Thank you so much to the Idaho Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts for supporting my International Choreography Project!  Keep your eyes on this space for more information about how to view these dances in the Boise Community (for no cost) and of course more information about how this project came to be!  

In these troubled times, keeping the spirit of the arts alive is more important than ever. Self expression is part of being a human being, and it is thanks to organizations like the Idaho Arts Commission that this important aspect of the human experience can be kept in tact. 

Today is my birthday and I'm finally old enough to be President of the United States (35!)! This is a big year of transformation for me, for reasons I don't want to blast all over the internet. I'm going inward, holding my space sacred, and creating space for unlimited possibility (that I can grasp)! 

Something that I've been working on this year is an anthology of symbols that have meanings to me - some would call it collecting totems, creating a grimoire, etc etc. I'm not being that specific or strict on myself, but it is a fun activity to call out the symbols, archetypes, motifs, and guides that have added joy to my life. What are some symbols that have been in yours? Some of mine include the feathered serpent, the number 7, the darkest shade of blue, water dragons, petrichor, leaves spiraling in the wind, and the way my husband looks at cats. Oh, of course the archetype of the joker (or the fool), and dancing forever. 

I'd like to give a special thank you to everyone who joined the Starbelly Dancers at Robobelly Roundup!  It was a fabulous show with a wonderful crowd. I continue to be surprised by the incredibly positive response - to the point where I feel like we didn't get weird enough!  Be sure to keep an eye on my socials - you'll be seeing Moolisa and the animals from Only Farms again at Treefort Music Fest! 

October is always an exciting time of year for me. I feel more connected to my spiritual self and less tethered to this mortal plane. How this month has shaken out is a further manifestation of this pattern: I have either been looking ahead, looking behind, or tied to the present moment in magical and/or unexpected ways.

I'm typing this post from a coffee spot in Salt Lake City, Utah, which I last visited during the most challenging year of my life. I didn't expect to be here this week, but life demanded that I return to this city. Fall is a beautiful time of year, and in this mountainous town, surrounded by the explosion of colorful leaves, I am struck with the beauty of my life's journey since my difficult days. I believe that time isn't linear, and often when I feel that "everything is going to be alright," I suspect a version of me from the past/future/parallel present sends me good vibes. I hope past Tori feels all the love shining onto her, just like I feel the love she's shining onto me. Future Tori gets some love too! 

Blah blah blah, I've had a great month, ramping up for Hallowe'en - one of my favorite days! In honor of my lack of time, let's look into the past and future for the rest of this post!

The first 10 days of October, Cecilia and I went to Santa Fe to build the foundation of The Radiant Tarot with Myra Krien and to celebrate her 60th birthday by dancing with the incredible (and I mean great) band, Sherefe. 

When I say we packed this week full of hard work, I mean it. We spend hours reviewing Myra's repertoire, pulling costumes, and discussing intention and dancing. During this time, Myra maintained her usual class schedule, and I had the opportunity to absorb more of the beautiful totality of Myra's talent. Myra's skill speaks for itself in performance, production, costume creation, and teaching/mentorship - but how can all these things exist in one little lady?!  With an assist from her fabulous right-hand person, Yeva, I believe that Myra can actually do anything she wants. Here are some highlights from social media!

Something else that was fun this week was taking part in a promotional photoshoot with Lili Alba, who is a model and a belly dancer, in addition to an ace photographer! The photoshoot took place at the beautiful studio of Alexandra Eldridge, the artist behind the Radiant Tarot (and my new obsession - she is gorgeous inside and out). It was a magical moment.​

Another thank you to the Idaho Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the arts for easing our way into this week! â€‹

If you would like to learn more about The Radiant Tarot and assist in the creation of this international event, please click on the link below! 

Once we wrapped up our goals surrounding The Radiant Tarot, it was time to meet and dance with Sherefe. I could write a LONG essay about every individual person in that band - this is the definition of a supergroup. In addition to the general musical GENIOUS, they are all individually wonderful, friendly, talented, and funny. I'm an obsessed fan! This is a clip of me dinking around during our dress rehearsal (which was SO MUCH FUN)!

I've been a bit sloppy about sharing my dance adventures on this website, but I am more active on Instagram! For the most up-to-date information, please join me on Insta. On a fun note, I'm trying out this Tik Tok thing... I feel ancient!  Here are some links! 

With all of that said, I'd love to see you at some of my up and coming public performances! 

