New, bigger location!.
NEW studio is at 6600 West Main, Suite 9, Belleville, IL 62223

Make time for fun and exercise in your life! Lotus Arts Studio offers classes in Middle Eastern belly dance, yoga and Tai Chi. Located in the Arcades shopping center in Belleville.

Use the links at left or below to check out the classes offered. Register online via Paypal or print your registration & mail with a check.

if you'd like to be added to the mailing list to receive updates & information.

• Lauren performs at Aya Sofia!
  First Friday of every month, about 8:30-9:00pm
  Location: Aya Sofia Restaurant
  Aya Sofia is a multi-award-winning Turkish restaurant on Chippewa (right across from Ted Drewes) with AWESOME food and great service. I'll perform a full set (roughly 20-25 minutes) Reservations recommended. I LOVE to see friendly faces in the audience!
• Monthly Raks Sharki in St. Louis hafla (sponsored by Radhiya Taj)
  Sunday, April 27, 5pm
  Location: Queen of Sheba Restaurant, 6665 Olive Blvd., University City, 314-727-7057 (corner of Kingsland & Olive)
  This event is free, please support the host restaurant by ordering something. Contact Radhiya Taj (314) 361-8141) for a dance spot or any questions.


• Lauren and Hips Afire! perform at Union Station for National Dance Week
  Saturday, April 26
  Location: Union Station, South Plaza
  Come to Union Station for a whole afternoon of free dance performances by all sorts of groups & troupes from all over St. Louis. Bring a lawn chair and spend the day!
• Workshop & show with Kimahri of Chicago
  May 3 & 4
  Location: Lotus Arts Studio (we'll be in a larger space at 6600 West Main by then), show at SWIC theater
  Kimahri will be teaching FOUR mini-workshops over the weekend, including ballet skills, shimmy drills, a drum solo choreography peppered with tons of stage skills and techniques, and a class on sassy Shaabi combinations. Click here for full details, to download a flyer, or to register online via Paypal.
• Night at the Casbah: An Evening of Middle Eastern Dance featuring Kimahri of Chicago
  Saturday, May 3. Doors open at 6:30, show starts 7:00
  Location: SWIC Theater, Belleville Campus
  Come enjoy the beauty, grace and power of bellydance! In addition to our featured guest, Kimahri, you'll see professional and student dancers from around the region, including Lauren and the Hips Afire! Bellydancers from Lotus Arts Studio in Belleville, Hada Mish Firqa of Chicago, Sedonia of Carbondale, and lots more.
  
  Click here to order show tickets ($15) - you can change quantities in the cart later

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• Hafla (student night & dance party) sponsored by Simone's Seventh Veil Studio
  Friday, March 7 (evening)
  Location: Just Dancing Studio at 236 Old Meramec Station Road (141 and Manchester)
  Cost: $15 at the door, no advance tickets. Food will be served. Cash bar. A fun event where St. Louis area bellydance students gather to eat, drink, be merry, and perform for each other. This is a great opportunity to see student & professional dancers from around the area.
• Lauren and Hips Afire! perform at Relay for Life
  Friday, June 20, 8-8:30pm
  Location: O'Fallon High School
  Watch for us if you're walking in the event, we'll be taking the stage for a full half-hour performance.
• Tales from the Sahara, our annual STUDENT RECITAL
  Saturday, July 12, 7pm
  Location: Miner's Theatre in Collinsville
  Mark your calendars! More details to follow.....

Instructors are also available to teach private lessons and/or small classes through local parks & recreation, dance studios, and homes. E-mail for more information.