Theatrical / Fantasy Belly Dance

Belly Dance is possibly the oldest known dance form in the world, but the exact origins are unknown. Therefore, many colorful theories have evolved over the centuries, making it the perfect dance around which to build elaborate theatrical pieces. And since modern Belly Dance has borrowed from so many dances and cultures from around the world, combining Belly Dance with other dance movements, costuming, and music is a natural evolutionary step. With the birth of American Tribal Belly Dance and Tribal Fusion, Belly Dancers began to experiment more with all of these elements, and eventually added stories to individual performances and full-length theater shows. When Belly Dance was originally popularized in the 1970s, it was almost exclusively performed as an improvised, multi-part cabaret performed by one dancer in an intimate setting, such as a restaurant or nightclub. Although this is still the most common way most people see a Belly Dance performance, we also have the option of experiencing a large-scale show that includes many different Belly Dancers and Belly Dance styles or theme-based shows… or even events that might best be classified as dance theater.

If you are interested in experimental or theatrical presentations of Belly Dancing, here are some recommended products: