Rina Belly Dancer

Belly Dance Fans:

I will now be performing weekly on Saturdays at

Cafe Arabia
1046 N. Milwaukee
Chicago IL 60622

The show starts at around 11:30, so come by a little sooner, grab a table order a hookah, and get ready to dance with me!

Can’t wait to see everyone!

I wanted to write an article to talk a little bit about my style of belly dancing as well as other popular styles here in Chicago. Belly Dance can actually vary regionally in the US so I only feel that I have the authority to comment on the prevalent Chicago Styles, which fall under two main categories, Middle Eastern and American Tribal.

Middle Eastern
Typically in Middle-Eastern nightclubs and restaurants in Chicago, you will find Belly Dancers wearing brightly colored, sequined and sparkly costumes doing an elegant and glamorous belly dance with lots of hip accents and fluid body and arm movements. This style encompasses a broad range of belly dance styles known by many names such as Oriental Dance, Raks Sharki, Cabaret. We use both traditional and contemporary music from Egypt, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon and other Middle-Eastern countries. These types of performances often include props such as veils, canes, swords and zils (finger cymbals).

I have a great deal of pride in my Belly Dance geneology. I received majority of my belly dance education from a wonderful Chicago dancer named Angelina, who is the daughter of an American belly dance legend Dahlena. Dahelna began her belly dance education in the nightclubs of Boston, which were dominated by belly dancers of Syria.

The wonderful style of belly dance which they gifted me with is often considered in the belly dance community to be a more “old fashioned” or “traditional” belly dance style. Dahlena emphasizes many techniques that she learned from women who would dance “homestyle” which I would describe ask quite simply, the way middle eastern people dance when they are home! Its the type of subtle hand, head, shoulder, and hip movements you will see the guests at middle-eastern parities and weddings doing. These movements are very traditional and fully middle-eastern flavored!

So if our style is “old-school” you might be wondering what the “new-school” style is. This destinction is highly debated and sometimes even controversial, but by my definition, the main differences I see in this “old-fashioned” verses more moderns styles are:

1. The Shimmy. If you look at my tutorial on The Shimmy Techniques you can see that there are two kinds of hip shimmies that are commonly used today. I associate The Leg Shimmy to be more of the modern way, and the The Glute Shimmy as more of the old fashioned way. Many dancers, myself included, have learned to incorporate both in their dance.
2. The Influence. Modern styles are much more heavily influenced by Jazz, Ballet and Modern dance. I think this is a wonderful thing to let a dance form grow and change within the context of the culture it is in. There is only one loss I think the modern style has had because of this influence and that is the internalization of many of the movements. Traditionally, belly dance has been a very “turned-in” style, in almost the opposite way that ballet is “turned-out”. Many “old-school” belly dance steps are even done pidgeon toed. This “turned-inness” translated to a beautiful internalization of the movements such as core contraction during undulations, and hip accents that are pulled up or in to the body. I feel like many modern dancers have neglected these subtleties that were very unique to belly dance.

In Chicago we are blessed with many talented dancers of both styles often in some combination. My Favorites are Angelina, Alexandria, Sabah (who is a traveling Belly Dance Super Star) and Vanessa (the current house dancer at Julianna’s Restaurant)

American Tribal
American Tribal Style is almost the rebellious second generation of belly dance. It originated in the west coast, specifically in San Francisco but a woman named Jamila Salimpour and her dance troupe Bal Anat.

Tribal dance is much more free form then other dance styles and dancers are very liberal with their techniques and costuming. They have broken all the rules of dance that have been adopted for hundreds of years (such as keeping shoulders down and back) in a way similar to hip-hop and pop dancing.

Tribal costuming is much more earth toned and dark often using tassels, coins, natural beads and darker fabrics.

Tribal dancers are very experimental and use alot of undulations, body contortions, back bends, pop and locks, and arm movements.

Some Chicago Tribal Dance groups are Blue Lotus Tribe, Read My Hips, and Hipnotic.

I know my knowledge about Tribal Belly dance is not very extensive, if you would like to contribute some information I would really appreciate it.

