History of Belly Dance

Frequently Asked Questions

Cardio Raqs:
bellydance for fitness

Weekly Classes

Memphis Raqs Troupe
 

Midsouth World Dance Studio
Dancing for fun and Fitness
Dances of the Middle East
and North Africa

Memphis Raqs

Memphis Raqs Gallery
 

Memphis Raqs Bellydance
Memphis Raqs is a bellydance company that specializes in tribal fusion bellydance. We are the only tribal fusion bellydance company in Memphis, Tennessee! 

The word raqs (pronounced rocks) is an Arabic term that roughly translates to dance.  The traditional term for the dance Americans have come to known as "bellydance" is Raqs Sharqi, which means Dance of the East. 

Memphis Raqs combines elements of traditional Middle Eastern, North African, and Asian dance with a modern, urban American flair.

---

Member Bios

---

Sherry Instructor    I started taking bellydancing classes to lose weight and stay fit but found so much more.  It has given me a boost in self confidence and a new sense of womanhood.  I have found bellydancing to be a great hobby that helps you forget about everything else going on in your life and think about nothing but using isolated body movements.

Nicci  Assistant Instructor   I picked up bellydancing as a way to exercise and learn something new and eclectic.  At the first class I wasn't sure what to expect - would it be weird, silly, ridiculous and embarrassing?  To my happy surprise, it was none of these things.  Tribal fusion bellydance is artful, creative, fun and addicting!  It's a unique and beautiful dance I'm glad I discovered.  Going to class and performing at events is a great way to escape from reality and just be yourself.

---

Liz DiMaggio
Troupe director, Head Instructor

I created Memphis Raqs in 2006 with the goal of promoting the joy of tribal style bellydance in the Midsouth. By carrying on the dance traditions of those who walked before us, I hope to not only further my own dancing skills and knowledge, but to help other women discover the enjoyment and passion that this dance has brought to my life and the lives of so many others around the world throughout the ages.

Bellydance Background

• 4+ years tribal fusion bellydance under Juli Downum of Chattanooga's Dandasha Dance Company
• Workshops with Mira Betz, Rachel Brice, Zoe Jakes, Megha of Devyani, Jillina, Rachel Lazarus-Soto, Amy Sigil of Unmata, Heather Stantz of Urban Tribal
• 9 years combined in traditional jazz, tap, lyrical ballet, classical Pointe ballet, and hip hop
• 6 years performance & movement
• 2001 Member, Southwind Drum and Bugle Corps, colorguard & weapon line

 "Real World" Education/Occupation

• Associate Zookeeper @ Memphis Zoo
• 2003-2006 Bachelors of Arts: major in Anthropology, minor in Biology     (U of Memphis)
• 2002-2003 Arkansas School for Mathematics and Sciences  

---

So, you're ready to sign up - now what?

Step 1: Check our current schedule of classes

Step 2: Call or e-mail the instructor for availability and the code to the studio door

Step 3: Head to class! (it's a good idea to get to your first class 10 minutes early to meet your instructor and get your information packet)

And if you still have any unanswered questions, check our our Frequently-Asked Question page!