Play Empowered
Feel stronger, freer, & more feminine thru embodied movement, belly dance, & performance coaching.
For women who want confidence in life, at work, and on stage.
Led by Asali Naimah
Performer, educator, Old Town School faculty and coach with training in Egyptian, Turkish and American Cabaret styled belly dance, plus ballet, jazz, modern and contemporary.
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
CLASSES, WORKSHOPS & RETREATS
Weekly Belly Dance Classes
Join my 8-week Middle Eastern Dance session at Old Town School. Enroll online or by phone: 773-728-6000
TUESDAY CLASSES
Middle Eastern Belly Dance Technique
Sep 1 – Oct 20 (8 weeks)
4545 N. Lincoln Ave
Level 1 (Beginner): 6:30–7:30 PM
Level 2 (Beg/Int): 7:30–8:30 PM
Register for Session 5
SUNDAY CLASSES
Middle Eastern Belly Dance Technique
Sep 6 – Oct 25 (8 weeks)
4545 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago
Level 1 (Beginner): 11:45 AM–12:45 PM
Level 2 (Beg/Int): 1:00–2:00 PM
Register for Session 5
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
Student Recitals
Old Town School Lincoln Square
Student Recitals - FREE
Tuesday, August 11
7:15 PM
4545 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL, Szold Hall
Sunday, August 16
12:30 PM
4544 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL, Maurer Hall
By purchasing this series, you agree to my Play Empowered Terms and Live Empowered Terms .
Dance Fitness
*Special Event*
Fiercely Feminine: Dance & Emotional Reset Experience
Sep 9 – Sept 30 (4-sessions)
Wednesdays, 6:30–7:45 PM CST
Format: In-Person (Bronzeville) & Live Virtual
Investment: $150 (Use code EARLYBIRDFF thru Sept 1 for $25 off)
Reclaim your energy through a powerful 75-minute weekly blend of movement and mental fitness. Each session features 45 minutes of dance fitness (belly dance, contemporary, majorette & HIIT energy) to build confidence and strength, followed by 30 minutes of live emotional regulation and mental fitness practice. Perfect for getting into your body, releasing stress, and resetting mid-week.
Meet Asali Naimah
Asali Naimah is The Work-Live-Play Strategist and the visionary behind Empowered By Asali, where she masters the intersection of professional presence and embodied movement. Her artistic foundation was forged at the Pittsburgh School for the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) and further matured while performing with Ebony Fire at Hampton University and founding the inclusive Majestic Dance Troupe.
A seasoned professional performance artist with international credits in Turkey and Egypt, Asali’s expertise in MENA (Middle Eastern and North African) dance is rooted in deep, long-term study with world-renowned masters. Her lineage includes extensive training with the legendary Serena Wilson, Virginia Mendes of Miami, Yousry Sharif, Cinzia Purificato and Jasmin Jahal.
Currently serving on the faculty at the Old Town School of Folk Music, Asali brings her passion for inclusivity and mastery to the Fiercely Feminine series at Space Share Lab. Here, she empowers women to reclaim their grace and confidence, contributing to the vibrant artistic legacy of Chicago’s historic Bronzeville neighborhood.
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
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.
Fire & Belly Dance Performance Experiences
High-energy entertainment for conferences, retreats, corporate events, and private celebrations.
We create custom solo or ensemble belly dance and fire arts performances to match your space, audience, and vision.
Safety: Fire acts require venue approval, required permits, and full compliance with local regulations.
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
Watch Asali Naimah perform - Private Party
CHECK AVAILABILITY
How It Works
Private Lessons
Send your lesson type, goals, skill level, and preferred dates/times.
I’ll email you to confirm availability.
If I’m available, I’ll send a payment link or invoice.
After payment is confirmed, I’ll send your final details with Zoom or studio location info.
Events / Performances
Send event details and what you’re looking for.
I’ll review availability, logistics, venue & safety needs.
If I’m available, I’ll send payment details.
Once confirmed, I’ll send final booking details.
Availability requests do not guarantee booking. Payment links or invoices are sent only after confirmation. All services are subject to the Play Empowered Service Terms.
Note: Play Empowered services are movement and performance-based experiences and are not a substitute for medical, therapeutic, or clinical care.