Want a chance to see me perform? Since I usually do private events, do not miss the opportunity to check out a public performance this Tuesday, May 25th at 9:30pm. The show is going to be at:

The show is about an hour an a half long and will have a variety of acts so please come check it out and enjoy! Tickets are $12 and really help support the local performing arts scene! Buy Tickets Now!

Dancers,
If you want to take a week long workshop with a truly amazing and legendary instructor and choreographer, you must take it with Dahlena. She is an amazing teacher and an inspiration to myself and many other dancers across the globe. This a preview she made about her Chicago workshops. I am in the performance sequence!

When?
This years week long workshop will be from July 31st to August 4th. Each day is from 11:30am to 4:30pm with a lunch break. Please Click Here for registration and payment options.

Instruction Style
Dahlenas workshops are geared more towards experienced dancers, although even newer students should not shy away from trying a day or two. She teaches advanced techniques, choreography and props. Her classes are fun and she often teaches in a “follow the leader” style which is a great way to play with the techniques she goes over. Dahlena uses a wide range of musical style from very classical to very contemporary. Her knowledge of Middle Eastern culture and belly dance history is unmatched by any instructor I have ever met. Her workshops are a unique pleasure.

Not To Be Missed
In addition to excellent instruction, Dahlena also brings with her a fabulous merchandise table. She sells costumes, warm up clothes, hip scarfs, veils, DVDs, CDs, and all kinds of other fun belly dancer-y stuff! It’s worth stopping by just to check that out!!

As promised, I am publishing an article on good belly dancer nutrition, although this is good advice for everyone! Please keep in mind that I am by no means a nutrition expert, I am merely advising from my own personal experience, research, discussion with people who actually DO know what they are talking about, and the one semester of a nutrition based biology class I took in college. Please make sure you consult with an expert before you start any kind of diet or eating plans.

That being said, one of the most important things to consider when eating is where your food is coming from. In the great abbyss of the super market, usually there is no way to tell and if you have ever seen Food Inc you can only have nightmares about it.

So whats one alternative?  Shop at your local Farmers Markets. In Chicago we are really lucky to have so many to choose from and the summer market season is upon us. Here is a day by day guide to Chicago Farmers Markets: 

SUNDAYS

7 a.m.- 1 p.m.: Beverly Farmers Market, 95^thStreet and Longwood Drive (southeast corner of parking lot)
Debuts May 16

8 a.m.-1 p.m.: Erie Street Farmers Market, 500 W. Erie St.
Debuts June 6
New this year: Crepes! Also available at Daley Plaza (May 20 and later), Division Street and Lincoln Square Markets

8 a.m.-2 p.m.: Wicker Park & Bucktown Farmers Market, Wicker Park and Damen Avenues (Wicker Park)
Debuts June 6
New this year: Handmade English-style bangers from Spencer’s Jolly Posh British & Irish Foods, available raw (frozen) or cooked for on-site snacking. Also available at Lincoln Park market.

9 a.m.-1 p.m.: Independence Park Farmers Market, Independence Park (3945 N. Springfield Ave.)
Debuts June 13. Bi-weekly market: June 27; July 11, 25; Aug. 8, 22; Sept. 12, 26; Oct. 10.

9 a.m.-2 p.m.: Glenwood Sunday Market, Glenwood and Morse Avenues
Debuts June 6
Live music and entertainment at every market, including Renaissance faire reenactments and medieval food demos from the Empire of Chivalry and Steel on five separate dates.

9 a.m.-3 p.m.: Pilsen Community Market, 1800 S. Halsted St. (Chicago Community Bank Parking Lot)
Debuts June 13
Home of Yvolina’s Tamales, giant tamales stuffed with everything from tofu (vegan) to green mole and chicken. Warning: They sell out fast!

