Three bellydance troupes in San Miguel

Bellydance performance

Troupe Salamat, Belibeya and Rogue Bindis

Sat, Oct 13, 7:30pm

Teatro Santa Ana

Reloj 50A

100 pesos

Troupe Salamat from Prescott, AZ, Belibeya from San Miguel, and the Rogue Bindis from Albuquerque, NM share the stage October 13. The gala of the Tribal Style Bellydance festival takes place in San Miguel every year.

American Tribal Style Bellydance finds its roots in folkloric and contemporary dances of the Middle East and Mediterranean, including North Africa. The style also is influenced by provincial dances of eastern and northern India. The passionate turns and postures are reminiscent of flamenco dancing, while the music and steps span the globe.

American Tribal Bellydancing is the creative blending of styles evoking feelings of exotic locales and mythical eras. The costumes are composed of hand-embroidered silks and woolens, authentic jewelry and coins, and Berber-wrapped turbans, expertly combined for theatrical effect. Rich and colorful costuming enhances the exotic presentation of the dance. Tribal bellydance also focuses on unified movement. All ages and body types enjoy this form, either as spectator or performer. The emphasis is on dignity, strength and a display of sensuality.

Tribal bellydance usually is not choreographed, but rather improvised. A lead dancer, who alternates throughout the performance, guides the other dancers through visual and verbal cues. When a cohesive, experienced group performs this style of improvisation, dancers as well as the audience enjoy an exciting sense of community.

Terri Walden will teach workshops Friday and Saturday. Walden began teaching tribal bellydance in Prescott in 1998. She is founder and director of Troupe Salamat, and has taught workshops nationally and internationally; including Tribal Fest, World Tribe Festival and Belibeya, Troupe Salamat’s annual bellydance “boot camp” in San Miguel. “Personal empowerment, improved health and being a member of an accepting, open and collaborative community are just a few of the reasons I love tribal bellydance!” she said. “Who knew that ‘fun and exercise’ would so enrich my life.” She includes many styles of Middle Eastern dance and music, and focuses on the joy of improvisation.