Saturday, October 27, 2007
A+E
Smooth moves
Bellydance Superstars shake up the Ferst Center
The Bellydance Superstars perform Sunday at the Ferst Center.
CREDIT: Courtesy of the Bellydance Superstars
By Johanna Anderson
For months the Bellydance Superstars, a full-time, professional bellydancing troupe, have logged seven-hour daily practices to perfect their new show “Babelesque,” which stops at Atlanta’s Ferst Center for the Arts on Sunday, Oct. 28.
“If you think you’ve seen bellydance—you haven’t until you’ve seen the Bellydance Superstars,” says Jillina, the main choreographer for the group.
Taking advantage of the dancers’ different backgrounds, Jillina incorporated the signature styles of each member of the troupe to create a production that includes traditional and modern pieces. Middle Eastern dance pieces, cabaret-style choreography, and a ballet/bellydance fusion piece are just a part of what audiences can expect during the two-hour production.
The audition-only group features members who range in age and background. Petite Jamilla, a 20-something Alabama native, says that one reason she auditioned for the troupe is because bellydancing empowers women. “In this style of dance, the more curves you have the better,” Jamilla said.
The Bellydance Superstars are the brainchild of music business mogul Miles Copeland, best known for his work with the Police, Sting and I.R.S. Records.
Bellydancing has gone mainstream, as evidenced by the stomach-rolling moves of pop performers like Shakira. It continues to gain popularity because of its benefits as a low-impact workout.
In Atlanta, bellydancing performances can be seen at eateries such as Nicola’s Restaurant, Café Istanbul, Imperial Fez, Taverna Plaka and Mezza Lebanese Bistro & Bar in Decatur.
In addition to monthly performances, groups such as Company Mezza and The Nazeem Allayl Middle Eastern Dance Company offer bellydancing classes. The dancers in these troupes are chosen from among the students who take lessons.
Diane Adams, dance instructor and director of Company Mezza, calls bellydance the “ultimate anti-aging pill.” She notes that it can be performed by women of all ages because it is so low impact.
“This style of dance takes concentration and focus that literally uses every muscle in the body, but doesn’t cause the same wear on the body that other dances do,” Adams says.
Bellydancing in Atlanta
Bellydance Superstars present “Babelesque”
5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 28
Ferst Center for the Arts at Georgia Tech
$20, $26 and $36
404-894-9600
www.ferstcenter.gatech.edu
Company Mezza
Ongoing classes and performances
Fees vary.
404-827-1315
www.companymezza.com
The Nazeem Allayl Middle Eastern Dance Company
Ongoing dinner shows and classes
Fees vary.
404-638-6530
www.atlantabellydance.com
Café Istanbul
Bellydancing on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
404-320-0054
www.cafeistanbulatlanta.com
Imperial Fez
Nightly bellydancing
404-351-0870
www.imperialfez.com
Mezza Lebanese Bistro & Bar
Friday and Saturday dinner shows
404-633-8833
www.mezzabistro.com
Nicola’s Restaurant
Bellydancing on Friday, Saturday and Sunday
404-325-2524
www.nicolas-restaurant.com
Taverna Plaka
Bellydancing Tuesday through Sunday
404-636-2284
www.tavernaplakaatlanta.com