COVID POLICY FOR IN-PERSON CLASSES:

In accordance with the current State of Illinois mandate, all in-person students will be required to wear masks to class until further notice.

 Current session runs through September 30​
October-November registration is now open!
Our new session begins October 10

Just starting out?
​Belly Dance Fundamentals is your class!
Mondays 6:15-7:15pm
$90 for the six week session or 
$18 per drop-in class
In each upbeat hour you will learn the fundamental movements of belly dance using the Datura Style™ technique and vocabulary. No prior dance experience required.
​
Wear comfortable workout clothes that fit close to your body and a quiet scarf around your hips if you like! Bare feet, socks, or soft dance shoes are recommended.

Want to learn more?
Datura Belly Dance Drills (all levels)
Thursdays 6:15-7:15pm
$90 for the six week session or
​$18 per drop-in class

Just what it sounds like! This class serves as a bridge between the Fundamentals and Combinations classes by working on technique drills for the elements of Datura Style™ fusion and really, any kind of fusion! This all-levels class will be accessible and at the same time, challenging for experienced dancers to really focus on the details of their technique. Great for non-Datura Style™ students, as we will be working with moves and elements that are universal to fusion belly dance.​
Project Groove: Fusion Evolution (advanced level performance) BEGINS OCTOBER 14
Thursdays 7:30-9:00pm
$125 for the first of two six week sessions

This invitation-only group is a project-based ensemble class. This choreography is created with advanced dancers in mind and involves group work, dynamic stage formations, and a culminating performance at the end of the double session. This project will prepare for a performance at the Fusion Evolution Belly Dance Festival, January 6-9, 2022 in Wheeling, IL.

​If you are are a high intermediate to advanced dancer interested in this Project Groove, please email christina@easterngroove.com

Christina King is a certified Datura Style™ belly dance instructor

We know you have questions...

What is Datura Style?
Datura Style™ is both a vocabulary and an approach to technique developed by Rachel Brice through the inspiration of her own teachers, collaborators, and influences. I have divided my Datura Style™ classes into three levels:
  • Fundamentals & Flow - Here we learn the foundational movements of belly dance through Datura Style™ technique for safe and beautiful movement.
  • Combos & Flow 1 - This class begins to piece together simple Datura Style™ combinations, practice flowing through teacher-led improvisation, and here you begin to learn to play finger cymbals.
  • Combos & Flow 2 - This is a more advanced group, having gained confidence with the material in Combos & Flow 1. In here we are introduced to more complex techniques, combinations, and finger cymbal patterns and we begin to explore student-led improvisation within the vocabulary.
Christina King is a certified Datura Style™ instructor.
What is Fusion Belly dance?
Fusion Belly Dance is a style that has flourished in the 21st century. It is rooted in traditional dance movement from the Arab world and North Africa but also respectfully borrows from other dance forms to create a blend or fusion of movement. At Eastern Groove we strive for cultural appreciation and artistic evolution rather than cultural appropriation and erasure as we learn and perform fusion dance.
Where are the in-person classes held?
The Light Lounge at Vern's
77 S. Riverside Drive
Elgin, IL 60120

  • There is a free parking lot next to the building.
  • Our entrance faces the river.
  • When you enter the building, just walk straight ahead into the Light Lounge.
What do I need?
For attire, I recommend wearing comfortable and fitted clothing like yoga pants/leggings and a t-shirt/tank top. Socks or soft-soled dance shoes are recommended for our floors. You may also wear a quiet hip scarf if you're feeling sassy!

It is a good idea to bring a bottle of water as we have none for sale at the studio. Hydration is sexy! 
What if I miss a class?
If you are in the Belly Dance Fundamentals class, you may be able to make up your missed class by coming on another night. Also there will be recordings of class material that you'll have access to if you're registered for a full session.

All other classes that appear only once per week on the schedule will still be entitled to any video recordings associated with the class and you are welcome to attend a Belly Dance Fundamentals class within the same session if you'd like to make up your time.
hOW DO i REGISTER?
  • Click here to be taken to the registration portal and create your profile.
  • Click on the correct session tab at the top of the course selection page and select the class or classes in which you wish to enroll.
  • Press the "check out" button once you've made your selection to be taken to payment and then you're ready to dance with us!
COVID POLICY FOR IN-PERSON CLASSES:

Due to the rapidly spreading delta variant of COVID-19 and the increased risk of transmission while participating in physical activity indoors, all in-person students will be required to either show proof of vaccination or wear a mask in classes until further notice.
wHAT ELSE DO i NEED TO KNOW?
​Please make sure you've read these three important points:
  • Registration for drop-in classes must be completed a minimum of 60 minutes before class.
  • ​Please click here to read our terms of service and class policies before registering.
  • ALL REGISTRATION PURCHASES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE
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