About Me

Raqia Belly Dance

About Me

"My vision is to encourage women to discover
self-love, sisterhood and a sense of well being
through MED/Belly Dance."

Raqia, who credits achieving tranquility and inner peace to
Middle Eastern Dance/Belly Dance; In 1996 was diagnosed with a life threatening illness. The psychological effects and the physical changes brought on by the illness and the medicine side effects had robbed Raqia of her self esteem and confidence, throwing her into a deep depression. Tired of feeling low she started searching for something which would lift her spirit. That is when she discovered belly dance.
The mixture of femininity, strength, spirituality and expression of the soul helped Raqia love herself once again.

This life changing event has led her to approach MED in a unique and innovative manner by fusing the physical dance with the spiritual dance and utilizing it as a healing tool.

In order to develop and refine her technique she has trained extensively with local and internationally known dancers including Delilah, Petite Jamilla(Belly Dance Superstars), Jill Parker(Ultra Gypsies) as well as many others. Raqia who is a founding member of the Kentuckiana based performance Tribal Fusion Troupe "Al-Hamsa", also teaches beginning belly dance classes in Southern Indiana and Louisville, KY area and is extremely proud of her participation in wellness workshops which have taken her to many cities throughout the US.

Raqia was awarded 2007 critic's choice, Best of Louisville Magazine/Best Belly Dance Instructor and has been featured in various local and national press.

Some of Raqia's past performances and workshop presentations;

IUS Student Welcome, New Albany, IN/ 2007-2008
Opening Celebration/ Road To Morocco Cafe, Louisville, KY/ 2007-2008
(Belly Dance WS) FAN, Michigan City, IN/ 2007
(Veil WS) Camp Heart to Heart, Mother's Spa Day/ Louisville, KY/ 2007
(Belly Dance WS) Rainbow Spiritual Center, Louisville, KY/2006-2007-2008-2009
(Belly Dance/Tribal WS) Women Living TPAN, Chicago IL/2005-2007
(Spirit of the Veil WS) FAN, Indianapolis, IN/ 2005-2006
Kosair, Louisville, KY/ 2006-2007-2008-2009
BD Unveiled Louisville, KY/2005-2007
World Fest Louisville, KY/2006-2008
(Belly Dance WS) Kitchen Conversation UofL, KY/ 2004-2006
Harvest Homecoming New Albany, IN/2004-2008
Speed Art Sellersburg, IN/2006-2007
Community Montessori- Annual Picnic, New Albany, IN/2006
(Belly Dance WS) House of Ruth, Louisville, KY/2006
Kite Festival Georgetown, KY/2004-2005
Carol's Bridal Shop- Bridal Show, KY/2004
Greek Paradise Restaurant, KY/2003-2004
Jarfi's Bistro Catering, KY/2003
(Spirit of the Veil WS) AIM Mt. St. Francis, KY/2003
(Belly Dance WS) UofL WINGS Clinic Hopscotch House, KY/ 2003-2004

Contact Raqia at; Rachelrebecca21@aol.com