Shake shake shake, shake your belly
Mari Sasano , Freelance
Published: Friday, July 21, 2006BELLYDANCE SUPERSTARS
Capital Ex, AgriCom Hall D at Northlands, through July 24 at 2, 5 and 8 p.m.
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The Bellydance Superstars are in Edmonton this week for Capital Ex.
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Is belly dance the next big thing?
Well, if pop singers like Shakira are any indication, the hips don't lie ... neither have they for Beyonce, who has used belly-dancing-type moves in her videos, and who can forget Britney Spears slinking along with her albino boa constrictor? There is even a line of fitness videos that claims to shape the abdomen and burn fat through belly dancing.
The origins of this style of dance are murky: Historians have claimed the dance for Egypt, Turkey or roving Gypsies travelling throughout the Middle East. It may have had religious significance, or mimicked childbirth for strengthening the body in preparation for giving birth. No matter, it is beautiful and fascinating, and women (and some men) from all over the world are flocking to this art form.
And now we have the Bellydance Superstars, an L.A.-based troupe of women who aim to become the Riverdance of belly dancing, travelling the world with their show. Bringing together the best belly dancers in America, this should prove to open some eyes to this ancient, sensual dance form.
