July 14-20, 2005

artpicks

Hippy Hippy Shake

dance

It's easy for the eyes to fixate on a belly dancer. Those fluid undulations and subtle body shifts are captivating, especially when accompanied by the jingle-jangle of bangles and beads. So a belly dancing group called Hipnosis is appropriate. The troupe won't put you to sleep or induce you to do silly things while in a trance state, but they will mesmerize.

Hipnosis specializes in tribal belly dance, a style of group improvisation based on an established set of movements with associated cues that indicate when each member is supposed to lead or follow. The method requires exceptional concentration to pull off, but the performers feel there's a tremendous payoff. As Jessica Staley explains, "The joy, connection and power of dancing with other women in a system of freely giving and taking energy from one another is like nothing else I've ever experienced. … I call it the Zen of tribal. I cannot resist that moment, needing to be in sync, flow the same way as my dance partners."

Members of Hipnosis conduct classes to enable others to experience the tribal connection. Some of those students comprise Tribal Spirit, an ensemble that performs with Hipnosis, who, with live musicians, will appear at University City's Rotunda plaza this Saturday for a truly hip-shaking show.

Hipnosis and Tribal Spirit, Sat., July 16, 2-5 p.m., free, The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St., 215-573-3234.

—Deni Kasrel