By Daniel Kim
“Harem Vol. 4” will see several shimmying beauties gracing the stage at the Casbah in downtown Hamilton for a night of alluring bellydancing on Thursday, October 6.
The event is being presented by Eshe, a Hamilton native who has spent the better part of the last decade honing her bellydancing skills in Asia. Currently based out of South Korea, Eshe operates her own bellydance space in Seoul called Dream Dance Studio. She has showcased her mesmerizing hip work at many of the country’s top festivals, and has been featured in the Korean editions of famed magazines like Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.
A budding global talent, along with performing in South Korea, Eshe has also captivated audiences in Japan, Turkey, Australia, and Indonesia. Last year she was chosen to dance at the Seoul and Bali stops of Bellydance Evolution’s “Immortal Desires” tour. Bellydance Evolution was created by renowned American dancer Jillina and features some of the biggest names in bellydance. Eshe’s October 6 gig will be her first hometown appearance since February 2010.
“I have a soft spot for Hamilton,” says Eshe. “I only get to dance there once every few years, so the shows I do in Hamilton are always really special for me. I love that Hamilton is finally being recognized as a cultural hotspot. There is a wealth of great artists of all genres in the city.”
Along with Eshe, Harem Vol. 4 will include bellydancers Johara (from Oakville’s Belly Up studio), Tribe Maya Fire (from Oakville’s Belly Up studio), Melissa Gamal (from Toronto’s Arabesque Dance Company), Yzza (from Toronto’s Arabesque Dance Company), and Alecia May (from Hamilton’s Bellyflow studio).
“Every Harem show is unique in that the lineup is always different,” shares Eshe. “I always endeavor to invite bellydancers of different genres. On October 6th, we’ll have modern fusion, American Tribal Style, Classical Egyptian, and Folkloric to name a few styles.
“I love watching the Harem shows perhaps even more than I love performing in them. I make a point of inviting dancers I’m excited about seeing perform. All of the artists on October 6 are talented, passionate, and have great technique. It’s going to be a wonderful night.”
The previous three Harem events took place in the intimate Casbah Lounge. Having filled the space at each of the past shows, this time Eshe and guests have been moved into the Casbah’s larger main room, and plan to take full advantage of the extra space.
“The Casbah and the Casbah Lounge are both great venues with a great atmosphere and amazing staff,” says Eshe. “There will be seats for those who want to relax and take it all in, as well as space to shake it down if the show moves you.”
Harem Vol. 4 will take place at the Casbah (306 King St. W.) on Thursday, October 6. Doors open at 7:30 pm and the show will run from 8 pm – 10:30 pm. Tickets are $10 at the door. For more information, visit http://eshebellydancer.com
Eshe will also teach two special bellydance workshops at Bellyflow in Hamilton (230 Anchor Road) on Sunday, October 9 at 11 am and 12 pm. For more information, visit http://bellyflow.com.
