RAQS UNCOMMON: Bellydance Fusion
Artist's Statement
I am a dance fusion artist grounded in several dance forms. In 2009, I founded Raqs Uncommon as a pickup company to explore my vision of unifying Western modern/contemporary dance and Middle Eastern belly dance. Sometimes theatrical, but often abstract, my choreographies and improvisations integrate the soft and sinuous lines and percussive accents of belly dance with the abandonment and strength of modern release technique. Through each dance I make, there are elements of the west and the east, which ultimately come together to express emotion or tell a story. Though I'm not opposed to classical lines in either dance form, I like to explore the pedestrian and the absurd and create, but not manufacture, relationships onstage. As I grow and continue to learn as a choreographer and performer, I'm happy to share my work here.
I am a dance fusion artist grounded in several dance forms. In 2009, I founded Raqs Uncommon as a pickup company to explore my vision of unifying Western modern/contemporary dance and Middle Eastern belly dance. Sometimes theatrical, but often abstract, my choreographies and improvisations integrate the soft and sinuous lines and percussive accents of belly dance with the abandonment and strength of modern release technique. Through each dance I make, there are elements of the west and the east, which ultimately come together to express emotion or tell a story. Though I'm not opposed to classical lines in either dance form, I like to explore the pedestrian and the absurd and create, but not manufacture, relationships onstage. As I grow and continue to learn as a choreographer and performer, I'm happy to share my work here.
Repertory |
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Emergence (2009) - This trio was geared at exploring fusion movement and group/solo dance set to a compelling song, "Love and the Veil" by Niyaz. I worked with each of the dancers' strengths to create movement that was personal to them for their solos. Performers in this excerpt are myself, Mariko Shirahishi and Stephanie Vartanian.
When I was a Young Girl (2011) - Set to a soundtrack pop and R&B music (including Madonna, Prince, and Bill Withers) to evoke a contemporary/pedestrian vibe, I made this dance to explore the edge between carefree naivete, inevitable heartbreak, and moving onward. It was performed at the 2011 Theatrical Bellydance Conference Curated Show, and danced by myself, Mariko Shirahishi and Stephanie Vartanian. Clips coming soon.
Together/Apart (2014) Together/Apart is a work for 5-7 dancers, exploring the pull of individuality against group dynamics (and vice versa), and themes of longing and exile - both spiritual and social. Still in progress, Together/Apart was danced at the LES Festival for the Arts, and the Open Stage showing at the 2014 Theatrical Bellydance Conference.
Rapture, Refuge, and Release (2014/2016) , a trio in three parts, explores zaar and trance rituals from across the Middle Eastern region. Through a mix of ecstasy and calm, the three dancers navigate their own transformations while looking out for each other. Rapture, Refuge and Release was premiered in November 2014 at Atelier Orientale: New Voices, and shown at WaxWorks in 2015. After a revision in Spring 2016, it has been shown at Drom, Access Theater. West Park Presbyterian Church, and TADA Theater as Rapture.
When I was a Young Girl (2011) - Set to a soundtrack pop and R&B music (including Madonna, Prince, and Bill Withers) to evoke a contemporary/pedestrian vibe, I made this dance to explore the edge between carefree naivete, inevitable heartbreak, and moving onward. It was performed at the 2011 Theatrical Bellydance Conference Curated Show, and danced by myself, Mariko Shirahishi and Stephanie Vartanian. Clips coming soon.
Together/Apart (2014) Together/Apart is a work for 5-7 dancers, exploring the pull of individuality against group dynamics (and vice versa), and themes of longing and exile - both spiritual and social. Still in progress, Together/Apart was danced at the LES Festival for the Arts, and the Open Stage showing at the 2014 Theatrical Bellydance Conference.
Rapture, Refuge, and Release (2014/2016) , a trio in three parts, explores zaar and trance rituals from across the Middle Eastern region. Through a mix of ecstasy and calm, the three dancers navigate their own transformations while looking out for each other. Rapture, Refuge and Release was premiered in November 2014 at Atelier Orientale: New Voices, and shown at WaxWorks in 2015. After a revision in Spring 2016, it has been shown at Drom, Access Theater. West Park Presbyterian Church, and TADA Theater as Rapture.
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES
New shows TBA
REVIEWS
Eva Yaa Asantewaa reviews Atelier Orientale: New Voices (11/2014)
Caryn Cooper of Broadway World reviews Aries in Flight (11/2016)
Caryn Cooper of Broadway World reviews Aries in Flight (11/2016)
Photo by: Eric Bandiero