Bennington Beledi’s goal is to bring American Tribal Style® bellydance to Bennington and the surrounding area through classes, workshops, outreach programs, and performances. ATS® is a group improvisational style of dance that brings together steps, music, and costuming elements reminiscent of tribal cultures of India, North Africa, and the Middle East. Dancers learn a “language” of cues and movements, and choreograph dances on the spot, interpreting the music in the moment. Costuming often features turbans, tassels, and ethnic jewelry.

Participants should wear clothing that is easy to move around in: leggings, shorts or a hippie kind of skirt with tank tops or t-shirts. No one has to show their belly if they don’t want to. We dance barefoot but people can dance in sandals – not flip flops – or sneakers if they don’t want to go barefoot. I’m always barefoot.

Even though it’s inside, participants should bring water to stay hydrated. We encourage questions anyone has.

My classes are first of all fun, teaching steps almost anyone can do no matter their age, shape, or gender. People will be dancing within the first 10 minutes after warm up. Yay!

All photos and video are courtesy of photographer and author Jon Katz.