Compare studios, explore different teaching styles, and find the perfect class to begin or continue your belly dance journey.
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💃 All Belly Dance Classes in Chicago, IL & Surrounding Areas
All belly dance classes in your city (that we know about!)
Arabesque Dance & Fitness Studio
Chicago's premier belly dance and fitness studio offering classes in Raqs Sharqi, Fusion, and folkloric styles. Home to award-winning instructors Sonya and Kamrah, the studio provides a welcoming environment for all levels, from absolute beginners to professional dancers.
Class Types
- ✓ Belly Dance Fundamentals
- ✓ Intermediate Belly Dance
- ✓ Advanced Belly Dance
- ✓ Fusion Belly Dance
- ✓ Folklore
- +2 more styles
Amenities & Features
- 🅿️Parking Available
- 👤Private Lessons
- • Performance Opportunities
- • Workshops
- • Studio Rental
Instructor:
Sonya, Kamrah(20+ experience)
Sonya is an award-winning performer and instructor with decades of experience. Kamrah is a trans-masculine belly dancer known for fusion and traditional styles.
Pricing & Options:
$20 per class
Contact Information
3120 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, United States
Chicago, IL 60618
Hours:
Monday-Thursday 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Parking & Transportation
Old Town School of Folk Music
A renowned institution for folk music and cultural arts, offering a variety of dance classes including Middle Eastern Belly Dance. The program focuses on cultural context, technique, and the joy of movement.
Class Types
- ✓ Middle Eastern Belly Dance 1
- ✓ Middle Eastern Belly Dance 2
- ✓ Egyptian Belly Dance
- ✓ Global Dance Styles
Amenities & Features
- 🅿️Parking Available
- 👤Private Lessons
- • Live Music
- • Cultural Education
- • Performance Opportunities
Instructor:
Erika Ochoa(15+ experience)
Erika Ochoa is a contemporary artist of Middle Eastern dance specializing in Egyptian style, with extensive training in Egypt and the US.
Pricing & Options:
$174 for 8-week session
Contact Information
4544 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, United States
Chicago, IL 60625
Hours:
Varies by class schedule
Parking & Transportation
Angelina Belly Dancer
Angelina offers authentic belly dance instruction in Chicago, focusing on technique, combinations, and choreography. Classes range from beginner to intermediate levels.
Class Types
- ✓ Beginning Level Belly Dance
- ✓ Intermediate Level Belly Dance
- ✓ Mixed Level Belly Dance
Amenities & Features
- 🅿️Parking Available
- 👤Private Lessons
- • Small Class Sizes
- • Personalized Attention
- • Performance Opportunities
Instructor:
Angelina(Professional experience)
Angelina was trained under renowned masters and has extensive experience performing and teaching Middle Eastern dance.
Pricing & Options:
$22 drop-in
Contact Information
3717 N Ravenswood Ave, Floor 2, Chicago, IL 60613, United States
Chicago, IL 60613
Hours:
Thursday 6:30 PM - 8:40 PM, Sunday 11:30 AM - 1:40 PM
Parking & Transportation
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Joel Hall Dancers & Center
A historic Chicago dance institution offering accessible dance education in urban jazz, ballet, modern, and belly dance fusion. Committed to diversity and inclusion.
Class Types
- ✓ Belly Dance Fusion
- ✓ Urban Jazz
- ✓ Ballet
- ✓ Modern
- ✓ Hip Hop
Amenities & Features
- 👤Private Lessons
- • Community Classes
- • Professional Company
- • LGBTQIA+ Inclusive
Instructor:
Moo Vang, Ashorina(Professional experience)
Instructors bring a fusion of styles, combining traditional belly dance with jazz and other forms.
Pricing & Options:
$15 - $20 per class
Contact Information
4511 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640, United States
Chicago, IL 60640
Hours:
Check schedule for class times
Sweet Magic Studio
A studio in Rogers Park hosting Read My Hips and other dance programs. Specializes in Tribal Fusion and American Tribal Style belly dance.
Class Types
- ✓ Tribal Fusion Belly Dance
- ✓ American Tribal Style (ATS)
- ✓ Beginner Belly Dance
Amenities & Features
- 👤Private Lessons
- • Small Classes
- • Community Atmosphere
- • Performance Troupe
Instructor:
Stephanie Barto, Kareena(20+ experience)
Stephanie Barto is a pioneer of American Tribal Style belly dance in the Midwest.
