"Rihla – The Journey of Bellydance"

The Company's current project "Rihla" explores the perceptions of bellydance and how it has evolved as different cultures meet. Bellydance has its heart and soul in the Middle East, but over recent years has grown in popularity to become a worldwide phenomenon. With this, bellydance styles have evolved and new dance forms have been created, reflecting the different cultural influences at play. So, what is bellydance today, and how has it got there?
Rihla aims to both entertain and inform, sharing the joy and passion that Tarab feel for the artform with their audience.

Theatre Show

The show follows a group of dancers developing a new piece. In doing so, they are made to explore what "bellydance" really means today, how it is perceived in both Middle Eastern and Western cultures, and how the interplay of these cultures has helped develop the dance into what it is today.

Authentic Middle Eastern dance styles such as Egyptian Oriental, Golden Era, Saiidi, Folkloric and Khalegee are presented alongside the styles they have inspired, from the Oriental Fantasy and Movie interpretations of bellydancing, to the theatrics of the LA stage. Through the performances and the dialogue which leads the audience through the show, the dancers explore the perceptions and misconceptions of bellydance, and what it really means to them. Diverse choreographies and the individuality of the dancers shine to make this an exciting and entertaining show with something for everyone!

The show is suitable for the entire family, dancers and non-dancers alike. The Company will be touring the show at venues across the UK throughout 2011 and 2012. Check out the diary for dates confirmed so far or click here to book. Should you wish to host Rihla in your area, please contact us at tarab@lovedaybellydance.co.uk.

Community Taster Sessions

To accompany the theatre show, TarabDance Company members will be teaching free taster workshops at various venues around the UK. The workshops will expand upon the theme of the show – looking at the reality and perceptions of bellydance, whilst giving a wider audience a fantastic opportunity to experience the joy of bellydancingthat has attracted the Tarab girls and thousands of others across the UK to the artform. The workshops will be fun, friendly and do not require any previous dance experience. Check out the diary for dates confirmed so far and contact details to reserve your place.

Bellydance Workshops

Many of the Company's dancers are experienced dance teachers, well respected around the UK. Check out the company page to find out more about the dancers. Where requested by local dancers, Tarab are happy to offer workshops in conjunction with any of their shows. Should you wish to host Tarabto teach workshops in your area, please contact us at tarab@lovedaybellydance.co.uk.

Tarab would like to thank the Big Lottery Fund for their support in developing the Rihla show and taster sessions.