Hello Dancers,
I’ve got some exciting performance news today. I’m thrilled to be part of virtual belly dance show premiering this weekend that celebrates the belly dance scene as it developed in the United States. This style is referred to today as ‘American Cabaret’ or AmCab for short, hence the name if the show, It’s AmCab Baby!
Both my mother and my aunt were professional belly dancers in the Bay Area during this period, and so I grew up loving it and am absolutely thrilled to be part of the show.
My mom, who danced under the name Yamah.
My aunt, who danced under the name Bahiga
For the virtual show I chose a costume skirt that was made for me in the 1990s by Anna of Universal Imports, the shop where my mom bought many of her costuming supplies in the 1970s! I loved going there when I was little.
There are many gorgeous dancers in the show to celebrate this era, including Julia, the dancer featured on the cover of this classic album by John Bilezikjian. They are both legends of American belly dance and Julia will be dancing to the late John’s music for her from this album in her performance.
If you’d like to join us for the show, tickets are $10 and can be purchased on Eventbrite. You can chose to watch the premiere on Zoom, or you have a week to watch on YouTube.