Play Empowered

Movement • Performance • Presence

Reclaim your confidence through embodied movement for confidence — private lessons, workshops, coaching, and performance.

Taught by Asali Naimah — performer, educator, Old Town School faculty; international training in Turkey and Egypt. (See bio)

What we offer

  • Private Egyptian dance lessons:45–90 min, virtual or in person (individuals & small groups).

  • Performance coaching: stage presence, musicality, choreography refinement.

  • Fire & belly dance performances: curated entertainment for events (solo or ensemble).

  • Classes & workshops: e.g., Fiercely Feminine 8‑week expressive dance immersion; short skill workshops.

Important notes

  • Play Empowered services are movement and performance experiences and are not a substitute for medical or therapeutic are.

  • Fire performances require venue approval and permits; performers carry liability insurance.

  • All services governed by Play Empowered Service Terms: https://www.empoweredbyasali.com/terms-play-empowered

Performance Coaching & Stage Presence Development

  • For performers preparing for showcases, auditions, or high‑visibility events.

  • Focus: stage presence, musical interpretation, choreography refinement, confidence, and delivery.

  • Sessions include demo, feedback, and rehearsal strategies to support grounded, confident execution.

Select Performance Coaching in the dropdown.

Private Egyptian Dance Lessons (Groups & one-on-one)

  • For personal exploration, wellness, and foundational technique.

  • 45–90 minute virtual or in‑person sessions; instruction meets you where you are.

  • Led by Asali Naimah, a professional performer and educator with deep training in Egyptian dance and embodied movement practices.

Choose private or group lessons in the dropdown.

Not sure what’s right for you? Click above to request guidance

Dance Fitness Classes

Bronzeville

Fiercely Feminine

8‑Week Belly Dance & Expressive Dance Movement Immersion)

  • Build confidence, strength, and sisterhood through joyful movement. All shapes, sizes and levels welcome.

Schedule 

  • Weds | Mar 11 – Apr 29 | 6:30–7:30 PM | Space Share Lab, Bronzeville, Chicago

  • Weds | May 13 – Jul 1 | 6:30–7:30 PM | Space Share Lab, Bronzeville, Chicago

    Options & Pricing: (Reserve Spot)

8-Class Series— $150 Best value.

4‑Class Flex Pass — $75 

Single Drop‑In — $25

Reserve your spot

https://www.empoweredbyasali.com/rsvp

What to Wear & Bring (Bronzeville location)

  • Wear clothing you can move in (leggings, dancewear, gym clothes).

  • Space Share Lab: Dance shoes, ballet slippers or padded socks with grip (worn hardwood floor)

  • Optional: hip scarves/ coin belts.

  • Bring water.

Weekly Belly Dance Technique Classes

Lincoln Square - Old Town School of Folk Music

Middle Eastern Belly Dance with Asali Naimah

Level 1 - Sun, May 3-Jun 21 | 11:45 –12:45

Level 2 - Sun, May 3-Jun 21 | 1:00 –2:00 8-week series

What to Wear & Bring

  • Wear clothing you can move in (leggings, dancewear, gym clothes).

  • Old Town School: bare feet, socks, or dance shoes.

  • Optional: hip scarves / coin belt.

  • Props: Finger Cymbals, Veil (Level 2 only as needed)

  • Bring water

Upcoming Workshops

Learn to Play Finger Cymbals

Sat, Apr 25 | 1:00–2:00 PM |

Old Town School Lincoln Square — limited spots.
$30

What to Wear & Bring

  • Bring own finger cymbals; limited available to borrow (Suggestion: I like brass Turquoise brand finger cymbals/ zills Size B. Beginners might like smaller Size A)

  • Wear clothing you can move in (leggings, dancewear, gym clothes).

  • Old Town School: bare feet, socks, or dance shoes.

  • Optional: hip scarves/ coin belts. 

  • Bring water.

Fire & Belly Dance Performance Experiences

  • Movement-based entertainment to elevate atmosphere and audience engagement at conferences, retreats, corporate events, and private celebrations.

  • Curated to fit event vision, space, and audience —solo or ensemble, belly dance, fire arts, or combined programming.

  • Safety: Fire acts require venue approval, local permits and compliance with regulations; performers maintain liability insurance.

Choose Belly Dance Performance, Fire & Belly Dance Entertainment, or Custom Event Request in the dropdown.

Fire & Belly Dance performances are subject to additional terms. View Play Empowered Service Terms

Check Availability Before Purchase

How It Works

  1. Submit a performance or availability request with event details.

  2. Availability, logistics, venue requirements, and safety considerations are confirmed.

  3. Payment details are provided once availability is confirmed.

    Availability requests do not guarantee booking. Payment links or invoices are issued only after confirmation. All services are subject to the Play Empowered Service Terms.

For Event Planners

  • Availability must be confirmed before payment. Payment links or invoices issued only after confirmation.

  • We coordinate timeline, staging, technical needs, and insurance requirements.

  • Clear communication and advance planning ensure a smooth, professional experience.

Note: Play Empowered services are movement and performance-based experiences and are not a substitute for medical, therapeutic, or clinical care.