Tuesday, September 07, 2010

Belly dance event to raise money for AAC

Posted on Tuesday, September 7th, 2010 at 12:00 am.

By Stephanie Nelson
Andalusia Star News

Come watch the veils sway and the swords fly as the Andalusia Adult Activity Center and the Sweet Magnolia Gypsies Belly Dance Troupe host “A Night in Morocco” on Sat., Sept. 25.

Dianne Jones, AAC director, said the event will serve as a fundraiser for the center.

Amy Henderson, troupe director of the Sweet Magnolia Gypsies Belly Dance Troupe, said the group wanted to repay the AAC for the use of the facility. Their event will feature five groups of dancers.Troupe director Amy Henderson said the troupe thought the fundraiser would be an excellent way to repay the center for the use of its facilities.

“We wanted to do something that would benefit the center,” Henderson said. “(There), they provide so many wonderful and valuable services, and we want to see that tradition continue.”

The event will feature belly dancing, sword dancing, drumming, zills, veils, fan and candle dancing by five troupes from Mobile and Pensacola, Fla., and individuals from both Pensacola and Milton, Fla.

“People kind of laugh when they hear ‘belly dancing,’ or think that it’s something inappropriate,” Henderson said. “That is the furthest thing from the truth. This is a very classical, elegant dance form. It’s very challenging to perform and interesting to watch.”

Henderson said in addition to the “great entertainment, we will also feature delectable Middle Eastern hors d’oeuvres, the things you would normally find served at the traditional Middle Eastern home.

“This whole event is very family oriented,” she said.

There are only 100 of 150 tickets left, Jones said. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with the performance beginning at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door, if available. They are available by calling the AAC at 334-