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froupe
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i ne beiiyaance buperstars
and Desert Roses will start
at 7:30 p.m. accompanied
by locals Americanistan
By Natasha Chilingerian
Pulse Reporter
Until now, belly dancing exhibi
tions have been limited to regional,
non-traveling shows and interludes
in Middle Eastern restaurants. But
last year, manager and record label
owner Miles Copeland created the
first-ever bellydance-based touring
spectacle: the Bellydance Superstars
and Desert Roses.
The troupe will present its mix of
traditional hip-shaking and Holly
wood glamour at WOW Hall tonight.
Copeland, who has managed
clients such as Sting and R.E.M., calls
his introduction of a touring belly
dance troupe a "phenomenon."
"Belly dance has existed a long
time in America, but it wasn't on the
r^dar screen," he said. "I put it on
the radar screen. I went out to find
dancers who had the potential for
stardom and who appeal to a broad
audience."
He said the dance form is attractive
because it is appreciated by both gen
ders and is accessible to learn.
"It's sexy from a male point of view,
and it can be watched without feeling
voyeuristic," he said. "At the same
time, women get off on it because the
dance celebrates the woman. It has a
different vibe than ballet. Teens can't
decide to be ballerinas because they
have to start so young, but belly danc
ing can be picked up at any age. It's
also a big health activity, and anyone
can do the moves."
Copeland formed his belly dance
troupe for the 2003 Lollapalooza
tour, an alternative rock festival that
circulates around North America.
The dancers, who use contemporary
influences in their productions, cater
to big audiences. They present two
hour programs consisting of both
solo and group pieces, and perform
in such venues as rock clubs, civic
centers and theaters.
"They have the ability to project the
art on stage so the person in row 20
can see it," Copeland said.
The troupe primarily focuses on the
Egyptian or "Cabaret" style of belly
dance, a traditional form originating
in the Middle East. A few members
focus on the American Tribal style of
belly dance, a new innovation that
Courtesy
The Bellydance Superstars and Desert Roses, the first touring dance troupe specializing
in belly dancing, will exhibit an ethnic, glittering show Hollywood-style at WOW Hall tonight.
mixes many ethnic styles and features
outlandish costuming.
The Bellydance Superstars and
Desert Roses will be accompanied
by local Middle Eastern band Ameri
canistan. The group caters its music
for belly dancers. Band director
Denise Gilbertson, who also has
studied belly dance extensively, ex
plained the difference between the
two main dance styles practiced by
The Bellydance Superstars and
Desert Roses.
"The Egyptian style is internal, deli
cate and subtle," Gilbertson said.
"American Tribal originated flat-foot
ed and group belly dances, and
dancers wear ethnic costumes such as
big jeweled turbans."
The troupe's dancers incorporate
their artistic training — such as jazz,
Polynesian dance, bagpipe playing
and Scottish dance — into the show.
One dancer performs a number as
Marilyn Monroe.
"We're going to push the envelope
and you'll see things you won't ex
pect," Copeland said.
Americanistan, which formed
more than a decade ago, exhibits a va
riety of music from the Middle East
on a number of unusual instruments,
such as the harmonium, frame drums
and Mediterranean bagpipes. Flute
player John Marzicola said he was at
tracted to setting the stage for belly
dancers for the uniqueness of the
Middle Eastern dance and art forms.
"I like how different it is," he said.
"Most Western music uses a 4/4
rhythm, but Middle Eastern music
uses asymmetrical rhythms. It is very
moody; it can go from high energy
to mystical, slow and sensual within
one song."
Local dance instructor and per
former Elena Villa will join American
istan and perform a belly dance incor
porating Spanish-derived moves.
WOW Hall is located at 291 W.
Eighth Ave. Tickets are available at
the EMU Ticket Office for $ 18 and at
the door for $20. The doors open at
7 p.m. and the show will begin at
7:30 p.m.
Contact the Pulse reporter at
natashachiiingerian@dailyemerald.com.
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