Pricing & Options:
Contact for pricing
Contact Information
6960 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60626, United States
Chicago, IL 60626
Hours:
Mondays 7:30 PM, Saturdays 2:00 PM
Mayfair Arts Center (Chicago Human Rhythm Project)
The Mayfair Arts Center, managed by the Chicago Human Rhythm Project, hosts a variety of dance programs including Egyptian Belly Dance classes taught by Khalidah Kali.
Class Types
- ✓ Egyptian Belly Dance
- ✓ Kemetic Dance
- ✓ Tap Dance
- ✓ Modern Dance
Amenities & Features
- 🅿️Parking Available
- • Community Focused
- • Affordable Classes
- • Historic Venue
Instructor:
Khalidah Kali(30+ experience)
Khalidah has taught over 10,000 Egyptian/Kemetic dance classes since 1986 and continues to provide a fun and relaxing dance experience.
Pricing & Options:
$12 per class
Contact Information
8701 S Bennett Ave, Chicago, IL 60617, United States
Chicago, IL 60617
Hours:
Thursdays 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Parking & Transportation
Visceral Dance Center
A state-of-the-art facility in Avondale offering a wide range of dance classes for adults and youth, including belly dance, contemporary, ballet, and hip hop.
Class Types
- ✓ Belly Dance
- ✓ Ballet
- ✓ Contemporary
- ✓ Jazz
- ✓ Hip Hop
- +1 more styles
Amenities & Features
- 🅿️Parking Available
- 👤Private Lessons
- • Large Studio Spaces
- • Professional Flooring
- • Performance Theater
Instructor:
Various(Professional experience)
Classes are taught by industry professionals with extensive experience in their respective dance styles.
Pricing & Options:
$20 per class
Contact Information
3121 N Rockwell St, Chicago, IL 60618, United States
Chicago, IL 60618
Hours:
Daily classes, check schedule
Parking & Transportation
Newport Theater (Raks Geek)
Home to Raks Geek and Raks Inferno, offering fusion belly dance classes that blend Middle Eastern movement with other dance forms. The venue also hosts camp sessions and performances.
Class Types
- ✓ Fusion Bellydance Level 1
- ✓ Fusion Bellydance Level 2
- ✓ Workshops
Amenities & Features
- 👤Private Lessons
- • Performance Opportunities
- • Geek Culture Integration
- • Inclusive Environment
Instructor:
Dawn Xiana Moon(10+ experience)
Dawn Xiana Moon is the founder of Raks Geek, combining belly dance with geek culture and fire performance.
Pricing & Options:
$20 per class
Contact Information
956 W Newport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657, United States
Chicago, IL 60657
Hours:
Wednesdays 6:15 PM - 9:30 PM (Session based)
Pure Raks Belly Dance
Run by internationally renowned Jasmin Jahal, Pure Raks offers professional training in classical Oriental and folkloric belly dance.
Class Types
- ✓ Belly Dance Level 1
- ✓ Belly Dance Level 2
- ✓ Advanced Technique
- ✓ Teacher Training
Amenities & Features
- 👤Private Lessons
- • Professional Certification
- • Annual Showcase
- • Cultural Immersion
Instructor:
Jasmin Jahal(Lifetime experience)
Jasmin Jahal is a world-renowned artist and encyclopedia of Oriental dance.
Pricing & Options:
Contact for pricing
Contact Information
4705 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60630, United States
Chicago, IL 60630
Hours:
Tuesdays 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM (Check schedule)
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Bellydance By Phaedra
Phaedra Darwish offers Middle Eastern dance classes emphasizing cultural awareness and context. Classes are held at Dance Center Chicago.
Class Types
- ✓ Beginning Belly Dance
- ✓ Mixed Level Belly Dance
- ✓ Private Coaching
Amenities & Features
- 👤Private Lessons
- • Cultural Focus
- • Live Music Events
- • Performance Opportunities
Instructor:
Phaedra Darwish(15+ experience)
Phaedra is a Lebanese-American dancer who emphasizes the cultural and musical roots of Raqs Sharqi.
Pricing & Options:
Inquire for rates
Contact Information
3868 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60613, United States
Chicago, IL 60613
Hours:
Saturdays 11:00 AM (Check schedule)
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Galter LifeCenter
Chicago's premier medical fitness center offering a variety of group fitness classes, including belly dance, in a supportive and professional environment.
