Press Release

Kansas City Belly Dance Coalition, Cafe Cedar, and Nikoria & Co. present 
The 1st Annual Raqsi Awards and Competition Event.  

Sign-up Party & Belly Dance Showcase (& Bazaar)
For The NEW KC Belly Dance Coalition & The Raqsi Awards & Competition
3pm-5pm, Sunday, Jan. 24th, 2010
Also:
Sun., Feb. 28, 2010, 3-5pm 
Sun., Mar. 28, 2010, 3-5pm 
Sun., Apr. 25, 2010, 3-5pm 

This event will be the first of its kind in Kansas City, and will be free and open to the public.  

Purpose:  

The goal of this event is to present to the public a dance form that originated in the Orient, but has since taken root in the Americas.   Based in Middle Eastern folkloric and gypsy dance forms, what we commonly call "Belly Dance" has evolved into a unique American dance form, with many styles and variations.   

Part of the popularity of "Belly Dance" in the Americas is not only due to its folkloric legacy (including men and women), but also to its resurrection of the eternal "feminine".  As such, it is interpreted as a "woman's dance" and not necessarily as a dance "for men".   This dance form allows women to explore their feminine identity within a creative art form.  

"Raqs" (pronounced "ROCKS") is the Arabic word for dance.  The word "Raqsi" (pronounced "ROXY") refers to "my dance".  The Raqsi Awards event is an attempt to honor local dancers who have contributed to the field, as well as create a legacy of legitimate dance for future dancers to reference.   It will also host a series of competitions for dancers to sharpen their skills and receive constructive guidance and feedback from well-known professionals in the field.  

The event is hosted by a newly formed association of local dancers, the Kansas City Belly Dance Coalition.  The Coalition attempts to create "neutral ground" for dancers to participate in forums to discuss issues relevant to dance, including standards, working conditions, education, community outreach, and specifically, the recognition of "Belly Dance" as a legitimate dance form.   

What Will You See?

Attendees to the event will see professional dancers perform and speak, as well as witness various dance competitions.  Attendees will be able to catch up on Belly Dance news locally, including various dance-related events coming up in the next year in the regional area.  A Bazaar will offer Belly Dance costumes, accessories, jewelry, drums, and crafts for sale.  

A variety of dance styles will be presented, including Cabaret, Folkloric, Tribal, Tribal Fusion, Gypsy, Urban Gypsy, Tribal Modern, Cane, Candelabra, Wings, Veil, Drum work, and various other ethnic dance groups.  This will be a cultural, educational, and entertaining event.  

Why Come?  

In the spirit of sharing, education and good will, this event is intended to serve as a forum for dancers to come together, share information, learn from each other, shop, and have a good time...! 

For beginners and students, it is an opportunity to receive guidance, feedback, and constructive suggestions from some of the top professional dancers in the area...! 

For professional dancers, it is an opportunity to network with other dancers, share information, present awards for contributions in the field, and to lay a foundation for future work in Belly Dance the KC area. 

For more information, go to http://Nikoria.com/Nikoria/Raqsi/ or email EnglishN@umkc.edu. 

Location of Event: 
Cafe Cedar Restaurant & Bar
2 East 2nd Street, 
Parkville, Missouri 64152
(816) 505-CAFE (2233)
Fabiola@CafeCedar.com 
http://cafecedar.com/

"Curves & Hors d'oeuvres" Sign-up Party & Showcase: 
•	Sun., Jan. 24, 2010, 3-5pm 
•	
•	Dates of Competitions & Showcases: 
•	Sun., Feb. 28, 2010, 3-5pm 
•	Sun., Mar. 28, 2010, 3-5pm 
•	Sun., Apr. 25, 2010, 3-5pm 

Participating Vendors: 
•	Cartouche of Lawrence, KS 
•	Once in a Blue Moon 
•	Duende 
•	Belli Phat 
•	And Others...! 

Participating Showcase Performers: 
•	Siham Ali & Co. 
•	Layla Bint Ali 
•	Melody Gabrielle 
•	Nikoria & Co. 
•	Troupe Duende 
•	M'Chelle Shadan 
•	And Others...! 

####

PR Contact:  
Nicole English, EnglishN@umkc.edu or 816-444-8420