RAKSANNA

Meet Raksanna

Dance is where her curiosity, courage and creativity meet.

Raksanna is a performing artist, educator, author and creative leader based in the Chicago area. Egyptian dance is the foundation of her work; a continuing appetite for learning and expression keeps that work moving forward.

A lifelong conversation with dance

Her teaching and performing have taken her across North America, Europe and the Middle East. Study in Egypt deepened her relationship with the music and cultural traditions that inform her dancing.

“Dancing, to me, is like breathing. It is my life.” — Raksanna

An artist who keeps exploring

Today, her practice embraces belly dance, burlesque and theatrical storytelling. She approaches belly dance and burlesque as distinct art forms, teaching their histories and techniques while exploring what each can express on stage.

Her recent creative direction includes TABU, and she continues to develop opportunities for dancers to explore performance beyond a single genre. For Raksanna, artistic growth is an ongoing practice, shared with the people who learn and create alongside her.

A teacher who makes room for you

At Eola Community Center in Aurora, she welcomes people taking their first dance class and dancers ready for a deeper challenge. Belly Dance for Fun offers an open-level starting point, while Intermediate and Advanced Technique supports experienced dancers. Burlesque welcomes adults 18+ of all genders.

She wants students to build more than a sequence of steps: to explore expression, gain confidence and feel comfortable making the dance their own. Options and modifications help students participate at their own comfort level.

Stories beyond the stage

Raksanna is the author behind Confessions of a Belly Dancer. She co-produced its theatrical adaptation with Momo Kadous, connecting the written work with live performance. Her creative catalogue also includes books and music for dancers.

Meet the creative leader

Discover her approach to directing productions and developing performers through Near East Dance Ensemble and Desert Flames.

EGYPTIAN DANCE · CULTURAL CONNECTION

A living connection to Egypt

Study in Egypt deepened Raksanna’s relationship with the music and cultural traditions that inform her dancing. That connection continues through her teaching, performance and theatrical storytelling.

Connecting to People

“Making a difference in peoples lives and showing them that belly dance is a wonderful way to find themselves has been such a joy to me over these year to watch people come out of their shells and blossom.” – Raksanna

Take a chance on yourself

“Take a chance on yourself and find out just how much fun belly dance and be and why it can be so rewarding. Let the beautiful person inside you come out.” – Raksanna