Experience the beauty of belly dance

Belly Dance Presentation
Libélula Dance Studio
Sat, July 11, 5pm
Teatro Santa Ana
Biblioteca Publica
Insurgentes 25
100 pesos

Belly Dance Presentation Libélula Dance Studio Sat, July 11, 5pm Teatro Santa Ana Biblioteca Publica Insurgentes 25 100 pesos

A traditional Arab dance genre known as raqs sharqi (Oriental dance) or sometimes raqs baladi (dance of country, or “folk” dance) is known in Western terminology as belly dance. Now popular worldwide, belly dance takes many regional forms. Costume and dance style indicate that distinctive dance moves may have been transported to these various regions and incorporated with local dance styles.

Belly dancing originated in ancient Babylon in southern Iraq. Adnanite Arabs introduced belly dancing and drumming, which were passed on from generation to generation. The drum beats people hear today are the same beats that the Arab tribal men used. Before the arrival of Islam, the tribes in Arabia used to bring together women for private gatherings or special occasions to perform the belly dancing, while men from the tribe performed on drums.

Members of Estudio de Danza Libélula offer a demonstration of Middle Eastern Dance, highlighting Tribal Style belly dance—a form which differs from Egyptian or Classical belly dance by focusing on the tribe or group rather than a soloist. Richly ethnic and earthy textiles, jewelry and extravagant costumes that reflect the cultures comprising the Romani Trail, lend an exotic feel to the presentation that takes the audience to faraway, mythical lands.

Dancers in the show come from Mexico City, Puebla, Michoacán and Monterrey. In addition, artists performing raqs sharqi (Egyptian and folkloric style belly dance) round out the Middle Eastern dance experience.