East West Danse: Bellyfest 2010

My initial reaction to belly dancing is that only slim women who look good in bikini tops and slinky skirts would be able to do it justice. Attending Bellyfest 2010, the 4th annual Philippine Belly dance Festival at the PETA Theater Center last June 5, showed me how wrong I was.

Pre-Show Events
I got to the venue at 3 p.m. and the festivities were well underway. And that was exactly what they were, festivities. There was an explosion of colors and glitters with women of all shapes and sizes donning belly dancing costumes in an Arabian market place with booths and shops. Guests can get a glitter tattoo, fill their bellies with authentic Turkish food from Turkce Yer Restaurant, or browse through colorful dance wear and belly dance accessories that would satisfy a whole sheik’s harem. There were smiles and laughter and fun.

To be honest, I was apprehensive about going there alone but it was hard to stay aloof with everything going on. I didn’t have the guts to move my hands and hips while Bollywood Dance artist, Priya Murugesan gave a mini-workshop on Bollywood belly dancing, but I was doing it in my head. Then, Middle Eastern and World Dance artist, Belynda Azhaar gave a mini-workshop on Belly dance Drum Solo. Shimmy! Can I say mesmerizing? Can I say I-want-to-do-that-too? Still, I was held back by shyness (and a heavy goodie bag which hampers arm movement), so I stood where I was and watched rather than joined in the workshop. I also heard that I missed the martial arts workshop by a few minutes. Tsk.

There were contests in between workshops, too. I wasn’t lucky enough to bag a free belly dancing lesson, but I did win a small bag of mineral make-up from Mineraux. Thank you. In exchange for free eye shadow and blush, you’re probably going to get a whole lot of business from me, too.

As one of the lucky bloggers to be chosen to attend the event and watch the grand evening show, I also received a goody bag from Slenda. That brought about a whole new life plan in a span of ten seconds: Slenda + balanced diet + belly dancing = me, confident enough to be in a sexy bra top and slinky skirt. Soon. So thank you, Slenda I’ll tell you how it goes.

Grand Performance
We were ushered into the theater before 7 p.m. to watch the grand show. The first half was a performance about a young man who was looking for something beautiful to present to the woman he loves. Kinda reminds me of “The Alchemist”, only with a lot of beautiful dancing.

It took the audience on a journey around the world from a Middle Eastern town. Each scene showed various belly dance styles. The performance opened with a market scene, followed by the boy’s journey to South America where he learned Capoeira. A belly dance performance with the flavors of Brazil followed. It was my one of my favorite performances of the night, probably because of the color and the cheerfulness.

The boy, (I’m sorry, I wasn’t able to take note of his name) Issam went to Egypt where the dance costumes were golden and stunning; then off to Africa where Zumre, with heavy eye make-up and black lipstick, did a solo tribal belly dance number entitled “Enigma”.

In Spain, Mr. Batu Yilmaz played a Spanish guitar, followed by a fiery fusion of belly dance and Flamenco. “More Than Medals” kids did a Wushu demonstration when the journey took us to the Orient. I think it has always been at the back of my mind, but I once more realized that martial arts is a beautiful form of dance as any. Belly dance China was hypnotizing with it’s delicacy and beauty.

Recitals
After a 10-minute intermission, performances by senior dancers and their recitalists followed. There were numbers from Peak Performance Dance and Fitness Center (led by the beautiful Jill Ngo), dances choreographed by Arcel Benson, Sundee Vinas, Donna Salubayba, and Zumre. I loved the performances choreographed by Miss Jill. Of course, I’m no expert, but personally, the colors and movement captivated me. And made me want to seriously take up belly dancing. She also joined in a performance by little belly dancers which is just one of the most adorable dances you’ll ever see.

Some of the senior dancers also performed solo performances. Priya Murugesan did a solo performance of an ancient Hindu dance. There was also a Tonette Mendiola solo called “Tribal’s Triumph”. Sundee Vinas’ “Saptak” received the most admiration when she danced with a sword balanced on her head. The grand finale was a solo performance by international belly dancer, Belynda Azhaar.

Along the course of the day while I watched the workshops and was wowed by the performances, surrounded by confident women in sexy costumes, I realized that belly dancing is not just for women who look good in sexy costumes. There were full-figured goddesses, and women who were no longer in their 20′s who performed a hot striptease number, and everyone of them was having the time of their lives. It made me think that a woman who is confident in her own looks and beauty can wear whatever it is she wants to wear and can do whatever it is she sets her mind to. Let’s celebrate our femininity.

I will definitely be at Bellyfest 2011. Now, whether I’ll be watching or already dancing remains to be seen

* Pics courtesy of PETA. Thanks, Meann!

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