Memphis Raqs is
a bellydance company that specializes in tribal fusion
bellydance. We are the only tribal fusion bellydance
company in Memphis, Tennessee!
The word
raqs (pronounced rocks) is an Arabic term that
roughly translates to
dance. The traditional term for the dance
Americans have come to known as "bellydance" is
Raqs
Sharqi, which means Dance of the East.
Memphis Raqs combines elements of traditional Middle
Eastern, North African, and Asian dance with a modern,
urban American flair.
Member Bios
|
Nicci
Assistant Instructor
I picked up bellydancing as a way to exercise
and learn something new and eclectic. At the
first class I wasn't sure what to expect - would
it be weird, silly, ridiculous and
embarrassing? To my happy surprise, it was none
of these things.
Tribal fusion
bellydance is artful, creative, fun and
addicting! It's a unique and beautiful dance
I'm glad I discovered. Going to class and
performing at events is a great way to escape
from reality and just be yourself. |
|
Sherry
Instructor
"I
started taking bellydancing classes to lose
weight and stay fit but found so much more. It
has given me a boost in self confidence and a
new sense of womanhood. I have found
bellydancing to be a great hobby that helps you
forget about everything else going on in your
life and think about nothing but using isolated
body movements."
|
 |
Liz DiMaggio
Troupe
director, Head Instructor
|
I created
Memphis Raqs in 2006 with the goal of
promoting the joy of tribal style bellydance in
the Midsouth. By carrying on the dance
traditions of those who walked before us, I hope
to not only further my own dancing skills and
knowledge, but to help other women discover the
enjoyment and passion that this dance has
brought to my life and the lives of so many
others around the world throughout the ages. |
 |
Bellydance Background
3+ years tribal fusion
bellydance under Juli Downum of
Chattanooga's
Dandasha Dance Company
Workshops with Mira Betz,
Rachel Brice, Jillina, Rachel Lazarus-Soto, Amy
Sigil of Unmata, Heather Stantz of Urban Tribal
Other Formal Dance Background
9 years combined in
traditional jazz, tap, lyrical ballet, classical
Pointe ballet, and hip hop
6 years performance movement
2001 Member, Southwind Drum
and Bugle Corps, colorguard & weapon line
"Real World"
Education/Occupation
Associate Zookeeper @ Memphis
Zoo
2003-2006 Bachelors of Arts:
major in Anthropology, minor in Biology
(U of Memphis)
2002-2003 Arkansas School for
Mathematics and Sciences
