Gypsy Queens in the press!

Gypsy Queens perform tribal belly dance

July 25, 2007

By ELIZABETH MACIK Contributor

Forest Park is home to one of the Midwest's premiere American Tribal Belly Dance troupes, the Gypsy Queens. Performing the 1st and 4th Saturday every month at Khyber Pass in Oak Park, members are committed to promoting and preserving this important style of dance. Improvisational in nature, belly dancing is performed with at least two women.

"There are a repertoire of steps with Americanized dance moves to make sure there is no offense to the original Egyptian style," says Troupe Director Karen Hersh. "Movements are an earthy blend, a melting pot of steps, like America itself."

The history of belly dance goes back thousands of years. A celebration of the female form, experience and the ability to give birth, this ageless art form has evolved into several different styles. "It was mostly performed privately by women for women, communal in nature, translating daily life into spirited movement," she says.

Influenced by traditional folkloric dances from North India, the Middle East and Africa, the American Tribal movement was pioneered by Jamila Salimpour in the '60s. It adds elements of ballet and modern styles infusing the spirit of the American woman while rooted to traditions past. "Unlike classical styles of dance that require years of classes from a young age, with American Tribal past training is not required," Hersh says. And since the very nature of the art form is meant to bring women together, a dancer's age or size is not important. "We are here to empower each other and collaborate artistically, so all women are welcome."
Meaningful dance

"One of the major misconceptions we sometimes face is the purpose of the dance," Hersh says. "We are here to celebrate the sensuality of women, not the sexuality." Unlike the 1940s Hollywood-imposed belly dancer stereotypes with jeweled bra tops and transparent pants, American Tribal costumes are more reserved while still showing off the dancer's lines. "Since this dance comes from modest cultures, the body is seen but skin is rarely revealed. And that's where the navel jewel comes from. It was a way to keep the belly button covered." Costumes consist of pantaloons, choli, an East Indian style V-neck top, a hip scarf and tribal bra decorated with individual charms and shells allowing each dancer to express herself through dress.

Dancers perform two, 20 minute sets, one at 7 p.m. and one at 8 p.m. Each set consists of two fast dances, two slow dances and plenty of sword balancing and floor work. And since American culture is an important influence, the music isn't limited to traditional styles. The Gypsy Queens have been known to infuse their performances with modern music.

"As long as the song is saying what we want it to, nothing is off limits," Hersh says.

GYPSY QUEENS

the 1st and 4th Saturday of every month at 7 and 8 p.m. at Khyber Pass, 1031 Lake St., Oak Park. For information on Egyptian and American Tribal Belly Dance, call (773) 852-8209 or visit www.erikadance.com.