Venues

Venue listings are for the tri-state area, NY, NJ and PA. Disclaimer: NJ Belly Dancing does not endorse any particular venue or restaurant nor does the site have any affiliation or obligations in regards to the events provided on this page.

Major Venues ~ Restaurants ~ Local Events/Haflas

~ Ren Faires

 Major Venues

Rakkasah & Spring Caravan: (October and April)
www.rakkasah.com

Restaurants

 

Afghan Kebab House:
(listings thru out NJ and NY)

Aladdin's:
http://www.nj.com/dining/reviews_ledger.ssf?10546?10546
Trenton

Al Khimah:
(609) 427-0888
Cherry Hill

Kaptan Turkish Grill and Restaurant:
http://kaptanrestaurant.com/  
Hackettstown

Cedar's:
http://www.cedarsfinecuisine.com/
Somerville

Cinderella Sabbaba:
http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/Cinderella.Sabbaba.Restaurant.856-227-6537
Turnersville

Club Aladdin:
http://www.clubaladdin.com/about.htm
Hackensack

CousCous:
http://www.couscousnj.com/
Cherry Hill

Marakesh:
http://www.marakesh.com/
Parsippany

Marmara Turkish Restaurant:
http://www.marmararestaurant.com/
Manalapan

Mediterranean Cafe:
973 744 1300
Montclair
 

Sultana Restaurant & Cafe:
http://www.sultanarestaurant.com/promo.html
Edison
 

Tedman's Mediterranean American Cuisine:
526 Main St., 732-361-8784
Shows are every Friday and Saturday night at 8pm starting Saturday, September 16th featuring NJ Dancer and Instructor Zarouhi!

Toros:
Toros Restaurant (Mustafa Bayram) - (201) 742-6877
1083 Main St. Paterson, NJ 07503

 

Local Events/Haflas

 

June

 

Raquy and the Cavemen,
with Sera Solstice
Tuesday: June 9th, 9pm:
Opening the night: 9pm: The Throwbacks
9:30 pm: Dancers from Solstice Studio
at Public Assembly: 70 North 6th st, Williamsburg Brooklyn
http://www.publicassembly.com
Cover: $10!!!!
Spread the word!!! This is going to be great.
Witness one of the most sought-after Doumbek drummers in the US, Raquy, with her most talented and sexy band, The Cavemen. Solstice Studio Instructors open the show at 9:30, and then Raquy performs at 10pm with featured dancer, Sera Solstice. Come ready to dance!!!!
 

Thursday June 11th:
Shaking the Trees, a Fundraiser for PURE
A Bellydance Benefit for PURE to adopt 3 trees in Prospect Park
Dancers: Amantha, Elekra, Jeniviva, Mimi Fontana & Manhattan Tribal, Neon, Paola Blanton, Pacita, Sahazha, Sera Solstice, Sonali with Laura Torell, Tara Star, MC Eshtar-Lucretia
Location: Satellite Lounge: 143 Havemeyer St, bet. South 1st and South 2nd st, Williamsburg Brooklyn
Doors 8:30, show begins 9pm
$15
 

 

Belly Dance Hafla (Party/Performance)
Friday June 12th 8:00 pm

Troupe and solo
Performances by
Kalina Devi
and her students
With many guest
dancers

The Hafla is at:
Shakti Yoga & Living Arts
1861 Springfield Ave.

$10.00 or $15.00 at the door
Purchase tickets on line:
www.ShaktiNJ.com 
Or call: (973) 763-2288

 

Saturday, June 13th, 10pm
Beats Antique:
hosted by Trisha McBride
Opening with:
Solstice Ensemble, Vorona, and Trisha McBride
Followed by DJ sets by Zoe Jakes and Red Siren
Get yer tix now: http://trishamcbridedance.com/workshops-events-and-more

 

Bellydance Revolution Belly Jam * Date  & location change
BellyJam is the cooperative effort of Luis Manuel & Kim Henry of Bellydance Revolution... BellyJam brings together dancers, drummers and musicians and creates a unique ambient space where all participate and express their creativity. The drumming/music circle will be facilitated by Luis Manuel and the dance by Kim Henry.

Where: Wellness On The Green in Morristown NJ
When: Saturday June 20th ~ 8-10pm
http://www.bellydancerevolution.com/bellyjam.html
Cost:$10

What to bring: A portable chair or floor pillow. BYOB. Some refreshments will be provided.

