o What: The Story of Belly Dance in America, with workshops, fashion, videos, music and a show.
o Where: Old Liberty Theater, 115 N. Main Ave., Ridgefield.
o When: 7 p.m. Friday, March 8, fashion show and pre-party with film screening; 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 9, Workshop: Vintage Turkish Cabaret; 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 9, Workshop: The Vanished Steps; 3 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 9, Workshop: Whirling Without Hurling; 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 9, Belly Dance in America Show.
o Cost: $10 for Friday events, workshop prices vary, $20 for Saturday show.
o Info: Jenza.com/bellydanceinamerica
You might think the most skilled belly dancers in the world hail from countries like Egypt, Turkey and Syria, where the styles originated — but actually, they come from America, said the organizers of a special show this weekend in Ridgefield.
To fully understand why the United States became a nexus for belly dancing, you have to look back at the style’s history, said Suzanne McNeil and Ilia Wilken, who have organized a weekend of fashion, workshops and dance presentations called “The Story of Belly Dance in America” at the Old Liberty Theater.