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What
is belly dancing?
Well that’s a very good question but hard to pinpoint, just as
it’s hard to pinpoint the roots. We know it’s considered
a “Middle Eastern’ dance but there are hints of Africa all
the way to Spain. Some think that traveling gypsy tribes absorbed ethnic
dances and created a combined version.
There are some links to
ancient Greek sacred dances in temples for fertility rituals. It is still
a practice today, with some cultures, to have women dancing during a
birth. Even the one in labor would join the dance to ease the pain and
her child’s delivery.
It’s a woman in
movement, connecting herself with the earth (mother). It is hearing the
music and drum beats and letting them whisk her away to an inner place
in her heart. It’s feeling sensual in her body, no matter its shape,
size or age. It is being with her sisters and sharing joys, sadness,
respect and love for the dance. That is what belly dancing is.
Bellydancing is not:
- Burlesque or Strip tease
- Vulgar or sexual
- Normally performed for men (except for Weddings, Birthday parties, or
performances where men and woman are present).
What
is the Oasis Dance Troupe?
The Oasis
Dance Troupe is a Corporation. The primary goal is to
sponsor events and help to expand the Art form known
as Belly Dancing. We promote, perform and attend seminars.
Any student taking classes from me, Kathryn Elias, is
a member. There are no dues except to do ones best to
promote belly dance in a positive way. For more
information visit the About
the Troupe page.
How can
I join?
Any woman
who takes classes and has a willingness to perform with
us is an automatic member of the Oasis Dance Troupe. For
more information visit the
How
to Joining page.
Where
and when do you practice ?
Times and locations vary per month. For
a list of our current schedule check the Times
and Locations page.
Who
teaches the Troupe?
Kasia al Medina, also known as Kathryn
Elias. Kasia is from Ohio, and has been bellydancing
for many years. For more information on her please
visit the
About the
Instructor page.
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