Join the Starbelly Dancers at 10:30 AM on Friday, November 25th, during the St. Alphonsus Festival of Trees! 

From the Saint Al's Website...

For 38 years, the Saint Alphonsus Festival of Trees has kicked off the holiday season in the Treasure Valley. The holiday season is a time for coming together to celebrate and revel in tradition. It is also a time for thinking of others and giving of ourselves. We are excited to bring back the magic of the Festival of Trees in 2022. Mark your calendars for November 22 (Gala), November 23-27 (General Exhibition), and November 28 (Fashion Show.) Let's celebrate!
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100% of net proceeds from the 2022 Festival of Trees will fund priority capital projects at Saint Alphonsus with a focus on our new Neuro Surgical Trauma Intensive Care Unit, the FIRST and ONLY critical care unit in Idaho that has board-certified and fellowship-trained neurocritical care physicians. Patients in our region will receive the most advanced life-saving care in our community.

The Starbelly Dancers are returning to the Sapphire Room just in time to celebrate the holidays! Join us for The Art of Belly Dance: Bring on the Cheer! We cannot wait to beguile you with beauteous belly dancing and surprises from a few of our friends in the community. Haven’t been to a belly dance show before? Get ready to be inspired by Middle Eastern culture, entertained by nationally acclaimed performers, and to cheer aloud in one of the most gorgeous venues in the Treasure Valley (with a full bar and delicious seasonal menu). December 1st could be another Thursday for you, or it could be the beginning of a new holiday tradition. We can’t wait to dance with you!

The Starbelly Dancers are nationally recognized belly dance artists from Boise, Idaho under the artistic direction of Cecilia Rinn. Specializing in traditional, modern, fusion and theatrical raks sharki, or belly dance, they are available to entertain at family-friendly celebrations, festivals, and main stage events across the nation. Collectively, the Starbelly Dancers have been granted awards by organizations such as The Alexa Rose Foundation, Boise City Department of Arts and History, The Idaho Arts Commission, and the National Endowment for the Arts and have been seen at events such as Boise Music Week, Treefort Music Festival, and even on Telemundo. Catch the Starbelly Dancers in a city near you during the 2023 international touring production, The Radiant Tarot. Find out more about this dance company by visiting ceciliabellydance.com.
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Join us for dinner and drinks ! The Sapphire Room features a full food and bar menu with table-side service.
With the purchase of a ticket, Sapphire guests are eligible for The Riverside Hotel's "Sapphire Getaway" for $169 + tax. Includes a standard hotel room (double occupancy) and breakfast for two the following morning. To reserve, please call 208-331-4931. Sapphire Getaway rate subject to availability.
The Sapphire Room is all-ages and family friendly. Every person that enters must have a ticket. No babes in arms.
FREE and convenient parking.
Please note that general seats may have a partially obstructed view.
Many tables are at bar height. Guests requiring lower seating will be most comfortable at tables 11 - 49. Guests requiring ADA accessible seating will be most comfortable at the following tables: 35, 36, 37, 38, 45, 46, 47, 48 and 49. For questions about accessible seating, please call 208-343-1871 or email [email protected].
100% refunds are available until 24 hours before the event. Refunds cannot be processed after the event occurs for any reason.

I have a few new workshops added to the menu! They arise from the completion of my MFA but also where my interests are currently aligning! In lieu of adding my hat to the ocean of "beginner belly dance" lessons, I am trying something a bit different. How do we express our individual artistry? What is our body telling us through dance? What are the experiences that make us grow? These questions are the ones I want to explore! 

I have lead these workshops for all sorts of dance styles and now I'm offering them up as option on my webpage. Have a look and if these are interesting, I'd love to hear from  you! I have open dates towards the end of 2022 into 2023!

As always, I want to ensure that you receive the teaching you want and deserve... even if it's not from me. Let's chat - let's play - let's dance! 

CHOREOGRAPHY MASTERCLASS/ WORKSHOP/ EXPLORATION
Are you struggling to find your choreographic voice? Do you have a work that you'd like a second set of eyes on? Are you curious about different choreographic processes? With decades of experience and a master's degree in choreography, Tori is ready to offer you the insights you and/or your troupe need to take your choreography and choreographic practice to the next level.  This workshop can be done virtually. ​

DANCE INTENSIVE
You have a lot of work to do and not a lot of time to do it! Be it learning new styles, honing in on your dances, creating a show from scratch, or having an unforgettable dance experience with your friends, Tori is ready to lead you on a journey! This style of workshop is usually over a week, a weekend, or a series of extended virtual meetings. Tori can offer extended versions of the workshops listed here or something special just for you and your dance cohort. 

