Raks Christina

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Bio

ChristinaA dancer of many styles since childhood, Christina discovered Middle-Eastern folkloric dance and began her studies in 1992 with Tahjah of Madison, Wisconsin. She was performing with Tahjah's troupe within the year, traveling throughout the Midwest with them.

After moving to Chicago in 1996, Christina began studying Egyptian style bellydance under internationally acclaimed Jasmin Jahal. She responded well to the transition from folkloric to a more classical Egyptian style. Through the years, Christina has performed in many of Jasmin's student and professional productions.

In 1999, Christina added Tribal Bellydance style to her studies through classes with Stephanie Barto and workshops with several prominent tribal dancers. In the summer of 2001, Christina became one of the founding members and co-directors of Blue Lotus Tribe, now recognized as one of the leading Tribal troupes in the Midwest. In this same year, Christina launched her professional dance career, performing in many restaurants and clubs throughout the Chicagoland area.

In January of 2003, Christina began teaching weekly classes in the Chicago area. She has since been invited to teach and peform all over the country at private studios and at dance festivals. In 2008, Christina was honored to serve as artist-in-residence for the Dance Department at Beloit College in Wisconsin.

Christina's local efforts center around her classes in Elgin, IL, where she has built a loyal student following and three performance groups. She is recognized and respected as a proficient and well-loved performer in the Midwest whose appeal is spreading throughout the nation.

Testimonials:

"I highly recommend Christina King's classes! She's personable, communicates really clearly and is dedicated to each and every individual walking out of her classes with something he/she can use. She's got lovely technique, a broad depth of knowledge and wonderful creative ideas."
-Samira Shuruk

"I love Christina's earthy, honest style and her fluid movement with the music is stunning!"
-Dalia Carella

"Christina King is one of those rare artists who can shine in both genres - Oriental and Tribal. Bravo!"
-Elizabeth Artemis Mourat, MA, MSW

"Christina King has that rare ability of perfect crossover. She can perform an elegant Cabaret Raqs Sharqi piece with great musicality, and then deliver an edgy and fusionesque Tribal routine, both with equal conviction."
-Karim "Turbo Tabla" Nagi

Past Workshops:

Beloit College Dance Department Residency
Tribal Fest-CA
Tribal Revolution-IL
Elevation-CO
TribOriginal-NC
Folk Tours Camp-PA
Rak the Boat Bellycruise-CA
Unveiled-MI
Trillium Studio-WI
Bloomington Area Arts Week-IN
Alhambra Studio-WI
Midwest Tribal Mafia-IL
JimBoz Presents-CA
Oasis Peoria-IL
Sultana Dancers Studio-MI
Gaianada World Rhythm Studio-OH
Mizmar Madness-CO
SynergyRAD-IL
Shimmy Tecumseh-MI
The Madison Multicultural Dance Center-WI

 

Christina King : Christina@RaksChristina.com : 773-454-6498

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All contents of this website copyright 2010 Christina King. All images have been used with permission.
Studio pictures copyright Pixie Vision Productions.