Class Types
- ✓ Belly Dance Fitness
- ✓ Latin Dance Workout
- ✓ Zumba
Amenities & Features
- 🅿️Parking Available
- • Medical Fitness Facility
- • Pool
- • Wellness Programs
Instructor:
Certified Instructors(Professional experience)
Certified fitness and dance instructors specializing in safe and effective movement.
Pricing & Options:
Membership or Drop-in
Contact Information
5157 N Francisco Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, United States
Chicago, IL 60625
Hours:
Check group fitness schedule
Parking & Transportation
Discovery Center
Chicago's lifelong learning center offering a wide variety of adult education classes, including belly dance for beginners and enthusiasts.
Class Types
- ✓ Belly Dancing Class
Amenities & Features
- 🅿️Parking Available
- • No Grades or Exams
- • Relaxed Environment
- • Diverse Course Offerings
Instructor:
Various
Qualified independent instructors passionate about sharing their dance forms.
Pricing & Options:
Affordable course fees
Contact Information
4318 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60641, United States
Chicago, IL 60641
Hours:
Varies by course schedule
Parking & Transportation
Free Mind, The Studio
A welcoming dance studio in Chicago offering a variety of fun and inclusive dance classes for adults, aimed at building confidence and community.
Class Types
- ✓ Heels
- ✓ Hip Hop
- ✓ Contemporary
- ✓ Belly Dance (Check Schedule)
Amenities & Features
- 👤Private Lessons
- • Beginner Friendly
- • Community Events
- • Inclusive Atmosphere
Instructor:
Various
Instructors focus on creating a supportive and fun environment.
Pricing & Options:
Contact for pricing
Contact Information
💰 Estimated Costs in Chicago
| Drop-in Class | $15 - $25 |
| 5-Class Card | $65 - $100 |
| Monthly Unlimited | $120 - $180 |
| Private Lesson | $60 - $120/hr |
*Prices vary by studio prestige and location. Check individual listings for exact rates.
🔍 What to Expect in Your First Class
- 1
No experience needed.Most studios in Chicago define "Beginner" as zero prior dance experience. You will learn posture and isolation from scratch.
- 2
Wear comfy clothes.You don't need a costume! Yoga pants, a fitted tank top, and bare feet (or socks) are the standard attire.
- 3
The "Shimmy" comes later.Your first class will focus on grounding your hips and isolating your chest. Don't worry if you can't shake perfectly on day one.
- 4
Bring water and an open mind.Belly dance is a workout! Stay hydrated and remember that everyone starts somewhere. The community is welcoming and supportive.
Common Belly Dance Styles
Not sure which class to pick? Here is a quick guide to the styles you might find in local studios.
Egyptian / Raqs Sharqi
The most classical form. Focuses on controlled muscle isolations, emotional expression, and intricate musicality. Elegant and grounded.
American Cabaret
A showy, glamorous style often performed with veils, zills (finger cymbals), or swords. High energy and uses more stage space.
Tribal Fusion
A modern western interpretation mixing hip-hop, flamenco, and popping/locking. Often danced to electronic music with darker costuming.
Fitness Belly Dance
Combines traditional belly dance movements with cardio and strength training. Great for beginners looking for a fun workout.
Turkish Oriental
Known for energetic floor work, dramatic drops, and playful audience interaction. More theatrical than Egyptian style.
Folkloric Styles
Regional dances from across the Middle East and North Africa, including Saidi, Khaliji, and Moroccan styles. Each has unique props and rhythms.
📌 Belly Dance in Chicago, IL
Chicago offers a diverse selection of belly dance studios catering to dancers of all levels. Whether you're interested in traditional Middle Eastern styles, modern fusion, or fitness-focused belly dance, you'll find experienced instructors and welcoming communities.
The belly dance scene in Chicago is vibrant and inclusive, with regular performances, workshops, and community events. Many studios offer flexible class schedules, including evening and weekend options to accommodate busy lifestyles.
From your first shimmy to advanced choreography, Chicago's belly dance studios provide supportive environments where you can learn, grow, and connect with fellow dance enthusiasts.
Serving Dancers in Chicago & Surrounding Areas
Our directory lists studios accessible to residents of Chicago as well as nearby areas. Many students travel from surrounding neighborhoods and ZIP codes.
📍 Neighborhoods
📮 ZIP Codes
Studios may serve multiple neighborhoods and ZIP codes. Check individual listings for exact locations and accessibility.