IMPROVISATION - SAY YES! 
Incorporating her experience with theatrical improvisation and dance improvisation, you've never taken a dance workshop like this one! Expect games, belly laughs, and to surprise yourself with inspiration. This workshop can be done virtually. 

In one month I'm headed to Santa Fe to be a part of this show produced by Myra Krien and the beauteous Mosaic Dance Company. Live you'll see the return of the Minotaur and I also get to pull on @ceciliarinn 's hair HAHAHAHA! Online you'll see the fabulous film created in Hawaii filmed and edited by @itry2dream, who is a filmmaker/artist to watch!
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Join us for our 24th annual big show! Invaders of the Heart 2022: The Birth of Venus! Through archetype, myth and story this show explores the divine feminine in her many facets. Coming to you this June! Not in Santa Fe? There's a virtual performance option as well! 

The Starbelly Dancers invite you on a journey through the secret corridors of the human spirit. House of Secrets brings together mythology, narrative, and innovative artistry to shine light upon the monsters that haunt us in the darkness… all through belly dance!  

House of Secrets features the Treasure Valley’s premier belly dance artists, The Starbelly Dancers, led by directors Cecilia and Chad Rinn, featuring Bayla Night and Cassandra Joan – and of course “Starbelly West” with Alyssa Kimm (Portland, OR) and Creative Director Tori King (Los Angeles, CA). Original and World Premier Music has been created by Matthew Vorhies (Boise, ID), Erik Messal (Albuquerque, NM), Sean Daly (Portland, OR), and Fleet Street Klezmer Band and Safar (Spokane, WA).  

Chad Rinn did the art and editing to make the video of the show a new and great experience! 

Make it a point to enter the House of Secrets. Who knows what you will discover?

As the photos from #HouseofSecrets are getting released, I wanted to take a minute to talk about the piece that held the most magic (for me) on stage. I had a lot of favorite moments in the show, but creating the Inner Child Dance with @cassandrajoandance was deeply, deeply meaningful. The piece was based in part on Inner Child/Somatic Therapy and Mindfulness, but really it was inspired by Cassandra herself - she inspires me greatly with her insight, eloquence, and courage. The premise we created was simple, I clung to Cassandra as an expression of the Inner Child who the adult encourages to find peace. Through this simplicity, I felt like I could hear into Cassandra's body and I felt the inner children of several audience members breathe with us as we left a part of our hearts on the stage. Are you guys interested in more #bts thoughts from the show with the rest of the crew from @starbellydanceschool? 
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Pic @bebmomentsintime 
Costumes @starbellycreations 
Lights @fragmentchaz 
​Venue @vacuber

It's true and I cannot deny it - I love to talk. I feel like I open my mouth and my voice is directly connected to some incessant energy that WILL NOT QUIT. When I get excited - I talk - when I get nervous - I talk - when I get angry - I talk - when I get inspired - you're sure as shit that I'm going to be talking to you. The only time I don't talk is when I sleep... that I'm aware of! 

I chalk it up to a mixture of immaturity, vanity, and creative process. 

Why am I (over) sharing this? I wanted to take a few moments to describe my excitement about the up and coming House of Secrets Show and to share some behind the scenes information that may be interesting before the Big Event!  I also have some words to say about my time in Hawaii curated by Myra Krien. Basically, this is a post where I talk, and sometimes talk about talking. I hope you enjoyed the context... on with the blog! 

​But first - a testimonial!

The description for the House of Secrets Event (click here to see it on Facebook Events AND to buy your TICKET) is only a taste of what this show holds. Throughout the creative process, the Starbelly Dancers delved DEEP into our hearts and bodies. We made some discoveries and acknowledged many of the wounds that have been left by the world (including the hurt from the pandemic). Usually we enjoy showcasing joy, humor, beauty, and wonder... but the show that called to us this year is one of naming, healing, and manifesting our kindest future.

It has been an honor to work on this show in tandem with Cecilia and use the Starbelly Dancers as my guinea pigs for my choreographic research for my graduate program in the last set. Cecilia was so gracious in letting me be a BIG part of the process for this show (Cecilia produces many shows every year, but this is the Biggest and the most Bad-Ass... and the most experimental! Not many Artistic Directors would share space like this!) and the Starbelly Dancers were also so generous with their time and energy during the creative process. 

