Call for Entry ~ Open to All Area Artists
Art in Movement, Journey through Dance
Exhibit Dates: September 4–27, 2020
Deadline extended to Monday, August 17, 2020 by midnight
This art exhibit celebrates the joys of movement through dance and features the art of Belly Dance. Belly Dance is expressed in many styles that communicate different cultures, languages, dress, and music—while taking you on a journey around the world. Immerse yourself in one of these dance styles and illustrate your unique interpretation.
This exhibit will have an Art-to-Go Marketplace. Entries for the marketplace are also now due August 17. Details in the Call for Entry.
Online belly dance themed figure drawing sessions
DC Art Model Collective (DCAMC) is offering belly dance themed figure drawing sessions online. Each model organizes and runs their own sessions. Mark your calendar for these Zoom sessions:
Egyptian/Cabaret Belly Dance Theme with Kenyatta
Thursday, July 16 from noon-1pm
For session details and registration, email kn.ali@icloud.com
This will be one long sustained pose in increments of 20 minutes with 5-minute breaks. Kenyatta also has photo options and private sessions available for anyone who is not able to attend this 1-hour lunch-time session.Tribal Belly Dance Theme with Jalene
Monday, July 20 from 2-4pm
For session details and registration, email jalene99@gmail.com
Jalene will record additional material as movement studies in video form that artists are welcome to purchase from her directly. Jalene also has video/photo options and private sessions available for anyone who is not able to attend this 2-hour session.Persian Belly Dance Theme with Shadiyah
Tuesday, July 21 from 7-10pm
For session details and registration, email shadiyah@shadiyahdances.com
Shadiyah also has photo options and private sessions available for anyone who is not able to attend this 3-hour session.Belly Dance: Hands and Arms with Sheba
Wednesday, July 22 from 2-4pm
For session details and registration, email blueriverdream@gmail.com
This will be a live progressive gesture session focusing on close ups of hands and arms. Sheba will record additional material as movement studies in video form that artists are welcome to purchase from her directly. Sheba also has photo options and private sessions available for anyone who is not able to attend this 2-hour session.Saidi Belly Dance Theme with Gazelle
Saturday, July 25 from 10am-1pm
For session details and registration, email gazellesartspace@gmail.com
This will be a sustained pose session after 2 quick costumed warm up poses. Gazelle will record additional material as movement studies in video form that artists are welcome to purchase from her directly. Gazelle also has video/ photo options and private sessions available for anyone who is not able to attend this 3-hour session.Tribal Fusion Belly Dance Theme with Sarah
Sunday, July 26 from 2-4pm & Thursday, July 30 from 7-9pm
For session details and registration, email indigoafterall@gmail.com
Sarah also has photo options and private sessions available for anyone who is not able to attend either of these 2-hour sessions.Cabaret/Egyptian Dance Theme with Emily
Wednesday, July 29 from 2-4pm
For session details and registration, email ebutterfield4@gmail.com
Emily also has photo options and private sessions available for anyone who is not able to attend this 2-hour session.
Check the DCAMC Calendar for additional sessions and details
More information on some of the styles of Belly Dance
Egyptian/Cabaret Style
In Egyptian style the movements tend to be more internalized and small than in other styles of belly dance. Even the smallest movement in Egyptian raqs sharqi, if performed well, is quite dramatic. Egyptian raqs include some ballet and ballroom dance influences, such as in footwork (for example the use of arabesque) and in stance and arm positions, although adapted to an oriental style. Watch Video of Egyptian/Cabaret Style
Balkan/Gypsy Style
Gypsy style belly dance is a broad interpretation of the dance style of Romani people. It uses core belly dance moves with Roma and Middle Eastern folkloric steps. It is high energy and very passionate with zills and skirts are often used. It also uses Roma and Balkan music. Gypsy belly dancers wear many fabrics to create volume, harem pants, vests, blouses, ethnic jewelry, and fringed shawls. Watch Video of Balkan/Gypsy Style
Folkloric Style
Saidi is a folkloric dance from Sa’id, a rural area in Upper Egypt that features bouncy horse-styled steps and large chest and shoulder movements. It frequently incorporates a stick or cane, called an Assaya, which is twirled in various ways and used to frame and accent movements. Watch Video of Folkloric Style
Tribal Style
Tribal Fusion belly dance combines belly dance with many different style of dance. The more common fusion styles are Flamenco, Bollywood, Hip-Hop, and Ballet. It uses all styles of music from traditional to modern. Costume varies greatly and depends on what style the belly dance is being fused with. Watch Video of Tribal Style
Persian Style
Classical Persian dance is a style of concert dance that evolved from courtroom dance. Dancers performed artistic dances in the court of the Shah for entertainment purposes such as coronations, marriage celebrations, and Norouz celebrations (Iranian new year). Watch Video of Persian Style
Odissi Style
Odissi also referred to as Orissi in older literature, is a major ancient Indian classical dance that originated in the Hindu temples of Odisha – an eastern coastal state of India. Odissi, in its history, was performed predominantly by women, and expressed religious stories and spiritual ideas. Watch Video of Odissi Style