10 a.m.-3 p.m.: Logan Square Farmers Market, southeast corner of Logan Boulevard and Milwaukee Avenue
Debuts June 6

TUESDAYS

7 a.m.-1 p.m.: Lincoln Square Farmers Market, Lincoln/Leland/Western Avenues (parking lot next to Western Brown Line “L” station)
Debuts June 8

7 a.m.-3 p.m.: Federal Plaza Farmers Market, Adams and Dearborn Streets
Debuts May 17

7 a.m.-3 p.m.: Prudential Plaza Farmers Market, Lake Street and Beaubien Court
Debuts June 8

7 a.m.-3 p.m.: Museum of Contemporary Art/Streeterville Farmers Market, Chicago Avenue and Mies van der Rohe Way (MCA Plaza)
Debuts June 8

WEDNESDAYS

7 a.m.-noon: Pullman Farmers Market, 111^th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue (Arcade Park)
Debuts June 23

7 a.m.-1 p.m.: Green City Market, 1795 N. Clark St. (southwest corner of Lincoln Park)
Debuts May 12

7 a.m.-1 p.m.: South Shore Farmers Market, 70^thStreet and Jeffery Boulevard (ShoreBank Parking Lot)
Debuts June 9

9 a.m.-2 p.m.: Seaway Bank Farmers Market, 87th Street and Langley Avenue (National Bank parking lot)
Debuts July 14

3-6 p.m.: Avondale Farmers Market at Concordia Place, 3300 N. Whipple St.
Debuts May 26. Monthly market: June 23, July 21, August 18, Sept. 15, Oct. 20, Nov. 17

3-7 p.m.: Lawndale Farmers Market, Green City Youth Farm (3555 W. Ogden Ave.)
Debuts July 7

3-8 p.m.: Andersonville Farmers Market, Berwyn Avenue and Clark Street
Debuts June 23

THURSDAYS

7 a.m.-1 p.m.: Hyde Park Farmers Market, 52nd Place and Harper Avenue
Debuts June 3

7 a.m.-1 p.m.:  Eli’s Wright College Farmers Market, 6701 W. Forest Preserve Drive (Eli’s Cheesecake Co. parking lot)
Debuts June 17

7 a.m.-3 p.m.: Daley Plaza, Washington and Dearborn Streets
Debuts May 13
Don’t miss the annual Chef Challenge (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 5), where local chefs compete to create a winning dish using market ingredients.

7 a.m.-3 p.m.: Willis Tower Plaza, 233 S. Wacker Drive
Debuts June 17

8 a.m.-1 p.m.: Uptown Farmers Market, 4646 N. Marine Drive (Weiss Memorial Hospital)
Debuts June 24

9 a.m.-2 p.m.: Englewood Farmers Market, 63rd St. and Lowe Avenue
Debuts June 24

4-8 p.m.: Lincoln Square Evening Farmers Market, Lincoln and Leland Avenues
Debuts June 17
Coincides with the Lincoln Square Summer Concert Series (6:30-9 p.m. Thursdays, Giddings Plaza, 4731 N Lincoln Ave.) Series begins June 17 with Sons of the Never Wrong.

SATURDAYS

7 a.m.-noon: Austin Farmers Market, Madison Street and Central Avenue (Emmet Math, Science & Technology Academy parking lot)
Debuts July 10

7 a.m.- 1 p.m.: Green City Market, 1795 N. Clark St. (southwest corner of Lincoln Park)
Debuts May 15
Host of the Green City Market Chef’s BBQ (6-8 p.m. July 15, $100).

7 a.m.- 1 p.m.: Bridgeport Farmers Market, 35^th and Wallace Streets (parking lot)
Debuts June 12
The only new City of Chicago market for 2010, launching full-force after a successful 2009 pilot season.

7 a.m.-1 p.m.: Division Street Farmers Market, Division and Dearborn Streets
Debuts May 15

7 a.m.-1 p.m.: Lincoln Park Farmers Market, Armitage Avenue and Orchard Street (Lincoln Park High School Parking Lot)
Debuts May 15

7 a.m.-1 p.m. North Center Farmers Market, Belle Plaine/Damen/Lincoln Avenues (North Center Town Square)
Debuts June 19

7 a.m.-1 p.m.: Printers Row Park Farmers Market, Dearborn and Polk Streets (Printers Row Park)
Debuts June 19

7 a.m.-1 p.m.: Southport Green Market, 1420 W. Grace St. (Blaine School)
Debuts June 12

8 a.m.-1 p.m.: Bronzeville Community Market, 4500 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
Debuts June 5
New this year: Sweet corn and cut flowers from Twin Garden Farms!

