Local Minnesota Belly Dance HistoryCurrently in 2006, Minnesota has several different Middle Eastern Dance companies located in the Minneapolis/St. Paul, Mankato, Rochester, and Duluth. The first Middle Eastern Dance company is Jawaahir Dance Company in Minneapolis, organized in 1989. Prior to Jawaahir, there were many local Middle Eastern dance troupes and ad hoc groups of dancers which performed throughout the Twin Cities area.I’ve been surprised to learn that many bellydancers are unaware of the long and rich history of local Middle Eastern dancers, dance troupes, and musicians in Minnesota. Therefore, I’ve decided to write a local bellydance history section in order to pay homage to our pioneering dance sisters and brothers. Further installments will be added as my research in this area continues.
|
