EVERETT — Tiffany Angell, 24, always wanted to learn dancing. But most dancing seemed to require people to start at an early age.
Angell recently found a form of dance she could start as an adult: belly dancing.
"If you are looking for a way to express yourself or just to meet people, then it’s a good place to be," the Bothell woman said.
She was at the Everett Eagles Club on Friday night with partner Laura Meynberg of Kirkland to perform at the premier of Emerald Rain Belly Dancing, an Everett-based dance club that is sponsoring the three-day dancing event for the first time.
"I’d really like people to come over and take a look at this art form," said Melody Anderson, the event’s producer.
Anderson, 35, of Everett started belly dancing 13 years ago as a way to exercise. As she got to know the ancient history of the dance, she said her interests and passions have grown.
Some people misunderstand what the Middle Eastern dance is like, she said.
"A lot of people equate belly dancing with stripping. And it’s not," she said, adding that she hopes the event will dispel that stereotype.
Angell, who was wearing a satin veil she had made herself, agreed.
"It’s about a tradition and just women dancing together," she said.
Here are some highlights of Emerald Rain Belly Dancing, which continues today and Sunday at the Everett Eagles, 3726 Broadway:
Today, doors open at 9 a.m. Dancers will compete in categories: beginners, intermediate, troupe and duet, alternative and professional. Winners of each category will get a trophy and perform at an awards show at 7:30 p.m. today.
On Sunday, doors open at 9 a.m. Five different workshops of belly dancing will be offered until 5:45 p.m.
Admission is $15 for the entire event. Each workshop on Sunday costs $25. For more information, go to www.emeraldrain.net.
Reporter Yoshiaki Nohara: 425-339-3029 or ynohara@heraldnet.com.
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