Deemed by its promoters as “West meets East with a feast for the senses,” dancers and drummers from across North America gather for Cairo Caravan, the annual meeting where belly dancers, their families, fans, and the general public are all invited to join the party this year, June 1 through June 3.
Cairo Caravan — now in its 35th year — is a celebration of all things belly dance, having grown into such a spectacle that it takes over three levels of the Queen Mary in Long Beach for three days (a far cry from humble beginnings at a community center in 1977). Last year, some 4,000 belly dancer revelers joined in on the celebration.
Indian Banghra, “Bollywood”, classic Egyptian Cabaret and American Tribal Style are all styles of Eastern dance celebrated (and taught) at Cairo Caravan, together with Eastern drumming and music. The public is invited to join in on the lawn at the live music stage (where beginners dance alongside professionals on their lunch break), and even onstage during Open Dance breaks aboard the ship.
“Everybody thinks of Egyptian Cabaret when they hear belly dance,” Blume Bauer, president of MECDA (Middle Eastern Culture & Dance Association) President, noted, “but Eastern dance envelops so much more. Americans made belly dance their own with American Tribal Style – the style we see at renaissance faires – so we truly have the West joining the East with this dance form.”
The event is family-friendly, with children performing on stage and a special Cairo Kids Area onboard ship for activities and craft-making for the young (and young-at-heart). Kids – and their parents – are intrigued at the World of Wonders stage, where bellydancers perform unusual ‘SideShow’ themed acts such as the Bearded Lady, the Glass Eater, and the Hoop Unit (hula hoops meet belly dancing). The World of Wonders stage runs all weekend long with performances every half hour.
Discount admission can be found by clicking here or call 310-494-0104. Admission is $18 at the door for Satuday/Sunday, $11 at the door Friday evening. Hours are Friday 4-9pm, Saturday 10am-7pm and Sunday 10am-6pm. Admission includes performances on four stages and shopping on all three levels.