I'm going to describe my impressions and some behind the scenes information from each set to tantalize you and inform you about what we are dancing about and for... hopefully this will add to your enjoyment of the entire show! 

Act 1: Ariadne 

For this set we are performing a retelling of the legend of the Minotaur in the Labyrinth... but from the perspective of the often neglected princess, Ariadne: 

​The story starts with Ariadne, princess of Crete, dancing about the labyrinth where her brother, The Minotaur, is imprisoned. The Minotaur is a terrifying monster that requires blood sacrifices to appease him. A hero named Theseus comes to slay the Minotaur for glory and Ariadne falls in love with him. Ariadne provides Theseus a spool of thread and a sword and waits outside the labyrinth for Theseus to slay the monster... thus betraying bother her family and her kingdom. Theseus slays the Minotaur and takes Ariadne to a remote island where he abandons her to die. As Ariadne dances one last time, she catches the attention of the God of Fertility and Wine, Dionysus. They marry and at the end of Ariadne's mortal life, she becomes the Goddess of the Labyrinth, guiding those who have lost their way an bringing secrets to the light. 

The show's choreography used several different processes. This set was a democratic process, with the devising and curation responsibilities shared between all of the Starbelly Dancers. 

When Myra Krien asked the Starbelly Dancers to contribute a dance set to an up and coming show themed around God and Goddess archetypes, I thought: Easy.

I was wrong!

Cecilia and I spoke for HOURS (at least 5), and that doesn't include the ruminations of the rest of the group in Boise, about which Goddess we wanted to evoke and eventually came to the conclusion to explore the story of Theseus and the Minotaur. I will be frank: I thought this was a terrible idea at first. This story has no goddess, or at least not a simple one. I sent Cecilia a list of 20 much easier Goddesses but she was attracted to this story because it fit well with the other acts of this show. Eventually, I had to concede: this story was too good. 

There are many more details but this post is already too long. I'll try and keep the rest of them short but I HAVE to add that the incredible Matthew Vorhies wrote original music for this set! He participated in our creative explorations in Starbelly Studio and made music for us based off of our rehearsals. How amazing is that!?

We also had the chance to premier this set during the Namaka: Eyes of Kahai show in Hawaii - the reviews are positive and I KNOW you're going to enjoy it. Plus, I get to channel my rage in my role as the Minotaur, with dance movement inspired by the art of Butoh! Okay, now I have to move on to...

Act 2: Thunder Mountain 

Cecilia is the lead in creating the narrative and devising the movement for this second part of the show. 

Way back when the idea of "House of Secrets" was a baby, Cecilia was reminded of a place that holds special meaning to her named the Thunder Mountain Monument. It is in no-where's land Nevada outside of Winnemucca and it is truly a bizarre place created by a man with feverish passions. I'm not even going to try and say the story of the monument because it is convoluted and involves cult themes and incest - think True Detective Season 2, but no car chase scene. 

Click the image to check out what Wikipedia has to say about this place. 

Thunder Mountain Monument is interesting... but I am more interested in Cecilia, who I love and adore and admire, and I am thrilled that she decided to make this show a personal exploration of parts of her life. Long story short: Cecilia continues to return to Thunder Mountain Monument throughout her life's journey and it has become symbolic to her. Cecilia has created a work that is incredibly raw and vulnerable.

Included in this presentation is imagery in the form of videos and photos edited by Chad Rinn, who will be creating the video for all of the show. I don't want to give any more away so I'll shut my yap. 

Fun musician facts: Music for this set was provided by the incredible Sean Daly of Portland, OR and Erik Messal of Albuquerque, NM. They remastered and wrote original music just for us... Erik also joined the devising process and was fundamental to my choreography which will be featured in...

Act 3: Mind's Body

The final set of the show is the culmination of my graduate research for my MFA (Masters in Fine Arts), so I was the lead choreographer. As you may know, I am getting a graduate degree in choreography to help me take my next step as a dance artist and scholar. My research has been tied to the somatic practice of ideokinesis. Ideokinesis is a practice that uses guided imagery to correct the postural alignment of the body through stillness... think of it as a Pilates/mediation hybrid! I used this practice to help create movement for the entire show, but I collected certain themes to culminate this final set which has turned into an attempt to pass trauma through the body in order to heal it. I was interested that this theme arose out of my research, but not surprised - we have had a traumatizing two years, my friends.

