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Event
Bal Anat
Bal Anat: Dance of the Mother Goddess
The longest running belly dance show in the world, Bal Anat is a living, breathing celebration of dance history and cultural storytelling. Created in 1968 by Jamila Salimpour, this groundbreaking production brings to life the rich dance traditions of the Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) region, blending folkloric roots, theatrical artistry, and powerful stage presence into a legacy performance.
Now under the direction of Suhaila Salimpour, Jamilas daughter and a master choreographer in her own right, Bal Anat continues to allure audiences with its timeless celebration of the art form. Featuring a diverse cast of Salimpour students from across the globe, the show immerses viewers in a vibrant display of dance, sound, and movement. From intricate finger cymbal rhythms to dramatic sword balancing and evocative hip work, every moment is a tribute to the depth and beauty of this dance form.
Bal Anat performances are rare, making this an extraordinary opportunity to witness a production that has shaped and inspired the world of belly dance for over five decades. Whether youre a longtime fan or new to the experience, this is a night of storytelling, movement, and artistry that will leave a profound impact.
About the Director, Suhaila Salimpour
Suhaila Salimpour is a first-generation belly dancer from the SWANA region (Southwest Asia and North Africa), widely regarded as an innovator in her field. As the visionary creator of the first certification program and pedagogy in belly dance, Suhaila revolutionized both performance and teaching methodologies, inspiring a global community of dancers to engage with the art form with greater dedication and depth.
As the director of the Salimpour School of Dance, Suhaila honors the heritage and values of her mother, Jamila Salimpour, while expanding its reach through licensed instructors worldwide and a robust online instructional platform. She has choreographed three full-length theatrical productions, recorded over 23 albums with some of the most renowned Arabic musicians of our time, and received the Gerbode Foundation's special award grant for dance and movement in 2024. Suhaila also earned an Isadora Duncan Special Award for Outstanding Production for the 2023/24 season.
Beyond her artistic accomplishments, Suhaila remains deeply committed to academic growth. She completed her BA in Performing Arts in 2024 and is currently pursuing an MFA in Dance at Saint Marys College of California. Through in-person classes, workshops, lectures, and performances worldwide, she continues to inspire and educate students across the globe.
Ticket Sales & At-the-Door Pricing
Online ticket sales will close at 11:59 PM the night before the show. After that, tickets will only be available for purchase at the door on the day of the event for $40 per ticket. Please plan accordingly to secure your spot in advance!
Refund Policy
NO REFUNDS - NO EXCEPTIONS
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LocationEl Cerrito High School Performing Arts Theater (View)
540 Ashbury Ave
El Cerrito, CA 94530-322
United States
Categories
| Kid Friendly: Yes! |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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Contact
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible
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