An Evening of Experimental Middle Eastern Dance

1 rating since posting on Thursday, July 14, 2005
in Venice
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(submitted by Amara )

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EEMED is LA Weekly's Pick of the Week
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AN EVENING OF EXPERIMENTAL MIDDLE EASTERN DANCE

The history of belly dance reaches back centuries with a geographical sweep
extending from Arabia to Asia. In the U.S., the traditions have been
sometimes honored and sometimes commercialized, although the latest
generation of dancers - incorporating a range of contemporary and national
dance forms - have infused classic belly dance with a creative new energy.
Some of the bolder endeavors have been undertaken by the dozen troupes
assembled here by producer-choreographer-dancer Amara, whose own piece,
Becoming, utilizes film and live performance. Film, specifically silent-film
depictions of the femme fatale, also draws attention from Desert Sin Dance
Company. Butoh influences show up in both Laurie Buenafe's See and Ya
Helewa!'s Unknown, while Chinese dance informs the Perfumes of Araby's
retelling of The Monkey King. Storytelling and myth, magic and mysticism
fuel dances from Anaheed, Brandon D. Nilles, Dawna, Djahari, Lorraine, Myths
Dance Company and Tandemonium. Ample evidence here that belly dance is far
more than after-dinner entertainment. Electric Lodge, 1416 Electric Ave.,
Venice; Fri.-Sat., July 15-16 & 22-23, 8 p.m.; Sun., July 17 & 24, 7 p.m.;
$25. (818) 906-1947 or eemed.com. - Amara , posted 07/14/05
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