Musicians: Melodic instruments are welcome... If you bring an acoustic instrument, such as a guitar or a flute, you will need a small amp also... What to play: most of the playing will be improvisational... A good starting point would be to learn the Maqam (scale) Hijaz (Harmonic Minor Mode 5) also known as the Phrygian Dominant (a.k.a. Spanish)... Tune the 6th string to a D to get a drone tone. Go to following link
for more Info: http://jguitar.com/scale?root=D&scale=Phrygian+Dominant&fret=0&labels=letter&notes=sharps

Drummers: All drums are welcome... No experience necessary... While we will be drumming mostly middle eastern rhythms, you will be able to quickly pick it up, as most dance rhythms are in 4/4, 2/4, 6/8 and 8/4... If you don't have a doumbek, suggested drums would be a small-to-medium size djembe, a tambourine, a frame drum, etc...

Dancers: All are welcome... no bellydance experience necessary. Bring your hip scarves and zills if you have them!

Contact Info: For drum/music info, email: mail@luismanuelpercussion.com 
For dancer info, email: kim@bellydancerevolution.com 

 

"Shoot from the Hips” portfolio shoot for dancer
June 26/27/28

$100 for the 1st hour, $75 for each additional hour and a MUA (Makeup Artist) is available upon request
Space is limited so be sure to reserve your spot soon
Lloyd David Photography
1831 Brandywine St | Studio 4
Philadelphia, PA 19130
p 856.266.1835 | f 928.438.9955
http://www.lloyddavidphotography.com/hips.html

 

BELLY DANCERS FOR BARC
Brooklyn Animal Resource Coalition - No Kill Animal Shelter
Host: Manhattan Tribal NYC American Tribal Style Belly Dance
Type: Party - Benefit
Network: Global
Date: Saturday, June 27, 2009
Time: 6:00pm - 10:00pm
Location: Boulevard Tavern,579 Meeker Avenue in Greenpoint Brooklyn, NY 11222
Street: 579 Meeker Avenue
Phone: 7183893253
Email: manhattantribal@yahoo.com 

Dance performances by Manhattan Tribal, NYC Taxseem, Luz, Trisha McBride, and Sunny Sonali Chapman
Event runs from 6pm - 10pm. No Cover Charge.
Raffle and Beer Specials donated by Weinstephaner & Harpoon with 100% of the proceeds going to BARC
Come have a few drinks and watch some great performances for a great cause!

 

 

"HAFLA HABIBI" & SHOWCASE
June 28

Doors open @ 3PM for General Public!
4-9PM (last hour for Social Dancing!)

2881 Kennedy Blvd~Across the Street
from Journal Square PATH Train Station.
Cafe on 2nd floor. Entrance Left of McDonald's.

Come to our"Hafla Habibi", Belly Dance Hafla and Showcase to support and enjoy your local Belly Dance community! Our show is now full, with over 40+ Dancers in our first Hafla Habibi! Show will include professionals, students and enthusiasts! Men and families all Welcome!
Goddesses come in all shapes & styles! Cabaret, Classic, Saidi, American Tribal, Gothic, Fusion, etc., Solos, Groups. All welcome!

Confirmed Performers To Date in Alphabetical Order:

AMAR MAZRY, AMARA NURA, ASIL, AUDIE & DAUGHTERS OF HET HARU, BASMAH, BIRNUR, CHADIA & GYPSY CARAVAN TROUPE, CHIARA, DANA, ERIKA VEILS, EVADNE, FARASHA, FEIRUZ, GIA AL QAMAR & THE URBAN DESERT DANCERS, GINA, JAMILAH, KARAMATI, KISHA ZAHIR, MALAYKA. MATAAB EL TAAHIRA, MERET, MIKAILA, MOCHINDA, NAJA & STATEN ISLAND TRIBAL, NOORA, PETRINA, PHEON, SABRINA, SAIRA, SAKARA AMYRA, SA'NOORAH, SHAULA, SHULA, SONNSEEAHRAY & THE NUBIAN HIP-NONICS, STEPHANIE, SUZAHN, TARIK SULTAN, TASHIRA WADIYA, TIPSUDA, VICTORIA, YAME,YASMEEN EL QA'HIRA & RAKASAT EL LAYLA, ZAROUHI


The Band Members:

Chris Marashlian - Bass Guitar
John Tarpinian - Oud
Elias Sarkar - Vocals and Violin
Jerry Tarpinian - Dumbeg
DJ, Derajja from Katra Lounge in NYC
Social Dancing for ALL at End!
http://weblabnyc.com  studio: 347-813-4040

Vendors
*DECOTACH-(Noora/ danceenhancing@yahoo.com  Sri Radha/ Radha.sriradharose@gmail.com )belly dance wear accessories, head & arm bands, belts hip scarves, halter tops, all one of a kind and jewelry.