8 a.m.-4 p.m.: Rowan Trees Farmers Market, 501 W. Englewood Ave.
Already in progress

9 a.m.-1 p.m.: Avondale Farmers Market at Carl Von Linne School, 3221 N. Sacramento Ave.
Debuts June 26. Monthly market: July 10, Aug. 14, Sept. 11, Oct. 9

9 a.m.-2 p.m.: 61^st Street Farmers Market, 6100 S. Blackstone Ave. (The Experimental Station)
Debuts May 15

Whats in Season at Chicago Farmers Markets?

May: Asparagus – Cabbage – Cherries – Greens – Leeks – Lettuce – Onions – Peas – Radishes – Rhubarb – Spinach – Sprouts – Squash

June: Apples – Asparagus – Beans – Berries – Cabbage – Carrots – Cherries – Eggplant – Garlic – Horseradish – Leeks – Lettuce – Melons – Nectarines – Okra – Squash

July: Apples – Artichokes – Beans – Bell peppers – Berries – Cabbage – Carrots – Cherries – Corn – Eggplant – Garlic – Grapes – Horseradish – Leeks – Melons – Nectarines – Okra – Onions – Peaches – Pears – Peas – Plums – Potatoes – Radishes – Rhubarb – Squash – Tomatoes – Turnips

August: Apples – Artichokes – Beans – Bell peppers – Berries – Carrots – Cauliflower – Corn – Cucumbers – Eggplant – Garlic – Grapes – Herbs – Horseradish – Leeks – Lettuce – Melons – Nectarines – Okra – Onions – Peaches – Pears – Peas – Plums – Potatoes – Pumpkins – Radishes – Rhubarb – Squash – Sweet potatoes – Tomatoes – Turnips

September: Apples – Bell peppers – Berries – Cabbage – Carrots – Cauliflower – Corn – Cucumbers – Eggplant – Garlic – Grapes – Greens – Herbs – Horseradish – Lettuce – Melons – Nectarines – Okra – Onions – Peaches – Pears – Peas – Plums – Potatoes – Pumpkins – Radishes – Rhubarb – Spinach – Squash – Sweet potatoes – Tomatoes – Turnips

October: Apples – Bell peppers – Cabbage – Cauliflower – Corn – Cucumbers – Eggplant – Garlic – Grapes – Greens – Herbs – Horseradish – Lettuce – Melons – Okra – Onions – Pears – Peas – Plums – Potatoes – Pumpkins – Radishes – Rhubarb – Spinach – Squash – Sweet potatoes – Tomatoes – Turnips

As far as I know, the Green City Market  is the only regularly occurring year round market in Chicago. There are however sporadic one time farmers markets that may take place in local Churches or Community Centers all winter long. Keep Googling for information!

There are also tons of little grocery stores that sell local and organic foods, but that’s for another article on another day. Enjoy Summer Farmers Market Season 2010!!!

Thanks to Kathleen Pratt of MetroMix Chicago for compliling this list of markets.

Beginning in May I will be teaching my classes out of a REAL DANCE STUDIO!!! This means there will be no more cancellations because of events hosted by the gallery, and I will be able to offer you a much larger variety of classes that you can take with many different teachers. The studio is called:

Solao Fitness
1616 N Western Ave
Chicago, Il 60647

I will be teaching 2 classes a week beginning May 2nd. My classes will be Sundays at 2pm and Fridays at 5:15pm. The class will be in the same format as I currently teach, and the price structure is very similar, $15 for drop-ins with class card available for purchase at discount prices. Class cards can be used at any class Solao offers, and not just belly dance so you can add a variety of classes to your weekly schedule!

I am so excited to be associated with such a fantastic studio, the staff are all very wonderful women and the place is clean and attractive, please see their website for more information about their classes and pricing.

As far as my Wednesday class goes, it’s unlikely I will continue to teach it once I start at Solao. Unless there is a huge demand from my students to continue the class, I will probably have the last one on the 28th of April.

