2022 Workshops

April 10: Studying the Scales
Sunday, April 10
​6:00-8:00pm CST
Online via Zoom only
$35 for single workshop, $90 for three-workshop pass

Let's get gooey! This month's workshop will cover the four "scale" combinations in Datura Style dance. A scale is a combination that focuses on a particular set of movements or skills within the context of the dance to make working on technique more fun and practical. 

You can use these scales in your practice, in your own choreography creations, or in a group improvisational setting. The possibilities are endless!

We'll be covering the following scale combinations in this workshop:
Jewel Scale, Coil Scale, Sugar Scale, and Pinball Scale

May 15: Vintage Style Combinations
Sunday, May 15
​6:00-8:00pm CST
Online via Zoom only
$35 for single workshop, $90 for four-workshop pass

Created by Rachel Brice, but inspired by her teachers and influences, we'll take a look at a few fun combinations that bring back some of the old vintage magic of the golden age of belly dance. Get ready to shimmy quite a bit here!

We'll be covering the following combinations in this workshop:
Compton Shuffle, Golden Combo, and the Hagallah-Inspired Combo

Future workshop dates:

We will announce workshop topics at least a month in advance of each of the following dates. Mark your calendars now for:
June 19, July 10, August 21, September 18, October 16, November 13, and December 11

Frequently Asked Questions:

About our class content:

Q: What is Datura Style Belly Dance?
A: 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. Below are my Datura Style™ classes:
  • Fundamentals - Here we learn the foundational movements of belly dance through Datura Style™ technique for safe and beautiful movement.
  • Combinations - These classes explore more of the Datura Style™ vocabulary, steps and combinations with an emphasis on flowing through teacher-led improvisation. This is also where you begin to learn to play finger cymbals.
  • Improvisation - Anyone who has learned the fundamentals can participate in this class where we explore the world of group improvisation using the Datura vocabulary of movement. Artistic teamwork at its best!

​Q: What is Fusion Belly Dance?
A: 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. My choreography classes are based in the broader idea that is Fusion Belly Dance.
Christina King is an officially certified Datura Style instructor.

About Class Structure:

Q: Where are in-person classes held?
A: The Light Lounge at Vern's | 77 S. Riverside Drive, Elgin IL, 60120. There is ample free parking next to our building.
​
Q: What do I need for class?
A: Here's what I recommend:
  • 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!
  • Bring a bottle of water. Hydration is sexy!
  • If you are taking classes via Zoom make sure you have some clear space around you and a strong internet connection.