Thread: America's History of Belly Dancers of Colour - Documentary and Show Film (Video Auditions and Submissions)

America’s History of Belly Dancer’s of Color is now accepting performance applications for the show that will be filmed this November 2011! This show will complement the documentary DVD being filmed by Lotus Niraja and edited by Michelle Joyce of Cheeky Girls Productions for national and international distribution.

This show will featuring some of America’s top talent of all shades and cultures and will feature some of America’s unknown and undiscovered Belly Dancers of Color. Submit your video audition and be a part of a collaboration of artists producing something available to the community as a teaching tool, a spotlight on talent, and documenting our dance history in America.

The show will be held on November 19th-20th, 2011.
The location of the filmed show:
Baltimore Theatre Project
45 West Preston Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Box Office: 410-752-8558
Administration:410-539-3091
www.theatreproject.org

HOW TO APPLY
To receive an application, please send an email to ahbdoc@gmail.com requesting an application. Before you apply, please read ALL of the information provided. APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED until SEPTEMBER 30th, 2011. Decisions will be ongoing and final lineup will be announced in October. You may submit more than one application for consideration if you are a director who wishes to perform with your troupe also.

We are also currently in production on a documentary film DVD of "America's History of Belly Dancers of Color". I am happy to produce what I consider a project from the heart with the prestige and talent of dancers already confirmed for the show and documentary.

The documentary is a complement to the show. This is a unique project and the first of its kind. The documentary will introduce audiences to the performance lives of belly dancers of color. This will include the successes, the joys, the history, and the challenges as belly dancers in America. This project is a collaboration of artists producing something available to the community as a teaching tool, a spotlight on talent, and to assist in documenting our history in America.

*If you know of a dancer that should be showcased or is a part of our history, please bring him or her to my attention. Many have agreed to be a part of this project, but if I am missing anyone, do not hesitate to contact them or myself.

*You do not have to be a black or brown belly dancer to participate. There are many dancers from many cultures that have been instrumental in the research of this film. You may also speak anonymously.

We are looking for historical photos, videos, and performance documentation.

If you personally would like to be a part of this documentary or if you have history to share, please contact me directly at lotusniraja@gmail.com.

See us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/home.php

Is there any more information of what the documentary is about?

PS I should be more specific.. time period of history etc. and how the documentary came about and why?

Originally Posted by caroline_afifi

Is there any more information of what the documentary is about?

PS I should be more specific.. time period of history etc. and how the documentary came about and why?

Yes, absolutely! Thanks for asking. Most of the information has been posted on the Facebook group that give the main details. In a nutshell, I have always wished to know about bellydancers of color that have been dancing in America since the 1950's and before. There is very little history or documentation on them. Where are they? Who were they? I have always wanted to know about dancers who look like me and share my passion for this dance. My diving into this history made me extremely curious. Then I realized, if I don't know about these dancers, then how many other people do not know either. I then decided to make this knowledge public as I had come across some remarkable dance journeys and histories of dancers of color that are disappearing as time goes on. The Face Book group has been very active in posting videos, naming dancers, and bringing them into the spotlight. The videos have not only featured American dancers, but dancers from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, Egypt, Europe of dancers that look like me, enjoying the same dance I have loved for years. These clips have included not only dancers, but singers such as Etab and Rabiya and musicians.

I have been really blown away by the support and open doors that this project has created. People from all races and cultures have jumped aboard to make this project possible.

Thanks again! If you have any other questions, please let me know.

Lotus Niraja

There is now an official website for the documentary.
ABOUT THE FILM

Thanks everyone!

Thank you everyone for helping to SELL OUT this show! Every member here means the world to me, because you are a part of this dream. Even if you cannot attend the show, you can be there in spirit! It's more than just taking a turn on the stage, it's about being a part of the greater whole. Your voice is our voice.

**For those of you who cannot attend, a link will go out to that you can show your support and be a part of this wonderful venture. You do not have to be left behind! Check us out on Facebook:AHBDOC@groups.facebook.com

With affection!
Lotus Niraja

I must have bought my Sunday ticket just in time! Can't wait for the show, it's going to be amazing. And congratulations!!!!