ShimmySTL: The Surprising History of Bellydance in St. Louis

This spellbinding show blends documentary with dance performances to unveil the deep connections between our Midwestern city and a beautiful dance form from Middle East.

••••••••••••••••

Did you know that a belly dancer at the 1904 World's Fair who balanced a chair in her teeth while shimmying?

Or that a St. Louis woman opened a school for "Salome Dancers" in 1908?

In the 1970s, bellydance was so popular in St. Louis that you could see a show at Famous Barr or attend an amateur night at a local club.

••••••••••••••••

You'll see documentary footage and live performances representing: • The 1904 World's Fair • Early 20th century Salome craze (Salomania!) • St. Louis's famous Gaslight District • How bellydance took over the world (and the STL) in the 70s • The First Lady of Bellydancing in St. Louis • The St. Louis restaurant scene around Y2K • The St. Louis Rennaissance Fair • The Egyptian Style that swept the nation in early 2000s • New styles of bellydance that have emerged in the 21st century

Don't miss it!

You'll also get a sneak peak at some highlights from this years Fringe Festival.

Presented by STLFringe. Produced by Lauren Zehara and Dance Hipnotique.

Featuring (in order of appearance): Lisa Michelle Ami Amore Lauren Zehara Dance Hipnotique: Lorelei, Layla, Zayna Salwa Aalim Dance Company Belly Dance Mirage Chuvani Bellydance & Sheherazade Drums Lynn Tandava Bellydance RaMuanni