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I am a San Francisco based dancer, musician, performer, and instructor who has been working with dances, songs, instruments, languages and percussion of Southwest Asia, North Africa, and the Mediterranean since my teens, with a primary focus on the movement arts of Cairo, Egypt.

I have an extensive solo and group performance history, and a  track record of accessible instruction in both studio and academic environments, with an ability to move between the social and staged styles at the heart of the dance forms I work within. 

A partial list of my beloved teachers can be found here. 

I offer multi-level, musically-driven Egyptian style dance classes for those wanting to work within raqs sharqi and raqs beledi. Instruction is rooted in respect for the dancers and respect for the forms, with an additional focus on cultural, political, musical, and artistic context.

Remote  classes will begin again in 2025. Please check back for details, or even better, sign up for my newsletter. 

Past faculty teaching positions include Lines Dance Center (2003 - 2024), Ruth Asawa School of the Arts (2023-2024), Marin School of the Arts, Belly Dance! studios, and the Women's Cancer Resource Center.  

Please see my calendar for scheduled  public performances and events. 

I am an experienced, entertainment-oriented, and joybringing performer who is available for celebrations and cultural events. Recorded or live music options available.

I am also available to teach dance workshops in your area. Are you up for hosting a popular, giving, experienced teacher who combines cultural context with a good time? Drop me a line, and/or see my current workshop offerings. 

To inquire more directly about booking, please use my contact form. 

I send out a sometimes monthly-ish and sometimes seasonal newsletter with upcoming events, class news, nifty articles, videos of inspiring or interesting dancers, songs, or musicians, and more. 

You can sign up for it here. 

I'm also on instagram  and facebook and YouTube (oh my) under the moniker Monica Raqs.

I offer private classes and coaching in person in San Francisco or online anywhere in the world. I have worked one on one with dancers, duets, troupes, and small groups of collaborators who are creating or polishing a piece, looking for inspiration, or need a  critical but supportive eye on their work, progression, or style.

Rates start at $75 per hour, plus studio rent, if any.  Private lessons can also take place on Zoom.  

Please contact me for a questionnaire and initial email consultation so we can make sure that lessons are focused and on point for your  needs.

Need choreography? Please contact Monica for current rates, references, and details of how it all works.

I occasionally have some sweet dance related printed garments on offer over at The Little Black Egg, including What Would Fifi Do? tees and tanks.