*GYPSY CARAVAN ENTERPRISES-( Chadia / GypsyCaravan1@aol.com  ) Cotton t-shirts with swarovsky crystal hamsas / costume jewelry / hip scarves / papyrus

*N.BAHRI RHYTHMS-(Tipsuda and Najib/nbahri_rhythms@hotmail.com  ) musical instruments & professional dance costumes.

*SILKDANCER-(Shaula/ shaula_bellydancer@yahoo.com  )Silkdancer creates unique dance wear, custom costumes and hand-dyed belly dance silks. All silks are hand-dyed by Shaula. As such, each piece will be as special and unique as you are. Silkdancer's veils are created out of grade-A silk and dyes know for their depth of color and lightfastness.

*STUDIO Z-(Zarouhi/ z@creativeartistsproductions.com  ) imports from Egypt....some costumes, gallabeyas both folkloric and fitted, some hip scarves, perfume and aromatherapy oils and other items.

*TURKISH BOUTIQUE-(Birnur/ birnurdance@yahoo.com  ) Authentic jewelry & home décor

Come & enjoy yourselves with your sisters, dance sisters & brothers!

Come prepared to shop. Belly Dance accessories, music, instruments, costumes, jewelry and more will be available from various vendors.There will be a raffle full of Belly Dance prizes such as free dance classes, etc.

*DVD Recordings will be also available – A great learning tool!

*RAFFLE PRIZES(s): Your ticket qualifies for raffle! If you would like to contribute please let us know!

* TICKETS & FOOD-BEVERAGE MINIMUM: $20 CASH at Door OR $15/Advance Tickets using Checking Account, Major Credit/Debit Cards through PayPal.

*FOOD-BEVERAGE: ALL, including Performers & Vendors, must pay a $5 Minimum (CASH ONLY!) towards food or beverage for the generous use of the space by Journal Square Cafe.

Go to http://www.paypal.com  and click "send money". It's Quick and Easy!!

Direct your PayPal payment for the appropriate amount to
birnurdance@yahoo.com


CONTACT INFO FOR PARTICIPATING DANCERS AND VENDORS:

E-MAIL: birnurdance@yahoo.com
PHONE: 646.373.0337
Dressing-Room/Vending tables opens @ 2PM for setup.
Musicians Sound test @ 3PM'
 

 

Samara' Grand Oriental Gala
Starring samara with special guests Tashira, Morgiana Celeste, Nina Brewton, Alexia of Tennesee, Zahra Gamal of Chicago, Erika of Chicago and the Baladina Dance Company. Live music by NYC's finest Arabic musicians.
Sunday, June 28, 2009. Doors open at 6:30pm. Lafayette Grill, 54 Franklin Street, NYC
Tickets: $20 in advance, $25 at the door Plus $15.00 minimum per person, your choice from menu or bar.
For show tickets, dinner reservations and gala information: 201-709-2377: www.samaradance.com  for order form.
http://www.samaradance.com/registration.htm

 

July

 

Beach Drum & Dance
Date: Saturday, July 11, 5-8pm
Place: Sandy Hook Beach, NJ
Cost: $5
What to bring: Suntan lotion, water, beach towel, bathing suit.

Mideast DrumDanceJam - Sandy Hook Info
Mideast DrumDanceJam brings together dancers, drummers and musicians to have a musical time and express their creativity...
*** Inclement weather might cancel this event. Check website for updates on day of event ***
*** There is bridge construction in progress... Please allow extra time for travel.

Driving Directions:
1) For driving directions to Sandy Hook, map it on Google or Yahoo:
Sandy Hook National Park, NJ (or click here for pdf)
2) Once you arrive at Sandy Hook, continue straight till you see the sign for
South Beach - Area E parking (past the Sea Gulls Nest restaurant), then
3) Drive into the Area E parking lot and park the car on the LEFT side of the parking lot. Walk towards the beach, then
4) On the beach, make a left and head towards the North (ocean will be on your right). Keep walking, about 100-200 feet until you see or hear the group.

Public Transportation:
While not as convenient, it is possible to reach Sandy Hook by public transportation (I have no experience with this).
Sandy Hook beach fees:
A daily beach parking fee of $10, per car, is charged before 4 pm. After 4pm, no fee is charged.