Through exploration, noticing, mindfulness, and the power of friendship I created dances that emerged from the theme of "healing from trauma." Because my set is the only one that isn't a narrative, I'm going to list the dances: 

1. Body Secrets
2. Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn (the 4fs/Trauma Responses) 
3. Naming the Feeling
4. Inner Child
5. Practice of Gratitude 

Body Secrets features all of the Starbelly Dancers - in this piece we share the secrets we hold in our body but through dance. I don't expect anyone to discover a secret, but it is a fascinating practice of vulnerability and also a tantalizing way to begin this set dedicated to the body/mind connection. The music for this piece is a cover of belly dance classic Hadouni Hadouni and was contributed by the amazing band Safar from Spokane for Starbelly's use. 

The 4fs features Alyssa Kimm as Fight, Bayla Night as Flight, Cassandra Joan as Freeze, and Cecilia Rinn as Fawn as we explore and share our interpretations of these Trauma Responses. I was so impressed with the research done by the performers for their solo sections and how each performer deeply immersed themselves in this dance.  The music for this piece was created by Erik - his contribution to our creative intensive was the inspiration and I INSISTED that he make a song for this piece. 

Naming the Feeling is a duet featuring the beautiful Chad and Cecilia Rinn. I always joke that they do a "love" duet and as a way to break them of this tendency I curated a "loving one"  haha. As we created this work, I have asked Chad to embody a feeling he would like to release, and for Cecilia to embody someone on a journey to face their inner demons/big emotions. The music for this is another classic Lama Bada contributed by Safar - a beautiful cover that sets the tone for this dance. 

Inner Child is a quasi duet/solo featuring Cassandra Joan and me. This one is self explanatory and perhaps the thing that I am most proud of for this entire set. In the devising process, Cassandra and I had that magical moment where we were vibrating on the same creative frequency - a feeling that I will treasure forever. I felt like I could feel her feelings as I jumped into her skin... this may not sound pleasant but Cassandra will read this and nod, knowingly. Erik was both an inspiration and the musical contributor for this piece. 

Practice of Gratitude is the grand finale of my set and the entire show and I wanted it to be warm and expressive. It features all of the Starbelly Dancers doing a live improvisational exploration of gratitude carefully set up by yours truly. My goal is for everyone in the room, the state, the country, the world to be affected by the positive energy we manifest in this final dance. The music for this set will be performed live by the incredible Matthew Vorhies - who we strong armed into doing EVEN MORE for this show. 

I hope these explanations are helpful and interesting! You'll certainly want to be getting your tickets ASAP for this incredible event. Don't delay! ​

Our Annual Belly Dance Show & Latin Social Dance Party RETURNS!!!!
The legendary goddess herself Myra Krien is BACK to the Orchid Isle!!!!
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Come enjoy a theatrical dance production celebrating the divine feminine- our show takes you through a variety of goddess myths from different cultures highlighting all the many aspects that the feminine essence can embody.

Myra Krien is a talented choreographer and performer who has mentored countless dancers to refine their craft! She has made a vocation of empowering other women to create a practice of nurturing their creativity & celebrating their femininity. 13 dancers will be traveling to experience putting on this production for you- We hope you’ll enjoy seeing the women & men on this journey shine.

We also know you’ll be inspired to dance yourselves so we’ll also be having a Dance party where you can social dance to Big Island’s favorite Latin Dance DJ Eyal Fitoussi! He’ll be playing a Latin mix of Salsa, Zouk, Bachata & Kizomba. So don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes!

Doors Open at 7:00PM
Grab a cocktail & find your seats
Show starts at 7:30PM
Dance Party begins at 9:00PM

Venue : The Kona Elks Lodge at Hualalai Center (Old Hualalai Theater on Hualalai Road)

Get tickets online at www.namaka.rsvpify.com 

​Starbelly School of Dance Presents: House of Secrets
You do not want to miss the 12th Annual Big Bad-Ass Belly Dance Show!!!
The Starbelly Dancers invite you on a journey through the secret corridors of the human spirit. House of Secrets brings together mythology, narrative, and innovative artistry to shine light upon the monsters that haunt us in the darkness… all through belly dance!

House of Secrets features the Treasure Valley’s premier belly dance artists, The Starbelly Dancers, led by directors Cecilia and Chad Rinn, featuring Bayla Night and Cassandra Joan – and of course “Starbelly West” with Alyssa Kimm (Portland, OR) and Creative Director Tori King (Los Angeles, CA). Original and World Premier Music has been created by Matthew Vorhies (Boise, ID), Erik Messal (Albuquerque, NM), Sean Daly (Portland, OR), and Safar (Spokane, WA).

