Now a worldwide phenomenon, Bellydance Superstars to visit IUS
They've played Lollapalooza and the famed Folies Bergere in Paris, and danced with Regis and Kelly. They've been hailed as the next big dance show phenomenon to follow "Riverdance."
Now the Bellydance Superstars -- the world's premier bellydance troupe -- are set to bring their acclaimed dance spectacle to Indiana University Southeast. The troupe, which has performed 375 concerts in 16 countries in just three years, will perform their new "Raqs Carnivale" show at the Paul W. Ogle Cultural and Community Center on Nov. 11 at 8 p.m.
The troupe features some of America's best-known, most sought-after bellydancers -- many of whom are expert bellydance instructors. The dancers come from a variety of dance backgrounds, including Egyptian, Mexican, Latin, classical ballet and jazz. Taking an ancient art form into the mainstream, they have garnered international acclaim from critics, instructors, dancers and audiences.
"Bellydancing is not only the fastest growing women's leisurely activity, it's also finally come of age as a respected dance art," says the troupe's founder Miles Copeland, the former manager of the rock group The Police. "At the forefront of that movement are the Bellydance Superstars, who have almost single-handedly accomplished this in less than three years. They have helped contribute to bellydancing becoming a curious phenomenon ... a lifestyle and a passion."
The troupe's new show, "Raqs Carnivale," features all new choreography, costumes and production. Dressed in luxurious, colorful costumes and led by main choreographer and artistic director Jillina, the dancers display the true art of bellydance.
More than half a million people were exposed to the Bellydance Superstars on the Lollapalooza tour in 2003. Their appearance at the alternative music festival was followed by a stint at the famed Folies Bergere in Paris in 2005 that garnered rave reviews and standing-room-only crowds. The troupe has sold out shows in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Europe, Italy, France, Spain, Monte Carlo and all over Europe, and are now gearing up for a tour of Latin America.
"Great art grows, it does not stagnate," Copeland says. "What we are doing is elevating the art form of bellydance. We have never pretended to be traditionalists. What makes the Bellydance Superstars special is that this is a bellydance show through and through. Any musical that opens people's minds is a good thing. Our audiences come to watch the show and they walk away wanting to listen to more world music."
The Bellydance Superstars have become a unique cultural bridge between the Arab world and the West. The troupe has been called "the most important dance troupe in the world" by the Sunday Times and recognized for its efforts to enhance Western appreciation for music and dance from the Middle East.
To purchase tickets for this performance, visit http://www.ticketmaster.com or call 502-361-3100. Tickets are also available at Ticketmaster outlets and the ticket office at the Paul W. Ogle Cultural and Community Center. The Ogle Center is located at 4201 Grant Line Road in New Albany, Ind. Call 812-941-2525 for more information.
