The Belly Dance Showcase will feature dancers from all over New England, representing the art of Middle Eastern folkloric dance and raqs sharqi also known as belly dance.
There is a vibrant belly dance community in New England. The performers you will see at this showcase have spent many years studying and learning to present this style of dance, with respect and awareness of its Middle Eastern, Hellenic and North African source cultures.
$10 suggested donation
The performers are:
Eshta Amar, event organizer:
Eshta Amar is a Greenfield resident who has been performing and teaching belly dance for over 20 years. She is also a well-known costume designer who specializes in specialty performance wear, textile arts and historical clothing.
Aralia Pearl:
Known for mixing humor and grace, Aralia is a crowd favorite at local western Massachusetts venues. While frequently seen as a soloist, Aralia’s happy place is with others. She’s been with the Crescent Dancers since 2014, built Eidetic Bellydance with Avienn Rose in 2015 and has participated in Kenna’s powerful creations with the Illuminata Dance Co. Constantly seeking collaborative experiences, as she takes the stage you’ll feel like you’re a part of the dance, too.
The Crescent Dancers:
The Crescent Dancers first coalesced into a troupe roughly 50 years ago, under the inspiration of Phyllis Wolf. While many members have retired over the years, and new blood has filled the vacancies, the spirit and enthusiasm the troupe holds for Middle Eastern Dance has remained constant through the years. Recently, we’ve grown! We’re excited to share this beautiful and powerful iteration of the Crescent Dancers at Eshta’s showcase.
Sekhmet:
Sekhmet originally studied Danse Oryantale (Turkish Style Belly Dance) in the Washington D.C. area under dance scholar Artemis Mourat. Since moving to New England, she has participated in a number of community, charity and local events.
Amity:
An accomplished dancer and teacher from New Hampshire is never sure what to say about herself, but is a crowd favorite and has been dancing since forever.
Hayam:
Hayam is a performer currently located in central CT. She is a lifelong learner and hobbyist who performs Egyptian style dance and is also versed in the American Cabaret styles of the New England area. Having previously lived in Boston and central Massachusetts, her favorite part about New England is the rich musical and cultural traditions.
Nasira:
Nasira is a belly dance performer, instructor and choreographer from Mansfield, CT. She is known for her vintage styling and finger cymbal playing, and she regularly performs around New England at restaurants and community shows.
Hadama:
Since discovering the joy of American Cabaret style belly dance at her local YMCA at age 12, Hadama has performed at parties, schools, libraries and festivals throughout New England. Solo dancer, teacher, percussionist and a member of the Crescent Dancers since 2002, Hadama believes in the power of dance to heal, educate and inspire.
