School of Raq

I have attended three sets of classes at School of Raq, the shimmy and strength class as well as beginner and intermediate belly dance classes. Jodi was the instructor for all of these classes.
The studio is tidy and organized and looks surprisingly good for a basement. Outdoor footwear is not permitted in the studio, and students typically attend class barefoot. At the end of class my feet are still clean, which is nice.
Jodi is a skilled dancer and instructor. The pace of the classes is great (I’m not bored or overwhelmed when learning new things) and she gives us a lot of things to take home and practice. Safety, particularly protecting the knees and lower back, is emphasized throughout the classes. Jodi gives the students individual attention, even in the larger beginner class, and provides useful comments and corrections. Overall I am happy with the quality of instruction.
Both the beginner and intermediate classes included learning a choreographed routine, which students have the option of performing during a recital at the end of the semester. Note we were required to purchase a veil to practice the beginner (and intermediate) routines, so you may end up spending a bit more than expected for the class. Despite the performance being optional, I did experience some social pressure/​expectation to attend from Jodi and from other students. Unfortunately I am not interested in learning choreographed routines, and I don’t think there are lessons aimed at an intermediate level that do not include them (I could be wrong, I know there are advanced drills classes). I ended up missing the majority of the intermediate lessons because I just wasn’t interested in the routine.
The shop contains a boutique in which belly dance related clothing and costumes are sold. Some of the items are ordered from belly dance costuming vendors and some of the items are made in-​house. The quality and cost of the items available in store varies widely (though not always proportionally), so there should be something for everyone/​every budget. I have purchased a couple items here (a fairly inexpensive hip scarf and a veil) and like them, but I don’t see myself ever purchasing the elaborate and expensive ($ 200+, often much more expensive) performance costumes made in-​house. Personally, I would rather go to a professional tailor if I wanted to spend this kind of money on a costume, especially given that the bra for most costumes would have to be altered to fit me anyway. (In general, belly dance bras from most costumes look weird to me, they just don’t look like they fit quite right, maybe that’s just me.) Also note, the studio doesn’t have a serger, so the edges of these items are not finished.
I have to admit I came away feeling less than enthusiastic about attending classes at this studio. I think the main reason for this (mentioned above) is my complete disinterest in memorizing choreographed routines — I would much rather attend drills classes, which are unfortunately aimed way above my skill level. As already mentioned, the instructions in class are great and the lessons are well-​planned, so I would recommend the studio to belly dance students.