Shakin’ Up Washington DC with Bellydance Superstars

Having performed over 600 shows in more than 20 countries since forming 6 years ago, one of Washington DC’s favorite dance troupes, the Bellydance Superstars, have earned their reputation as one of the finest and most progressive bellydance company on the planet.

Having sold out previous single night appearance shows at The Birchmere in Arlington, Virginia, this year, two shows are scheduled in late October as part of their 3-month, 75 city tour.

Washington DC is a mecca for bellydance with multiple dance studios offering bellydance classes, a large community of professional bellydancers, and numerous restaurants offering nightly bellydance shows, plus a big fan base, so these shows are sure to be popular.

Their show takes the ancient dance and art form previously only seen in nightclubs and restaurants to a new “mega show” level, continually reinterpreting and evolving the many styles of dance.   The Bellydance Superstars are changing the way bellydance is performed, much like Cirque de Soleil changed the traditional circus or Riverdance changed Irish folk dancing.

Their new show, Bombay Bellywood merges traditional and tribal bellydance with exotic traditional Indian dance forms, infectious music, passion, rich costumes and exciting performances. They describe it as “Cairo meets Bombay in San Francisco and New York with a touch of Buenos Aries and Chicago.” Besides the focus on traditional Indian dance, expect to see Egyptian bellydance, Turkish dance, as well as the exciting and high-energy American-style tribal and tribal fusion dance styles.

The roots of Indian dances featured in the new show date back over 2,400 years and are based on Hindu musical theater styles.  These dances were performed in temples for royalty and also for the common folk.  The complex dance styles include intricate footwork and spinning, along with hand gestures called mudra that help the dancer tell the story.

The dozen or more bellydancers of the troupe, many who are trained in classical ballet or modern/jazz dance, are able to creatively bend styles infusing everything from en pointe ballet to hip-hop.

As a special treat for local dancers, on Friday, October 29, 2010, two of the Bellydance Superstars will each be teaching a 3-hour workshop from 9:00 a.m. until noon.  The workshops will be held at Saffron Dance – 3260 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, Virginia. Tickets for the workshops are $55.00 in advance, $65.00 at the door for either.

Bellydance Superstars — The Birchmere – 3701 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia  (map)

Dates and Times - Wednesday & Thursday, October 28 and 29, 2010 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets – $29.50.  Tickets are available online or at the box office.

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Pentagon City – Blue and Yellow lines, then a 5-mile cab ride.

Parking – Free lot parking at the theater is available, as well as free street parking.

Images – courtesy of Bellydance Superstars.