Belly Dance Presentation
Libélula Dance Studio
Sat, Nov 7, 8pm
Teatro Santa Ana
Biblioteca Pública
Insurgentes 25
100 pesos

Middle Eastern dance experience

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 drumbeats 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 women together 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.

In addition, artists performing raqs sharqi (Egyptian and folkloric style belly dance) round out the Middle Eastern dance experience.