Burnin' Down the South
the 2010 Jahara Phoenix Southeastern Tour
In the fall of 2010, the Jahara Phoenix Dance Company embarks on its first-ever Southeastern tour! Its dancers will be performing their unique take on the ancient art of bellydance with the following guest artists: Sherar, Sukari, Gypsy Theater Dance Company, Ananda Dance Company, Lumani, and Cybelle.
Bellydancing, or "raqs sharqi" in Arabic, is a dance style with age-old, yet uncertain, roots. Some theories place its origins in North Africa; others, in ancient Babylon. Its introduction to American dates to the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. Bellydance is a dance built on a series of muscle isolations, which gives it a considerably different aesthetic from mainstream styles of Western dance. In this country, bellydancing has found its expression in two primary styles. The cabaret style includes traditional Turkish and Egyptian movements, whereas tribal style, while having a more modern sense, is still steeped in the dance traditions of India, Africa, and the Middle East.
It is this tribal style of bellydance that Jahara Phoenix brings to life on the stage. Its dancers explore these various world cultures - from Turkey to Spain, India to West Africa, and even the Far East - bringing a sense of dynamic history to the stage. In particular, Jahara Phoenix conveys a solid understanding of the eastern spiritual concept, and takes on a more mystical side of bellydancing, which differentiates them from other tribal dance troupes. "Burnin’ Down the South" will showcase the exceptional bellydance theatre for which the Jahara Phoenix dancers have become well-known. Get ready to be inspired by the creativity of this world fusion dance troupe as they light up the stage and share with their audiences their energy, grace, and passion.
The ancient art of bellydance can transport us to a world of magical places - let Jahara Phoenix take you there!