House of Secrets will be performed at the one and only Visual Arts Collective on:
Friday, April 8th from 9 pm-11 pm (doors open at 8 pm)
Saturday, April 9th from 9 pm-11 pm (doors open at 8 pm)

Tickets will be $15 in advance and $20 at the door – plan to get there early to enjoy the current art installation and enjoy the adult beverages. This show is 21+.

Both shows will feature a silent auction to raise money for the Scholarship and Financial Aid programs run by Starbelly School of Dance. For more information, please visit starbellschoolofdance.com or contact Cecilia at 208.891.6609.

Make it a point to enter the House of Secrets. Who knows what you will discover?
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FAQs
What's the refund policy?
Tickets must be refunded before doors open for the date of the show.
FAQs
Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?
21+ VALID ID REQUIRED

Something that has emerged for me from this year of change is highly thoughtful spending. I was never wasteful with my finances before and I always try and support small businesses and artisans, but recently realized that I was spending more than money on things - I have been spending my time, effort, and energy. Just like saving money, I must also save my vitality. If something in my life doesn't serve me and my community, then I have no space for it.

While I have decided to take a break in having a day-job with a non profit organization, I do want to continue to make an impact on people and communities. I encourage everyone with resources to share them this holiday season... we need one another.  If you have a cause you believe in, I guarantee there is a group of people who deserve a donation of time and/or finances from you, if you can. 

A mindful life involves mindful choices - it is hard to have that level of brain function on in every decision, but when I flex my mindful muscles I am never disappointed. I have removed many things that simply do not serve me - I have spent so much less vitality this year than I ever had... though I hear the toll of student loans down the line for sure! 

These thoughts have no "point" per say, they are a stream of thoughts floating on the river of my mind. I want to manifest prosperity in my life but also in yours, and for everyone we hold dear. This involves attention, care, and intent - things that I am lucky to practice every time I hit the dance floor or do a mediation. 

Happy Holidays! 

In February 2022 I'm teaming up with the fine folks from Immersive Arts Collective, LA to teach some free workshops in dance! More details to come closer to the date.

Now that Thanksgiving is over we can welcome Christmas with open arms. I made this last year to thank a Starbelly student for letting me borrow her Santa hat in my dire hour of need... I also wanted to show off my decorations. It is weird seeing my old house now! 

On March 13th Starbelly brought you into the wonderful world of BUGS. The reviews are in and, by popular request, we are thrilled to announce that we are placing the show On Demand. All proceeds of this show will continue to go to the Starbelly Financial Aid Fund!

Here are some of the rave reviews:
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"[Starbelly is] forging ahead to new horizons." Tamalyn Dallal, Oriental Dance teacher, writer and film maker

"I have never seen anything so creatively brilliant by any artist in any genre...My heart is still thumping!" Gloria Skurzynski, Award Winning Author of 64 published books for young readers and young adults. 

​Not convinced? We think our final review from cultural anthropologist, Erik Messel

"The Bug Show is by far the most creative performance of its kind that I have experienced. As is true for all StarBelly performances, the costumes are gorgeous, the choreography is masterful, and the dancers are magnificent. This show, however, is something altogether different. Framed by a pleasantly haunting voice-over of some renowned naturalist, the audience is seduced into a psychedelic rite of passage through the pages of a 19th century entomological tome. Each piece begins with a hand-drawn fact sheet on a particular bug, complete with the Latin name and tagged with, “but did you know that…” That’s right, the show is also educational! The choreography and costume is true to each species, which really sets the performances apart. This dedication to the subject deeply impacts the dance. The movements associated with the dance styles morph as they take on the characteristics of each creature producing this fantastical space between the natural and the cultural. The video production and editing for the show makes that space transcendent. The use of green screen, layered shots, hand-drawn backgrounds and filters captures a wild and alien world of bugs. Set to an eclectic collection of traditional and experimental songs, the experience is truly otherworldly. It is like eating a handful of shrooms and randomly opening to a page in an entomologist’s field notes. I felt deeply engaged in each moment and at the same time, excited to flip the page to see what far-out, magical creature comes next. Mesmerizing is how I would describe the experience. If you haven’t seen it, see it, because you won’t have seen anything like it."

Erik Messal, Med, Educational Consultant & Curriculum Supervisor

​View the Bug Show On Demand Today!