Zingara. Photo by JGM.

The first time Zingara was scheduled to appear at Java City, I received more than a few raised eyebrows as I announced that we were to have belly-dance troupe perform at Java City.  Fortunately, we also had arranged for the famous percussion group The Love Drums to come up from Nashville and as they performed, Zingara wove their magic over the crowd.  Within an hour, we had a large group of students and staff dancing across Java City and the café was packed to the walls.  The same dynamic occurred when we had Zingara back in the spring and the dance was outside on the Java City patio.  I recently interviewed Lee Ann Bledsoe, a member of the troupe and WKU employee to explore this phenomenon.

Lee Anne, can you tell us a bit about your personal history?   How did you get started in belly-dance?

I started belly dancing about six years ago in a class at the YMCA.  I signed up for the class because it sounded like a fun way to exercise and turned out to be so much more.

Who influenced you as a dancer?  Anybody local?

I would have to say the joy and beauty of all forms of dance has influenced me more than any particular dancer or person and is what keeps me dancing.

How do you define your particular style of belly-dance? 

Most of my formal training has been in Egyptian and Turkish cabaret which I now mix with more traditional folkloric dance and also modern tribal fusion. I would also say that I am influenced by cultural dances such as Flamenco and Indian Bollywood. I really hate to define my style because, as belly dance, it is a mix of influences from all over the world, plus who knows what I’ll try next. 

How did Zingara get started? Who are the members and where are they from?

Zingara Bellydance Troupe was formed in January 2008 by Julie Alexander, Robin Stout and myself when we decided we just needed to dance more. The troupe now includes Kurt Shoopman and several of our students as well. We are based out of Glasgow, Kentucky, where we teach at the Bunche Community Center. We also perform on a regular basis with Nadia De Leon of Impromtu Dance as well as The Lotus Dancers from Leitchfield, Kentucky.

What is your favorite sort of gig?  How has Zingara been received by the local community?

Zingara has been warmly received by the local communities for the most part. We are regular performers at the Owensboro, Glasgow and Bowling Green International Festivals and have always received positive feedback. Most people after they see us perform are interested in the origin of the dance and costuming. This is a big reason I personally enjoy the festivals the most, it is an opportunity to share about belly dance history and the culture.

Where do you want go with Zingara?

Zingara is a family and while we love to perform I think our greatest joy is found in the dance itself, sharing that with others, encouraging creativity, and welcoming anyone interested in belly dance to join us. So I guess wherever and however we continue to do these things, I’ll be there!

About the author: Jack Montgomery is a librarian, author and associate professor at Western Kentucky University where he handles bookings for musical acts in University Libraries, Java City coffeehouse. Jack has also been a professional musician since 1969 and performs with a celtic quartet called Watersprite. Visit him at MySpace/shadowdancerjack or on Facebook.