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PRIMAL INFUSION: Bellydance Festival and Workshops at the Nile

By: Norma Takahashi

Topics: and Gypsy, ATS (American tribal style ), bakersfield dance groups, bellydancing, Burlesque, Cabaret, erotic, exotic, fusion, Gothic, interview, Marluna, Modern, Performance, styles of bellydance, The Nile, trendy excercise, twinkie

Are you tired of the typical, boring exercise regime?

Are you looking to be involved in the new trend in exercise? Something that’s low impact, core strengthening that anyone of any gender, age and body type can enjoy?

Then bellydancing might be perfect for you.

*Above, members of Tribal Moon Rising. photo by Todd Powers Photography

“Ay no, that’s not for me. Leave that to the sexy young girls that like to dance erotic.” you might be thinking to yourself.

Well, fellow bakotopians, I was recently awarded the opportunity of interviewing Janet “Marluna” McArthy, a 4 year bellydancing student and member of dance group Tribal Moon Rising out of Bakersfield to help promote their upcoming event, “Primal Infusion” February 19th - 21st at the Nile, 1721 19th st. and she disagrees with that line of thinking.

She beams with pride as she explains, “Bellydance is a very mysterious form of artistic expression. The reason people think it is sexy is because of the feminine mystic, power, and ability to entice and capture an audience. People think that if a woman has power over her own sexuality that she is promiscuous. And this is just not the case with bellydancers. Bellydance promotes the bond of friendship and sisterhood between dancers.”
 
She went on to add, “Bellydancers are not ‘strippers’ either. In fact, in some styles of bellydance they do not even allow the performers to show their stomachs.  Originally bellydancers only performed for other women within their tribes during various celebrations such as child birth, marriages, etc. We are also not "I Dream of Genie" Hollywood pin-up girls.  Our troupe is made up of moms, daughters, grandmothers, teachers, artist, nurses and business owners.”

When I asked her what we could expect at this belly dancing event she explained, “This year Primal Infusion will include performers from all walks of life. Varying skill levels, styles, and techniques will be presented.  We have world known dancers and several local performers dancing and teaching classes throughout the day and evening show.”

She proudly adds, “The styles of bellydance you will see at this event are Cabaret, ATS (American tribal style ) , Fusion, Gothic, Modern, Burlesque, and Gypsy.” 


Above: Janet “Marluna” McArthy. Photo by Derek Wrigley

Of the show itself Marluna feels the public needs to know that bellydancing events are meant to be a gathering of the tribes. They gather to showcase their talents and to perform for their sisters and brothers in dance.

She says they encourage the public to come watch, learn and participate with them “as we celebrate our skills and appreciation for the art.”

Now that we’ve piqued your interest you’re probably excited about this even and want more information. You’re probably wondering, “If I wanted to attend this event what time would be ideal for me to be there to get the maximum experience?”

-Come on out Friday, February 19th at the Nile, 1721 19th St. Have a few cocktails and watch '80s movie classic, "Earth Girls Are Easy".

-Then come back Saturday, February 20th between 9:00am-5:00pm for the bellydancing workshops.

-Ready to watch some dancing? Performances start Saturday at 1:00pm and the headliners go on stage at 6:00pm!

-Workshops resume Sunday, February, 21st from 10:00am-12:00pm.

Hope to see you there!