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Cecilia and I had the chance to go on a local NPR Show, Idaho Matters. Thank you to the team at #IdahoMatters and Gemma Gaudette for taking the time to speak with us yesterday about Raks Sharqi and our show Starbelly presents Elemental The 9th annual Big Bad-Ass Belly Dance Show.
For those of you interested in learning this art form or those of you old hats who want to hear two people gush about what raqs sharki means to them - I think you'll like what we have to say! "It depends" is the short, and most correct, answer!
What I am is a dancer that has experience in multiple genres of art and I like to think that Fusion isn't limited to just dance but open to all art forms. Last summer while I participated in the site-specific play, small matters, I combined movement with theatre in urban spaces that blurred the lines between dance, theatre, reality, and absurdity. I like these grey areas and I think artists need to seek them out in order to grow and speak through art. When a dancer speaks, it takes my breath away. When a singer makes paints or molds something gently as she performs, it is incredible. These moments are Fusion to me, too. Last night during one point in the show, my friend turned to me and asked, "was that any good?" about a specific number. I am not an expert in all forms of dance, but in this case I was well versed in the style. Instead of saying yes or no, I asked her, "Did you feel like it was good? Did it evoke a feeling within you?" Not everything is "good" for everyone. Not every "fusion" works for everyone - but I still believe that intent, artistry, and professionalism can be present even if the art form is a bit inaccessible itself. We may have different styles, tastes, desires, and dreams, but I do think that the only thing Fusion really needs to be is a labor of love by someone who has poured their heart into their art and is making strong choices on how to portray their message. If "Fusion" doesn't have that, then I'm not really sure it's anything at all.
If you've seen the StarBelly social media pages you KNOW our Big Show is coming up. The 9th Annual Big Bad-Ass Belly Dance Show: Elemental is out most ambitious one yet. I've attended or have been a part of this show (to varying degrees) for 4 years, 5 including this one, and Elemental has the highest level of dancing, choreography and artistic integrity we have ever had. The audience is in for a treat and I am excited to embody my favorite kingdom of creatures in two solos... You'll know it when you see it!
In addition to Elemental there is a beautiful student salon coming up where I will be joining the tremendous, beautiful, brave and spectacular students from StarBelly School of Dance! That same day I will be dancing at Sofia's Greek Bistro with my dear friend Jessica Mareena... and this weekend I am dancing with the incomparable Cecilia Rinn at the Taj Mahal of Boise. Finally, the day before the show we will be dancing in a fundraiser for the Gem Center for the Arts - where the StarBelly School of Dance currently resides! I am not out of adjectives yet - I am so honored to be surrounded by humble and incredible dancers and people. Inspiration is all around and now it's my job to dance it out. The Facebook events are in the post below - navigate it by using the left and right arrows that appear when you hover your mouse. See you soon!
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AuthorTori King is a belly dance artist, culture enthusiast and general weirdo. Is this a good biography? Do you like me yet? :-) Archives
January 2023
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