Male Belly Dancers Are Increasingly Popular Entertainment

NEW YORK, July 3, 2012 - When picturing a belly dancer, most of us have some image of an enchanting, bare midriff woman shimmying with a coin scarf around her hips…but most of us don’t picture the handsome, male counterpart of this dance.

Belly dancing, also known as oriental dance, is a theatrical adaptation of traditional Arabic folk dances performed by both men and women.

Internationally known oriental dancer and historian, Tarik Sultan, explains, “It wasn’t until the early 20th century that it became an exclusively female dance for men. Prior to the period of European influence [late 1800’s], male oriental dancers were not novelties; they were quite common.”

Although Sultan has had personal success as an oriental dancer, he says his greatest challenge is opening people’s eyes to understanding that his performance is not an imitation of a woman.

With increasing demand for his performances, Sultan declares, “I get resistance to the concept of a man doing a woman’s dance, but in reality, I provide a more culturally accurate perspective. Once an audience sees me dance, that reception is overwhelmingly positive.”

With over 20 years experience, Sultan performs and teaches seminars in oriental dance worldwide. Based in New York City, he has danced at many prestigious venues such as the United Nations and Lincoln Center, and is a popular party entertainer at social and corporate events.

Sultan admits that it is sometimes challenging to get a job as a male oriental dancer because “people don’t ask for something if they don’t know that it exists.” To assist with this dilemma, Sultan’s services are represented by Zohar Productions, an event planning company specializing in Moroccan and Arabian Nights themed parties and events.

Laura LeRoy, owner of Zohar Productions, explains, “My clients are always looking for unique ideas that will make their event stand out and be memorable. We don’t gear the entertainment just towards the gentlemen in the audience; we provide entertainment for the ladies as well. Male oriental dancers can be found nationwide and I get requests coast to coast.”

“Sultan’s performances are unique, not only because he is a man, but because he can shimmy, undulate, and play finger cymbals better than many female belly dancers,” asserts LeRoy, “Sultan’s signature dance, balancing a 3’ tall hookah on his head while he dances, exemplifies his skill.”

An example of his dance can be found on Zohar Productions' YouTube channel: http://youtu.be/5XwWovBoKec

In addition to booking dancers, Zohar Productions is known for its other exciting and authentic entertainment including snake charmers, whirling dervishes, sword swallowers, and fire performers. For more information, call 800-658-0258 or visit www.zoharproductions.com.

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Zohar Productions is an award winning company specializing in Arabian Nights and Moroccan themed parties and special events. The company started 25 years ago in NYC and is currently based in Scottsdale, AZ. Zohar has offices in New York City and Los Angeles. Find us online: Facebook, Blog, YouTube

Zohar Productions
244 Fifth Ave, Suite Q-258
NYC, NY 10001

This release was published on openPR.