ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
Welcome!
Welcome back for the second annual large-scale New York Theatrical Bellydance Conference, happening this July 6-10, 2011, in New York City. We are Anasma and Ranya Renée, the co-directors of the Theatrical Bellydance Project, which produces year-round events as well as the annual conference in the theatrical mecca of New York City. While our work may focus on different bellydance styles, we do share a love of the stage.
Last year’s conference was a resounding success, with more than one hundred attendees, who traveled from as far away as India and South Korea, from across Europe and North America and from the local NYC metro area. We were inspired to add an additional day to this year’s conference, as well as shopping excursions and tourist activities where dancers can get to know each other before the workshops begin.
This is the first event in New York and we believe, in the world, that focuses on theatrical approaches to bellydance, in all possible forms. The conference’s creative diversity and warm, supportive environment provide a rich meeting ground for the teachers, participants, performers and audiences alike.
Theatrical Bellydance
For us, our approach as dancers is shaped by our theater backgrounds and training. As teachers and directors, we are committed to making theatrical techniques more accessible to a wider number of dancers, to showcasing the work of fellow performers who move us and inspire us, and to finding common ground across our dance community. How can theatrical approaches help bring life and meaning to one’s dance art? Whether you are a nightclub or a stage performer, a soloist or a group member, no matter what style of bellydance you like to do, we invite you to join us in this conversation. Our goal is to create a big tent, and for that, we welcome a variety of styles, backgrounds, and philosophies to present at the conference, all in an atmosphere of mutual respect and discovery.
Join Us
The conference is a space where dancers of all bellydance styles can work together in classes, learn together and learn from each other. The instructors, who come from a variety of genres and backgrounds, aim to offer workshops that will have something for everyone; the Friday-Sunday workshops in particular will not just be focused on style-specific bellydance technique, but more on universals that everyone can feel a part of. These concepts and methods you can apply to your own work, no matter what kind of dance you practice. On the conference stages, everyone from experienced professionals to dedicated amateurs will have a chance to present performances. And this year, we are inviting proposals for special presentations for the lunchtime break, to bring even more juicy discussion and sharing to the conference. To find out more, follow the links below:
Learn about our five-night, four-day program of workshops, shows, and more
Read about our 2011 Instructors
Apply to become a featured performer or make a presentation
Get to and around New York City
Find out about past events presented by the Theatrical Bellydance Project
Follow Us
Stay tuned for program updates, and please JOIN OUR E-MAIL LIST (just scroll to the bottom of the page) and our group and fan pages on Facebook to stay informed!
We look forward to your participation at our events this July!
Anasma & Ranya Renée
Co-Directors
The Theatrical Bellydance Project
The New York Theatrical Bellydance Conference
