A: Hipnotic is a new type of belly dance event for Reading and the surrounding area. It's an event that will run bi-monthly and is the first in the area to combine a great night of performances and dancing with the chance to take a class or two in the atmospheric and relaxed venue at the Jazz Cafe.
Q: What is belly dance?
A: Belly dance is a dance form that originates in the Middle East and spans countries from the north of Africa to Afghanistan and northern Pakisthan. Most people are aware of belly dance and associate it with exoticism. The dance moves are typically done by isolating one part of the body from another, e.g. if your hips are moving, your torso and shoulders should not be and vice versa. Costumes are imagined as (and sometimes are) gauzy, glitzy and dripping with beads and sequins.
Q: What is tribal belly dance?
A: Tribal belly dance is a form of belly dance that takes influences from the Middle East, India, Spain and other countries, as well as other western dance forms. Hipnotic will offer the chance to learn Improvised Tribal Style at their evenings. Participants will learn a set of moves and will be able to join in with other local dancers in the group dance style that makes tribal so popular. It's a fabulous way to enjoy dancing as a group (as you will discover when you come along and join in). The costuming style is very different to the traditional form of belly dance.
Q: Are there other styles of belly dance?
A: Yes. You may have visited countries such as Tunisia, Turkey or Lebanon or Egypt where you may have seen dancers at hotels. Each country across the area known as the Middle East has recognisable differences in the way the dance is performed; one of the great joys of the dance is it's nuances and differences. It is our hope that at subsequent Hipnotic nights we can give you a taste of some of these different styles.
A: Most of the belly dance events in this area have been put on in locations that are outside of the main towns, in places that can be hard to reach and often have a 'sterile' atmosphere. The focus is on dancers getting together, to perform and enjoy each others company. Whilst there is nothing wrong with this at all, the focus of this event is on wider inclusivity. We wanted a platform to share this dance with everybody, not just other dancers, in a way that was enjoyable for all. We've taken feedback from our friends and other members of the general public about what they look for in an event and have sought out a new location, one that is easy to reach, has a bar and the all important ambiance.
Q: Can I or my troupe/class perform at Hipnotic?
A: We welcome enquiries from those who would love to perform at one of our events. We have many ideas for our future events and we may ask you to attend a particular event if we feel that it would fit the theme of our evening. If you would like to perform please contact the team using the Contact Us form, putting Performance at the top of the message.
Q: Do we need to bring any food along?
A: No thank you! Let's just have a fun night of dancing without worrying about whether we'll remember to take our dishes home or slip on a cherry tomato.
A: Yes, the event is aimed at everybody, however this venue is a licsenced premises so the usual age restrictions apply. Our hope is that people with experience in belly dance will be joined by those who are brand new to it, and that together we can all enjoy a great evening.
Q: Can men come along?
A: Absolutely. In fact belly dance is not exclusive to women (a popular misconception) and there are some fabulous male dancers in the world. Men are welcome to come along to the events. We ask that everyone who comes to a Hipnotic event is respectful of those attending the classes, towards our performers, and towards those who might choose not to dance. If you are not respectful the Hipnotic team will ask you to leave. Our venue has an experienced doorman who will ensure that everyone has a great evening.
Q: What should I wear?
A: You can wear whatever you like. You might find movements easier if you're not wearing tight jeans, and for classes it is safer for you to have soft soled shoes or bare feet. For the rest of the evening you'll have to use your judgement about being barefooted or keeping your shoes on - we don't want anyone to slip or hurt themselves.
If you've a belly dance costume or belt then please feel free to wear it or bring it along.
At subsequent events there will be the opportunity to buy belly dance items such as soft shoes, costumes, belts and jewellery. We'll let you know when vendors will be attending.
Q: Do I have to bare my belly?
A: Absolutely not. "Belly dance" is something of a misnomer, a phrase that was used by the entrepeneur Sol Bloom to titillate the imagination of people going to the Chicago World's Fair over 100 years ago as he wanted visitors to the Fair to visit "A Street in Cairo" where all manner of performers from across the Middle East were on show. It's a phrase (and a reputation) that has stuck ever since.
Q: So am I right to think that belly dance is a bit like stripping?
A: No, the two are not connected. We very much hope that Hipnotic events will inform and educate as much as entertain those who come along. Middle Eastern Dance or Oriental Dance as it is properly known is a challenging and exacting dance form and has nothing to do with stripping. However, it does feature FABULOUS costumes and props! Go here to find out more about belly dance. A: There are directions to the venue on the venue's website.
Q: How can I come to Hipnotic if I don't have my own car?
A: You can get a train to Reading and then a taxi out to the venue. We can also offer a Car Buddy system. Let our team know that you need a lift by using the Contact Us form and putting Car Buddy at the top of the message. We'll do our best to find someone who is coming from your area who will be willing to give you a lift.
Q: So should I offer to give someone a lift if I'm coming alone?
A: That's what we need to make the Car Buddy system work. If you are coming alone in your car, please let the team know and if we can we'll match you up with someone from your area that would appreciate a lift. Use the Contact Us form and put Car Buddy at the top of your message. A: It runs from 7pm to 10.30pm.
Q: Why does the event finish at 10.30pm?
A: We welcome your feedback on this. If you come along to our events and feel that you would like them to finish later than 10.30pm (because you're enjoying yourself) then please let us know. We have chosen 10.30pm as our finish time as we appreciate that for many thoughts of the school run and work the next day might mean that you would leave the event early if it were to finish later.
A: Entry is £7 per person on the door and will remain so for the whole evening. This fee applies to everyone who comes along, including performers. PLEASE ensure that if you invite friends to "come and watch me dance" that they understand there is a door fee.
Q: What do I get for my £7?
Hipnotic events offer you the opportunity to join in with fun classes, watch quality entertainment from belly dance performers and the chance to dance until 10.30pm in a great venue with a bar. The Hipnotic team has so many ideas for subsequent nights that it's possible we won't have enough events to get through them all!