Austin, celebrated as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” also boasts a vibrant and dedicated belly dance community. Throughout the city, you can find weekly belly dance performances, showcases, and gatherings, with skilled instructors offering classes almost every night. For those immersed in or curious about Belly Dance Dancing, Austin is a true hub.
For years, I’d heard about the Austin Belly Dance Convention (ABDC) from teachers and fellow students, but I had never actually attended. I mistakenly assumed it was geared towards more advanced dancers or would be too expensive. However, a little research revealed that ABDC is accessible and adaptable for dancers of all levels, styles, and budgets, making it a fantastic opportunity to deepen your passion for belly dance dancing.
Aziza
Realizing I needed to be strategic, I explored the workshops and performances online, noting the ones that sparked my interest. I allowed myself to dream about how each session could elevate my belly dance dancing skills. To gain expert advice, I consulted my teacher, Amara, the event producer, about workshops that would challenge me. We discussed my goals, and she helped me pinpoint the best sessions. The prospect of learning from a master like Aziza, renowned internationally for her belly dance dancing expertise, was incredibly exciting.
Of course, attending one of the evening gala shows was a must. I’d heard glowing reviews of the Friday and Saturday performances, and I knew witnessing such talented belly dancers would be inspiring and provide fresh perspectives for my own practice of belly dance dancing. Choosing just one show was tough, but I opted for Saturday, drawn by the chance to see both Amara and Aziza perform.
I arrived early for the Saturday show to secure a good seat. The lobby was buzzing with familiar faces from past classes. It was wonderful to reconnect with fellow belly dance dancing enthusiasts, some I hadn’t seen in ages.
Badrawn, a Dallas-based acoustic band specializing in Middle Eastern music, set the stage for Act One, performing live for each dancer. The energy of live music added an incredible dimension to the performances. Jamie Lynn truly shone in this segment. She began with a captivating lyrical veil piece, then seamlessly transitioned to playing zils alongside the band with poise and confidence, perfectly embodying the fusion of music and belly dance dancing.
Jamie Lynn performing veil and zils at the Austin Belly Dance Convention, showcasing her expertise in belly dance dancing.
Jamie Lynn
The Gala performance continued with the mesmerizing tribal fusion group, Pomegranate Vibrato, dancing to Solace’s “Blood, Oil, Gold.” Their performance was magical and unique; these four dancers created stunning formations and utilized the stage space dynamically. Sometimes they moved in perfect unison, other times in pairs, emphasizing different shapes that kept the audience captivated. Their innovative use of zils, initially playing along with the music and later percussively without accompaniment, was also remarkable, demonstrating a deep understanding of belly dance dancing rhythms and techniques.
Pomegranate Vibrato, a tribal fusion belly dance group, performing at the Austin Belly Dance Convention, displaying synchronized movements and creative zil work in their belly dance dancing routine.
Pomegranate
Although I hadn’t previously explored American Tribal Style belly dance dancing (ATS), Pomegranate Vibrato’s performance ignited a strong desire to learn more. A friend recommended classes with Lily, a dancer known for her tribal fusion style. Since then, I’ve been completely captivated by ATS. Excitingly, Draconis, a performer from Pomegranate Vibrato, was scheduled to teach at the ABDC 2015 convention, so I eagerly added one of his workshops to my list for the upcoming year, eager to further explore this facet of belly dance dancing.
Vanessa and Sa’diyya in a dynamic pose during their belly dance dancing performance at the Austin Belly Dance Convention, highlighting their energetic and culturally diverse style.
Vanessa and Sa’diyya
The next performance that captivated me was a striking contrast to Pomegranate Vibrato: Vanessa and Sa’diyya. Their high-energy act, drawing inspiration from diverse cultures, was glamorous and infused with humor. All their pieces were entertaining, including a playful tambourine duet, but my favorite was their Bollywood-inspired number set to “Sheila Ki Jawani.” Wearing vibrant, matching pink costumes, they dazzled the audience with sharp, powerful arm and hip movements that perfectly accentuated the song’s beats, showcasing the joyful and diverse nature of belly dance dancing.
Aziza in a black costume, performing expressive belly dance dancing at the Austin Belly Dance Convention, captivating the audience with her stage presence and elegant style.
Aziza
It was also a delight to watch my instructor, Amara, perform. Dancing to a song by Lebanese singer Yasmine Hamdan, Amara’s performance ranged from fluid, mesmerizing movements with dramatic pauses to an energetic drum solo filled with zils, shimmies, and graceful undulations, demonstrating the breadth of expression within belly dance dancing.
Aziza, the show’s headliner, was truly an unforgettable experience. Beyond being an incredibly accomplished and talented dancer, Aziza seemed to connect with every audience member through her warm smile and expressive eyes. Her second performance, in an elegant black costume with a striking lavender veil, was a complete masterpiece. It began with an enchanting veil entrance, and throughout the performance, Aziza masterfully utilized the stage space, incorporating playful kicks, hops, and arm movements that beautifully interpreted the music. It was a thrilling preview of the workshop I was scheduled to take with her on Sunday, further deepening my exploration of belly dance dancing techniques.
The Hands, Arms, and Poses with Aziza workshop proved to be the highlight of the entire weekend. While I’ve had the privilege of learning from many accomplished dancers, I had never participated in such an intensive workshop. As an intermediate student still developing my skills in belly dance dancing, I often struggled to coordinate and utilize my arms and hands expressively. It was something I always aspired to improve but wasn’t sure how to begin. Aziza emphasized the importance of engaging all the muscles in our arms to bring life and emotion to this crucial expressive element of belly dance dancing.
By the workshop’s end, I felt exhilarated and inspired by the wealth of knowledge gained. I was also deeply moved by the sense of community, surrounded by so many individuals passionate about belly dance dancing. Dancers of varying levels and styles had gathered to learn from one of the most respected figures in the belly dance world.
Since the Austin Belly Dance Convention, I’ve continued to encounter dancers I met there at performances, classes, and gatherings. The ABDC provided a valuable opportunity to connect with others and forge new friendships with those who share my love for belly dance dancing. It truly underscored the vibrant and welcoming community at the heart of belly dance dancing in Austin and beyond.
