By Becca Freed
Want to find out what the bellydance craze is all about and support a local charity at the same time? You can (without making a big commitment) at Café Bellie, a bellydance open stage at Ashkenaz this Sunday evening (12/13).
Dance troupes performing include Nanna Candelaria and her troupe, Damage Control Dance Theatre, and Troupe Dhyanis and Goddess Rising. There are sure to be additional surprise performers, since it is an open stage, where groups can register to perform on the spot.
The $10 fee admits you to a bellydance class at 6:30 p.m., a boutique from 6:30 to 7:30, and performances starting at 7:30. The proceeds from the evening benefit the Women’s Daytime Drop-in Center, which provides services to homeless women and children in Berkeley.
Come early and try shaking your moneymakers, then browse the boutique, where you’ll likely find hip scarves, beaded belts, veils, instructional DVDs, and Middle Eastern music discs. You may be enchanted into wanting to learn more. Ashkenaz hosts bellydance performances throughout the year, as well as Wednesday evening classes, taught by Gail Corrado, who is one of the organizers of Café Bellie.
