Published Wednesday, April 30, 2008 11:02 AM
Updated Wednesday, April 30, 2008 11:03 AM

 

Belly dancers set for May 3 appearance

Palmetto Oasis Middle Eastern Dance Troupe brings the ancient art of belly dance to the 2008 North Charleston Arts Festival on Saturday, May 3. The troupe will perform from 3-4 p.m. on the main stage in the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. Admission and parking are free.

Palmetto Oasis will debut its new show, “Road to Morocco … Turkey, Spain, Egypt and India” at the festival. The show features a wide variety of Middle Eastern dances, including ethnic, cabaret, tribal fusion, Gypsy Roma, buleria and Banjara. Wearing elaborate costumes, the dancers use props such as veils, swords, zils (finger cymbals), Turkish spoons, and canes.

Performances include large troupe dances as well as solos and smaller group numbers. Audience members are invited to learn to shimmy with the dancers at the close of the show.

Palmetto Oasis was formed in 1993 in Charleston. The troupe’s 20 members are experienced dancers who have performed worldwide. For more information, contact call  (843) 819-7804 or visit the Palmetto Oasis Web site at www.palmetto-oasis.com.