Karavan Studio

Karavan Studio has been teaching belly dance in San Antonio since 1988, when founder Karen Barbee Adkisson established what has become a long-standing training ground for serious dancers. The studio's philosophy separates it from places that teach steps alone: technique is inseparable from music, drills are purposeful, and movement is never merely decorative. You'll learn how to hear rhythm, understand phrasing, and respond with intention—building a movement foundation alongside musical literacy.

The studio teaches American Cabaret style as its foundation, grounded in a deep commitment to live Arabic music. Classes range from beginner technique to advanced levels, with offerings in choreography, technique drills, and workshops. A defining feature is Project Band, a year-long live music training curriculum that has run since 2016. This program teaches dancers to interpret live music in real time, improvise with confidence, and perform with presence—addressing what many dancers feel: confidence in class that evaporates when music becomes unpredictable. Project Band includes up to 64 annual performahearsals (performance-rehearsals that simulate real shows), mentorship from Karen, and recurring performance opportunities.

Karen Barbee Adkisson has over 50 years of experience and has performed and taught internationally across the United States, Europe, Central and South America, Asia, Egypt, and Lebanon. In the 1970s, when Middle Eastern dance instruction was often loosely structured, she developed her own system blending analytical thinking with artistic instinct—bringing her background in Accounting and Computer Science to bear on curriculum design. She is also a pioneer in online belly dance instruction, creating a comprehensive digital training library that mirrors the depth of in-person study.

The studio's instructors are long-time students trained within Karavan's system. Cindy has been dancing for nearly 25 years and teaching at Karavan since 2009, known for precision and dynamic prop work. Sara, a San Antonio visual and performing artist, has trained at the studio since 2004 and performs regularly at public and private events. Suzanne brings over 20 years of experience across multiple dance forms, is an award-winning competitor and performer, and serves as a choreography instructor and Project Band member. Karen G. ("Baby Karen") began dancing in 2008, joined Karavan in 2016, became part of Project Band in 2018, and has been teaching since 2020. Victoria Cruz has a background in modern dance, choreography, movement studies, and dance/movement therapy; a Karavan student since 2006, she has been part of Project Band since its inception. Paloma joined during early live-music intensives in 2008 and continues to perform and support students both in studio and online. Helen K. discovered belly dance in 2015 and has focused on improvisation to live music through Project Band since 2019, combining her background as a personal trainer and makeup artist to guide students in building strength and stage presence.

Classes meet in-person at 1030 Burleson St, with online learning available via Zoom. The studio offers a free trial to new students. Class recordings are available through October 2026. Private lessons with Karen are available at multiple times throughout the week (Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays), with rates of $50 per 30-minute lesson or $80 per 60-minute lesson, with discounts available for five-lesson packages. The studio also hosts events and an annual GoLive! festival (running in odd years as of 2027).

First-time visitors should check the current schedule or contact the studio before attending. Ask whether the class requires advance registration, whether a partner is needed, and what shoes or clothing are recommended.

All instructors are trained within Karavan's system and continue to grow through live music performance and study. Founder Karen Barbee Adkisson brings 50+ years of experience and direct mentorship. Other teachers include Cindy (25 years of dance, teaching since 2009), Sara (student since 2004, regular performer), Suzanne (20+ years across multiple forms, award-winning competitor and Project Band member), Karen G. (teaching since 2020, Project Band member since 2018), Victoria Cruz (student since 2006, Project Band founder member), Paloma (performing and teaching since early live-music intensives), and Helen K. (focusing on improvisation to live music since 2019).

Beginner classes build a strong foundation with focus on the details and musculature of individual movements, and Project Band is not for beginners—it requires prior training and performance experience.