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  The Neighbourhood Strays

Gypsy Style Bellydance

Here are answers to some of the questions we are asked most often about us. Hopefully you will find the answer to your question here, but if not, you are welcome to contact us.

1. Is bellydance like stripping?

Absolutely not! Bellydance is based in folk dances from the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe and Western Asia, in which all members of the community participated. Dancers performed at community festivals, weddings, births, and other social events. Often women danced only for other women. Though the dance can be sensual, it can also be energetic, mysterious, happy, sad, elegant, silly, and just about anything else one would like to express! For more information, there are articles on this subject available on the excellent website www.shira.net. In particular, see "A Dance for the Whole Family" and "Isn't that Like Stripping? (Why They Ask)"
 
2. How can I invite The Neighbourhood Strays to perform at my event?

We are available for public performances at a variety of events, and are willing to donate our time for a good cause. If you are interesting in having us perform or would like a quote for a performance, please contact us detailing your needs.
 
3. What are your performance venue requirements?

We require a reasonable sized, smooth dance area. Weare able to adapt to different sized spaces, but the more space you can provide, the better! We strongly prefer to dance in bare feet, so a clean, smooth dance surface free from hazards (water, sharp objects, glass) is preferable. We use pre-recorded music on CD, so a sound system is necessary. We can bring a small portable stereo with us, but it has a very limited range and is particularly not acceptable for outdoor performances. In any event, the more you can tell us about the space, the better, as we are better able to prepare our performance

Links of Interest

Newfoundland Bellydance Instructors
 
WildLily Dance Centre: http://www.wildlilydancecentre.com/
Dounia Hamoutene: http://www.jilldreaddydanceco.com/default.aspx
Linda Bursey: http://www.freedomartsbellydance.com/
Lotus Energy: http://www.lotusenergy.info/bellydance.html
 
Dancers We Love  
 
Bellydance Superstars - http://www.bellydancesuperstars.com/community/home.php
Rachel Brice - http://www.rachelbrice.com
Suhaila Salimpour - http://www.therealsuhaila.com
 
Websites

Shira's website - http://www.shira.net

Yasmina's Joy of Bellydancing website - http://www.joyofbellydancing.com
 
Information about Zills

Zills on Fire – http://www.cyberlepsy.com/sounds.htm
Basic Dumbek and Zills for Dancers – http://www.heavyhips.net/dumbekzills.htm
     This website is good if you’re into the technical stuff.

Shira’s Info on Zills - http://www.shira.net/zills.htm
     This includes how to bake them when they go bad and how to make zill mufflers.
Turbo Tabla – http://www.turbotabla.com/segat
         This website is great if you want to become a zill goddess.
 
Information About Costuming

Geisha Moth:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/geishamoth
"Hints and Tips for the Belly Dance Costumer" by Dawn Devine Brown and Barry Brown - http://www.davina.org/Publications/HintsAndTips.pdf
Davina's main website - http://www.davina.org/
Folkwear Patterns - http://www.folkwear.com