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Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Arts / News Q&A with belly dancer Yasmine
Posted By Anita Overcash on Wed, Jul 14, 2010 at 1:32 PM
Belly dancing is an art form that takes practice, from the training of muscles to the development of special techniques. On July 18, students of Yasmine's School of Mid-East Dance and members of Magic Hips dance troupe in Charlotte will perform group and solo shows during Belly Oasis Mid-East Dance Concert at Central Piedmont Community College's Pease Auditorium. The two-hour long showcase features demonstrations of different styles of belly dancing, including those originating from the Middle East and other nearby regions, as well as those adapted by the Western world. Creative Loafing spoke with Yasmine about her history with belly dancing and the upcoming show.
Creative Loafing: Tell me about your history in belly dancing. How did you get started? What drew you to this type of dance? And, how long have you been teaching belly dance classes?
Yasmine: I received my first set of lessons as a Christmas gift. It turned out to be a life-changing present for me. I instantly fell in love and knew this was the dance for me. It was like a natural instinct that had just been waiting to come out. I have been in this business now for over a decade, teaching and performing Middle Eastern dance. I really can't imagine doing anything else. I started out offering classes in various studios and then I finally opened my own Mid-East Dance studio in 2005. I am currently teaching workshops throughout the United States and will soon be teaching with master percussionist Souhail Kasper in Tokyo, Japan this fall.
How many performers will be in the Belly Oasis Dance Concert?
You will see over 40 dancers ranging from my beginner dance ensemble students to advanced performing in the show. The dancers ages range from early teens to those in their 50's, creating a beautiful showcase of women coming together to celebrate this beautiful art form that continues to evolve.
What different styles of belly dance will be performed?
Our concert will feature various styles of belly dance influenced from the Middle East, as well as the as the growing influences of the Western world. The show will include: Raqs Sharqi, American Cabaret, Modern Egyptian, American Tribal Style and Devyani-style, using Roma movements from Turkey, Spain, India and Northern Africa. You will also see a modern evolution of fusion styles mixing belly dance with jazz and other alternative and interpretive forms as well.
Can you tell me a little bit about the dance troupe Magic Hips?
The Magic Hips Dancers are my highest level of performance troupe members who have been studying with me for quite some time and auditioned for a position to be a part of the troupe. They work hard to represent the studio and themselves. They have fun and nurture each other at the same time. They push me to be better and to be creative and I push them. It is an awesome feeling for me to see the dance come to life through them, as well as to be able to dance along side of them.
You will see members of Magic Hips performing at various private engagements and special occasions such as wedding receptions, birthdays, theme parties, festivals and gala show events. You can also see members of Magic Hips along with my student troupe, The Beledi Beat Dancers, performing together at local festivals such as Taste of Charlotte, Pride Charlotte and charitable events, like DrumStrong as Mid-East Magic Dance Ensemble. My troupes are probably more recognized as a popular stage act known as The Jewels of the Caravan each year at The Carolina Renaissance Festival and have been awarded as one of the Best Dance Troupes of 2007 and 2009 by the Annual Renaissance Festival Awards.
What do you think is the most beneficial aspect of belly dancing? What can belly dancing to for the body?
This dance is for everyone, no matter the age, background or shape. It works the entire body, embraces a woman's curves and promotes a healthy body image. Not only do the students find an artful combination of fitness and femininity through belly dance that is fun, but they also gain new friendships and emerge with self-confidence and a passion for themselves.
Tickets to Belly Oasis Mid-East Dance Concert are $3-$12. Show starts at 5 p.m. CPCC's Pease Auditorium is located at 1201 Elizabeth Ave. For tickets, call 704-330-6534 or click here. For more information on Mid-East Dance studio, visit www.magic-hips.com.
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