About Artemis Studios
Our Studio & the Dance Forms We Study
Katie, founder of Artemis Studios, began her journey into Middle Eastern Dance in 2010 after stumbling across the local dance studio at the Martini Room in Elgin, IL. She studied American Tribal Style bellydance for a number of years with Christina King of Blue Lotus Tribe before moving to Peoria, IL in late 2012. While in Peoria, she studied with the Peoria Park District and Silk Road Studios studying a variety of bellydance forms. In late 2023, Katie became a certified Sakkara Dance teacher, under the tutelage of world renowned performer and instructor Jasmin Jahal. Over the past 15 years, Katie has attended dozens of workshops with national and international instructors, including the legendary Rachel Brice, Carolena Nericcio, Deb Rubin, and recording artists Karim Nagi and Carmine Guida of Djinn.
Originating in the 1970's in Berkley, CA by Carolena Nericcio, Tribal Style bellyance is based on a blend of classical Egyptian and Middle Eastern Folkloric dance, with a more structured foundation similar to what you would find in styles like ballet, for example. Our Tribal Style performances incorporate long, fluffy skirts, layered with hip wraps, belts, and oftentimes coined tops. Tribal is also known for bigger jewelry, flowers and other hair accessories, lots of jingling, and can also incorporate sword or zil work (finger cymbals).
Tribal Style
Classical Egyptian
Bellydance can trace its origins back to Ancient Egypt, but what is commonly considered Classical Egyptian came to the stages of Cairo in the 1920's and 1930's, with the dancer performing on stage to a live orchestra. Classical Egyptian dance is characterized by the sleek, beaded and jeweled costumes, with accessories/props such as veil and zils (finger cymbals).