Drummers:

All drums are welcome, although middle eastern drums and frame drums are preferred... We will be drumming middle eastern rhythms. You will be able to quickly pick it up, as most dance rhythms are in 4/4, 2/4, 6/8 and 8/4... Just follow the facilitator, listen to the rhythm and play along, and embellish as needed... If you don't have a doumbek, suggested drums would be tambourines, frame drums, etc...

Musicians:
Bring your acoustic instruments... We will also play some softer, quieter rhythms that will permit acoustic instruments to solo (guitar, flute, etc.)...


What to play: If you're not familiar with middle eastern scales, a good starting point would be to learn the Maqam Hijaz (scale/mode), in the harmonic minor mode 5, also known as the Phrygian Dominant (a.k.a. Spanish)...
Guitarists, tune the 6th string to a D to get a drone tone. Go to the following link for more info on the Phrygian Dominant scale (mode).middle eastern music alternates between the song melody and improvisational playing... Listen to middle eastern music for ideas for melodies... Players should take turns soloing, and if one is soloing, others should be playing fill-ins, etc.

Dancers:
All are welcome... no bellydance experience necessary. Bring your hip scarves and zills if you have them!

Information: http://www.luismanuelpercussion.com/Sandyhook_info.htm

 

 

Bellydance Revolution Belly Jam
BellyJam is the cooperative effort of Luis Manuel & Kim Henry of Bellydance Revolution... BellyJam brings together dancers, drummers and musicians and creates a unique ambient space where all participate and express their creativity. The drumming/music circle will be facilitated by Luis Manuel and the dance by Kim Henry.

Where: Wellness On The Green in Morristown NJ
When: Saturday July 18th ~ 8-10pm
http://www.bellydancerevolution.com/bellyjam.html
Cost:$10

What to bring: A portable chair or floor pillow. BYOB. Some refreshments will be provided.

Musicians: Melodic instruments are welcome... If you bring an acoustic instrument, such as a guitar or a flute, you will need a small amp also... What to play: most of the playing will be improvisational... A good starting point would be to learn the Maqam (scale) Hijaz (Harmonic Minor Mode 5) also known as the Phrygian Dominant (a.k.a. Spanish)... Tune the 6th string to a D to get a drone tone. Go to following link
for more Info: http://jguitar.com/scale?root=D&scale=Phrygian+Dominant&fret=0&labels=letter&notes=sharps

Drummers: All drums are welcome... No experience necessary... While we will be drumming mostly middle eastern rhythms, you will be able to quickly pick it up, as most dance rhythms are in 4/4, 2/4, 6/8 and 8/4... If you don't have a doumbek, suggested drums would be a small-to-medium size djembe, a tambourine, a frame drum, etc...

Dancers: All are welcome... no bellydance experience necessary. Bring your hip scarves and zills if you have them!

Contact Info: For drum/music info, email: mail@luismanuelpercussion.com 
For dancer info, email: kim@bellydancerevolution.com 

 

August

 

Ak'Ana & Devi'Ance ~ Tribal Style and Fusion Bellydance present : Night of Mayhem
Start Time: Saturday, August 1, 2009 at 5:00pm
End Time: Sunday, August 2, 2009 at 12:00am
Location: The Backyard Oasis
Street: 500 E. Maple Ave
City/Town: Langhorne, PA
In conjunction with Pennypack Coven, and the Pagan Arts Alliance - Ak'Ana welcomes you to a Backyard Hafla!

Saturday, August 1st from 5pm - ???

7:30 - Performances by: Ak'Ana, Devi'Ance, The Mehndi Mamas and more!
DJ & Drum Circle

There will also be an area for vending and "Swap & Shop" to give your previously loved Bellydance or Pagan goodies a new home or to adopt a few new ones.

A Tattoo artist will also be there! <Tempt Tempt Tempt>

The event is Potluck and BYOB - We request that everyone please bring a dish to share. (Im sure paper goods would be helpful as well)

You may want to bring a rug/blanket or chairs for seating.

Because this is a private home, we suggest carpooling and if performing, coming as prepared as possible to perform.

