| ||||||||||||
  |
National Belly Dance Competition Hits Hampton Roads By: Sherrie Pilkington On May 17 and 18, there will be a bright light shining from The Barry Robinson Theater and Fine Arts Center in Virginia Beach. Zuleika, which means brilliant or shining in Arabic, will host the 6th Annual East Coast Classic (EC Classic). This event is a premiere competition for Middle Eastern Dance, more commonly known as belly dance. Spaces to compete in this prestigious display of artistry were at a premium -- registration was at full capacity three months before the deadline. No fiesta is complete without dancing, and neither is a Middle Eastern hafla. A gathering of any kind includes family and friends of every age, shape and size, reminding us that dance is a language of the soul. Zuleika is Cuban American and found belly dance during a transitional time in her life. "I wanted to take some time to explore who I am and the needs I have to be artistic and free," she said. Her journey lead her to belly dance and the experience gave her a tremendous sense of empowerment, grace and sensuality. The confidence Zuleika exudes with her body and her skills are transforming and encouraging for women who are pressured by society's standards. Recently she received an e-mail from a woman whose perception of her own body changed when she saw Zuleika. "I was so thrilled to see such a lovely full figured woman who was a professional belly dancer," the woman wrote. "Being Arabic myself, I have long wanted to learn the dances from my heritage, but was uncomfortable with the fact, I too am full figured. I would love to sign up for some classes...." "To dare to dance is very powerful," Zuleika said. Cindy Hernandez, of Ecuadorian and Puerto Rican decent, describes herself as a belly dance beginner, and finds humor in her dance as she expresses herself by blending her love for salsa with her new found love of belly dance. "I have learned to infuse belly dancing into my salsa, which I have found to be quite amusing," she said. Athallia, who spent part of her childhood in the land of her parents' heritage, the Dominican Republic, was introduced to belly dancing via a TV show, "El Show Del Mediodía". Dancer Vanessa Angulo demonstrated her talent and 6-year-old Athallia immediately knew what she wanted to be. "It was love at first sight. For years I told everyone I would be a belly dancer when I grew up," she said. She fulfills her childhood dream daily and because of her love for Arabic music, her favorite styles of dance are Lebanese and Classical Egyptian. Starting at 7 p.m. Saturday night, the EC Classic gala will include performances by 12 professional dancers, two live Middle Eastern bands and access to authentic Middle Eastern wares. In addition, it will be an opportunity for the audience to interact with performers. The MC will explain to the audience the etiquette for clapping and verbal response -- participation is greatly encouraged. Aiwa (i-wa) is "yes" and Yalla (yal-la) means "looks good". These Arabic words are yelled out to encourage the performance. It promises to be an energized evening where fun is not limited to the stage. For more information about schedule of events, tickets, directions etc., visit www.ecclassic.com. |
| ||||||||||
| ||||||||||||
