By E. Quinn Evans, Staff writer
Susquehanna’s Belly Dance Circle will present a dazzling demonstration of dance and culture: their spring performance, “Hafla.”
“Hafla” contains over seven individual dances. Several group dances will be performed by the two skill levels in the club and are choreographed by sophomore Mica Lewis, who is the president of the belly dance club. According to Lewis, the rest are self-choreographed solos and duets.
Lewis said some people might be surprised by how common belly dance is in the U.S.
“Belly dance is more common in America than might be considered,” Lewis said. “There are many different styles, such as cabaret, tribal, Egyptian, etc.”
“[Belly dance is a] social dance, and [should] be treated with the respect it deserves,” Lewis said. “We go to great lengths to preserve this image by following certain rules within the club, such as covering up when not performing, or respecting dancing traditions that would be expected in the Middle East.”
According to Lewis, the levels of dance experience in the company vary.
“We have had some girls who did various types of dance, such as ballet and Bollywood, but generally our dancers are new to the experience,” Lewis said. “All the moves taught have been passed down through the years or learned by watching other dancers.”
Lewis said that the values of the belly dance club extend be- yond the borders of their focus, as they also strive to promote body positivity and other principles.
“As a club, we promote cultural awareness and community,” Lewis said. “We strive to include all individuals regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, body type, [and] religion.”
First exposed to belly dance when she was a child, Lewis was intrigued by the style.
“There is a natural and unique beauty in Belly Dance,” Lewis said. “It requires control of particular muscles in the body that you may not have been aware of. Dancing is a release from the stresses of everyday life.”
Lewis also praised the passion and diversity of those in the Belly Dance Circle.
“When we meet, we have fun, we exercise, and we share in our love of a different style of dance and culture,” Lewis said. “What’s wonderful about our club is that we are all unique in our interests and skills. We have all types of majors, such as psychology, science, creative writing, etc.”
“Hafla” will be performed on April 22 at 7:30 p.m. in Isaac’s Auditorium in Seibert Hall.
Admission is free for SU students with ID, $3 for non-SU students and $5 for adults.