Please message me if you have an interest in performing, there are a few spaces available. Email: ladyjaz@comcast.net

 

Belly Dance Swap and Sell Hafla hosted by Aisha
Sunday, August 2, 2009
11 AM to 5 PM
745 Ship Avenue
Beachwood, New Jersey
08722
RSVP:732-244-6296
Aisha745@aol.com

Come prepared to shop, eat, swim, dance, and socialize.
Remember to bring:
A food item to share for a pot-luck lunch
Your dance items to sell or swap
Swimming stuff (don’t forget your towel!)
Money (no checks or credit cards, please)
Bring a friend!

 

Bellydance Revolution Belly Jam
BellyJam is the cooperative effort of Luis Manuel & Kim Henry of Bellydance Revolution... BellyJam brings together dancers, drummers and musicians and creates a unique ambient space where all participate and express their creativity. The drumming/music circle will be facilitated by Luis Manuel and the dance by Kim Henry.

Where: Wellness On The Green in Morristown NJ
When: Saturday August 8th ~ 8-10pm
http://www.bellydancerevolution.com/bellyjam.html
Cost:$10

What to bring: A portable chair or floor pillow. BYOB. Some refreshments will be provided.

Musicians: Melodic instruments are welcome... If you bring an acoustic instrument, such as a guitar or a flute, you will need a small amp also... What to play: most of the playing will be improvisational... A good starting point would be to learn the Maqam (scale) Hijaz (Harmonic Minor Mode 5) also known as the Phrygian Dominant (a.k.a. Spanish)... Tune the 6th string to a D to get a drone tone. Go to following link
for more Info: http://jguitar.com/scale?root=D&scale=Phrygian+Dominant&fret=0&labels=letter&notes=sharps

Drummers: All drums are welcome... No experience necessary... While we will be drumming mostly middle eastern rhythms, you will be able to quickly pick it up, as most dance rhythms are in 4/4, 2/4, 6/8 and 8/4... If you don't have a doumbek, suggested drums would be a small-to-medium size djembe, a tambourine, a frame drum, etc...

Dancers: All are welcome... no bellydance experience necessary. Bring your hip scarves and zills if you have them!

Contact Info: For drum/music info, email: mail@luismanuelpercussion.com 
For dancer info, email: kim@bellydancerevolution.com 

 

 

Renaissance Festivals

Listings provided by http://www.renfaire.com/Sites/index.html

New Jersey

Lakewood Lions Charity Renaissance Faire - Lakewood (Sep)
http://www.faires.com/EventRecord.php?Id=301

Mystic Realms Fantasy Faire - Berlin (May)
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New Jersey Medieval and Fantasy Festival - Long Valley (Jun)
http://www.paladinmusic.com/festivals.html

New Jersey Pirate Festival and Kingdom - Somerset (Jun)
http://www.njkingdom.com/

That Medieval Thing (TMT) - Madison (Apr)
http://www.groups.drew.edu/medfest/

West Windsor Lions Renaissance Faire - West Windsor (May)
http://www.eastkingdom.org/event-detail.html?eid=1199

New York

Bill Johnston Pirate Days - Alexandria Bay (Aug)
http://www.alexbay.org/2005 pirate days event schedule.htm

Catskill Mountains Renaissance Faire - Cairo (Aug)
http://www.caironychamber.com/cairfirmedfa.html

Hawk Creek Wildlife and Renaissance Festival - East Aurora (Jul )
http://www.hawkcreek.org/festival/

Hudson Valley Mayfaire - New Paltz (May)
http://www.hvmayfaire.com/

Kingston Renaissance Faire - New Paltz (May)
http://www.kingstonrenfair.com

Medieval Festival at Fort Tryon Park - New York (Oct)
http://www.whidc.org/home.html

New York Renaissance Faire - Tuxedo Park (Aug - Sep)
http://www.recfair.com/NY/

Sands Point Faire - Port Washington
http://www.kingdomofacre.org/

Sterling Renaissance Festival - Sterling (Jul - Aug)
http://www.sterlingfestival.com/

Pennsylvania

Fairie Festival at Spoutwood Farm - Glen Rock (May)
http://www.fairiefestival.net

Kutztown Renaissance Faire - Kutztown (May)
http://www.geocities.com/kumrc2000/

Medieval Majesty's Renaissance Faire - Linden (Jun - Jul)
http://www.medievalmajesty.com/

Midsummer Renaissance Faire - Lehighton (Jun)
www.midsummerproductions.com

Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire - Manheim (Aug - Oct)
http://www.parenfaire.com

The Village Renaissance Faire - Wrightstown (Sep)
http://www.villagefaire.org

Western Pennsylvania Fairie Festival - Slippery Rock (Jun)
http://www.wpafairiefestival.com/