On December 5, the “Crossing Borders, Building Bridges” seminar series presented “The Egyptian Art of Belly Dancing.” While a crowd of students and staff waited patiently for the presenter to arrive, Professor Neelam Canto Lugo used the time to promote the new Crossing Borders’ project, “Operation Shoebox.” Two big boxes are provided on campus, one in the library and the other in the Cafeteria, for students to donate common everyday items to send to the troops overseas.
When Nour El Amar, the presenter of the event, arrived almost 30 minutes late, her brief introduction consisted of giving her name and explaining that she grew up in a belly dancing atmosphere.
The performance lasted about 20 minutes and consisted mostly of her pulling various people out of the audience and dancing with them. She bobbed and weaved in and out of the audience, bringing more than 25 spectators up to the front to dance. Some in the audience giggled and shifted in their chairs uncomfortably. Others did not seem to mind being pulled up to dance with El Amar.
No cultural background was given on the art of belly dancing. Those interested in background information about the art of belly dancing can visit www.shira.net on the worldwide web.
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