Belly Dancing: Shimmy into National Dance Week in Harrisburg, PA

March 25, 2004 -- Over one hundred years ago, the sinuous movements of Oriental Dance stunned and captivated audiences of the Chicago World's Columbian Exposition. With a corruption of the French "danse du ventre", dance of the stomach, the erroneous pseudonym "Belly Dance" was born.

Although extremely popular in the United States, the public and many dance professionals overlook the rewards of Oriental Dance, known in Arabic as "Raqs al Sharqi".

Other dance forms may restrict general involvement due to requirements of age, fitness level, or body type. Oriental Dance embraces all participants. Toning the entire body from head to toe with gentle, low impact movements this Dance doubles as exercise for many people and provides a wide range of health benefits.

Supported by dancers, National Dance Week is an annual event devoted to raising the awareness of the importance of all dance styles. National Dance Week is now a vital part of the Arts calendar in Harrisburg, PA.

Dance has evolved over the last thirty years to surpass its image as solely an entertainment vehicle. Health and education professionals now recognize the numerous benefits Dance has to offer to their patrons. In addition to positive validation for the mind, body, and spirit, participants experience a renewed commitment to discipline, teamwork, confidence, and individual expression.

The focus of National Dance Week is to raise the public's awareness to the importance of Dance and its immense contribution to American culture. National Celebrity Spokesperson Tommy Tune, National Education Spokesperson Jo Rowan, and Children's Character Angelina Ballerina join the 164 delegates in 45 states who are participating in regional events.

Sponsored by the Greater Harrisburg Arts Council, the celebration begins on Saturday, April 24, with the "Central Pennsylvania Dancer's Showcase" at Strawberry Square, Harrisburg. Diversity is the theme with performances from an array of area dance schools and troupes. On Sunday, April 25, dancers unite to "kick off" the week with the "Sixth Annual Capitol Kickline" on the steps of the State Capitol building followed by a variety of Workshops.

For those who cannot attend the Harrisburg "Kickline", the National Dance Week web site hosts a "Virtual Kickline". Prize drawings with winners' chosen from contributors names entered on the site occur daily.

Egyptian Raqs al Sharqi dance company, Troupe Raqesi al-Qamar al-Marion's scheduled appearance on Harrisburg's abc27 television "Daybreak Show" aims to inform viewers not only of the importance of the Week as a cultural event, but also to diffuse some of the misconceptions surrounding Egyptian style Oriental Dance.

National Dance Week Regional Director and Artistic Director of Troupe Raqesi al-Qamar a-Masrion, Shelby Pizzarro welcomes the addition of Oriental Dance to the Harrisburg event. "Many times Raqs al Sharqi is looked upon as the 'step child' of the dance world. Those who have discovered this empowering art understand the beauty and accessibility to women, and men, of all ages, sizes, and abilities. Troupe Raqesi al-Qamar al-Masrion is looking forward to actively participating in this wonderful event."

The National Dance Week motto, "Kick In And Be Counted" is especially significant to Pizzarro's Troupe. Comprised of enthusiastic women from Central Pennsylvania, they have unselfishly given up their time to further the cause of Oriental Dance. They have embraced the true spirit not only of the Dance but also of National Dance Week by helping to elevate this art form. As positive role models, the women dance from their hearts and make Oriental Dance a discernible influence in the Arts community. This is evident not only during National Dance Week, but throughout the year.

To learn more about Egyptian Oriental Dance please visit: "Egyptian Dance! The Heart of Belly Dance" at http://www.egyptiandance.ws

Comprehensive National Dance Week information is available by visiting: "National Dance Week" at http://www.nationaldanceweek.org



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