Hypnotic Trance Belly Dance
starring Fayme Zelena Harper

Fayme Zelena Harper

I have been belly dancing since high school and boy are my feet tired! Just joking.
Belly dancing is ancient yet forever new. The biggest audience I ever danced for was at a sold out L.A. Lakers game with 30,000 people. I have also danced in parades, festivals, birthday bashes, SCA events, and in 23 states across the US. In 1997 I drove from CA to PA to dance at Pennsic, the biggest SCA war. There is nothing like dancing to live drums by the firelight. I have a troupe that goes mundanely by Hypnotic Trance Belly Dance, and at SCA events as Bint al Alexandria (daughters of Alexandria). I like to play dumbek as long as I don't have to lead. I'm learning ney, a primitive flute. I would like to learn a melody instrument, like oud. It seems like drums outnumber other instruments about 50 to 1 at events. It would be fun to be in a band that plays Middle Eastern music. If you live in Orange County, CA and would like to jam, let me know.

About our troupes:


When we are dancing at fairs, parties or parades, we use the name HYPNOTIC TRANCE BELLY DANCE. When we perform at Renaissance Faires, Medieval events like the Society for Creative Anachorism or theme parties, we dress in tribal costumes and bill ourselves as BINT AL ALEXANDRIA, or Daughters of Alexandria. My Medieval persona is Sapphira of Alexandria, so it was a logical progression.
NEW: Our outrageous GOTH TROUPE.....Serpents of Kismet.


If you are a dancer without a troupe, please try us out. Unlike some dance directors, I will not make you jump through a bunch of hoops to prove your worth, nor will I insist you take umpteen classes under my wing. Performance opportunities come up all the time, both free and paid, and I will do my best to match your skills and goals to the right performing situation.
I also welcome musicians, new or used. (Joking). I could use some roadies who want to say "I'm with the band" in exchange for carrying things around, doing set-up and tear down.
I am not opposed to having male troupe members. In the Middle East both sexes dance, and I'd like to reflect that in the troupe.


I also envision doing stage combat as part of the show, so even if you don't want to dance, there may still be a spot for you if you like to swing a scimitar. E-mail me and tell me what you have in mind.


We do not discriminate due to race, weight, age, or sex. All we ask for is a willing heart and enthusiasm. Thanks.




CABARET VS. TRIBAL
There are two basic catagories and many subcatagories of Middle Eastern dance.
The main two catagories are Cabaret and Tribal.

Cabaret: This is the type of belly dancing that comes with sparkling beads, shiny coins, glitz, glamour and usually, skimpier costumes. Designed for the night club circuit, indoor parties and weddings, and the ever popular belly-grams. This style was extremely popular in the late 70's, and has waxed and waned many times since.

Tribal: This is a vast group covering gypsy dance, folk styles, American Tribal, SCA historical dance, and other cultures past and present that exist in the middle east. The jewelry is often antique looking, 'tattoos' are painted on the face, turbans are often worn, and the fabrics are cottons, stripes, and natural fibers. This look is a little more forgiving of less than perfect figures, and offers a more covered up look that's great for family gatherings, festivals, Renaissance Faires and parades.

Interesting Facts:

The term 'belly dance' is quite the misnomer. It is akin to calling Ballet 'toe dancing' when everyone knows full well that it takes more than toes to do ballet. A belly dancer needs to use her eyes, her torso, her hips, her spine and her feet and everything in between to convey the world of emotions necessary to express dance well. A dancer needs to be fit from head to toe to prevent injury. It takes a lot of dedication to stay on top of things going on in the dance world. The problem is no one has come up with a better name. I'm afraid we are stuck with this one.

Contrary to popular opinion, men also belly dance and do it quite well. They look striking dancing with a sword or a cane. And they have their own following of fans.

Children love to belly dance, and one manufacturer even makes finger cymbals (zils) in small sizes. Mothers will put a daughter into hula or jazz classes without a second thought. I wish more of them would be open to letting their girls learn to belly dance. Classes are a wholesome environment.

Cats love belly dancers, and belly dancers seem to love cats.

Many women dance FOR women and not for men. It is a spiritual way to commune with Mother Earth (Gaia) and to feel happy in our bodies and in our souls and to celebrate our sisterhood.

I am open to teaching your special group if you have
a place to meet. The person providing the space gets their class free.
(Orange County Only).

E-mail me for prices and details.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The dancer with the sword is wearing the Tribal style and the other dancer is wearing Cabaret style.

[ Main Page ] [Belly-Gram How-to][Classes and Workshops][ Hypnotherapy ] [ Family Entertainment ] [ Metaphysical Services ]
[Belly Dance Photo Gallery][Veil Dancing][Belly Dance Steps][Balloon Art][Fantasy Art] [Henna/Mehndi]
[Society for Creative Anachronism]


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OUR NEW BELLY DANCING T-SHIRTS
are now available for students, fans, and supporters! Just click on the photo to go to the store. Have fun!


(If the link isn't working, cut and paste www.cafepress.com/atbd,shimmy,serpents,bellydancing,bellydancer)

copyright 2001-2002

Back to Home Page.
Classes and Workshops
Photo Gallery
How to do a Belly Gram
How to make and use Veils
How to learn Steps




Bookmark this page for future reference.