Thank you to everyone who has been coming to my classes at the gallery and I really hope you join me at Solao and take advantage of all the dancing opportunities they offer!

I am happy to announce the new day and time for beginner belly dance classes this year!

Starting Wednesday, January 20th, 2010, classes will be on Wednesdays at 6pm. Class will still be an hour long and held at the same location, Galleria Unico on the second floor of 44 E Superior, in downtown Chicago.

If you have any questions feel free to email me at class@princessrina.com.

Hey Dance Enthusiasts!

I haven’t published an article in a while (sorry) because I am back in school now and quite swamped! I just wanted to post up a couple clips from YouTube of two of my favorite belly dancers. The first clip is of American belly dancer Dahlena whom I have had the greatest privilege of taking learning from in her fabulous workshops. The second two clips are of Fifi Abdou, a legendary Egyptian belly dancer of the golden era. I love the style of both of these dancers and hope you enjoy watching them and learning more about them! (more…)

You may have seen belly dancers before at a Middle Eastern restaurant or night club, or perhaps at a birthday party or wedding. Want to know more about having a belly dancer as entertainment at your next event?

What types of events do belly dancers perform at?
Birthday parties, Weddings, Awards Ceremonies, Fundraisers, Cultural Events, School Assemblies, Bachelorette Parties, Corporate Events or any other sort of theme parties. What type of events will I NOT perform at? Bachelor parties or any other all male audiences.

What type of performances do Belly Dancers do?
There are numerous different ways a belly dancer can do a performance. It all depends on the individual event and the desires of the clients. Basic formats would be a stage performance consisting of one or several 15-30 minute sets on stage featuring an opening number, maybe some props, a drum solo, and a finale. Multiple sets often include a costume change. Another way for a belly dancer to perform is to move around the room at an event. This is a more personal type of performance and the dancer will often interact with the audience more and encourage them to dance. Often dancers will do a fusion of both of these types of performances at an event. Group performances can run in the same basic two formats of a mix of both. A troupe can do a staged choreography, which can be a very impressive and powerful production. Multiple dancers better suited for large events.

How much does it cost to hire a Belly Dancer?
It depends on the type of event, the type of performance, the location, and the day of the week. I live and work in Chicago and charge extra to travel to suburbs. My prices range anywhere from $150 per set per dancer to $300. But every dancer is different. To get a quote for your event, please fill out the Booking Request Form.

What should I expect from a Belly Dance performance?
It depends on the dancer and the type of performance you and her agree on. It’s important for you to ask the dancer any and all question you may have. Are you expecting her to use zils (finger cymbals)? Do you have a particular style of costume you would prefer? Particular music? Don’t be shy, there is no such things as a silly question.

What about tipping?
I’m so glad you asked, I actually made a whole post about it, click here.

I hope you decide to hire a belly dancer at your next event! It’s a great way to impress your guests and make you event memorable forever. Enjoy!

Booking Request Form

Oh man, I’m a little exhausted after this intense week of dance. My birthday party was so much fun, I was really excited about getting to share my passion for belly dance with all of my friends and family, many of whom had rarely is ever witnessed it before. It was a fun way to show them this huge part of my life in a way that was fun for everyone.

Next thing to look forward to is my class starting on Saturday. I am really excited and have been getting all my music and curriculum ready.

Beginner belly dance class is an hour long and will meet for the first time meet on Saturday, August 15th at 2pm. The class will take place at Galleria Unico located at 44 E Superior. I highly recommend taking public transportation, parking is street and very hard to come by.

There is no registration required and the class will be ongoing. You can take the first class for $8. The rates beyond that are $15 for one class, $12 per class for a 10 class card and $10 per class for a 20 class card. You do not need to take your classes consecutively but after a year class cards will expire.

As far as clothing goes, you want to wear something comfortable that you can move freely in. Many girls like to tie a scarf or coined belt around their hips to clearly see their positioning and hear the rhythm of their movements, this is by no means a requirement. You can dance barefoot or in socks. Sometime girls like to buy dance shoes, but when your starting off I would recommend you stay away from anything with a heal.

If you need any more information, send me an email at class@princessrina.com. Don’t forget to sign up for the student mailing list on the Classes page.