Bellydancing troupe visited Rhine Hall

This article is brought to you by Ivy Tech Community College - Kokomo Region.

Diaphanous scarves, arabesque belts of coins and chains, and clacking castinets filled Rhine Hall on Sept. 20 as the Mideast Magic Dance Group, Troupe Shalimar, made the trek to Kokomo to show off and share their bellydancing skills.

The group chose Kokomo as the site for their 2025 Summer’s End Gala, which was much more than a performance. Troupe Shalimar held a dozen dancing workshops throughout the day in preparation for the evening show. While most of the performers were seasoned members of the group, the newly trained dancers got their chance to shine on stage as well.

Many of the workshops focused on basic movements, such as isolating the hips or working with double veils or Isis wings. Some participants learned how to create or accessorize bellydancing costumes. There even was a workshop in which participants learned the basics of playing a Darbuka, or goblet drum, as well as Chiftetelli rhythms.

By the time afternoon rolled around, the troupe members took their students to the Rhine Hall stage to block out their routines. And everything came together for the show, much to the delight of those in attendance.

The Mideast Magic Dance Group is part of the Indiana Bellydance Collective, a statewide assemblage of dancing professionals, students, and musicians devoted to the art. Formed in 1978, the organization holds events such as the Summer’s End Gala. Its capstone event, the Annual Bazaar, typically is held in Indianapolis in late winter.

For more information about the Indiana Bellydance Collective, visit www.isametd.com. See video from this event on the Lantern’s Facebook page and group.