This show is performed by Hamam Dance Troupe which consists of 25 experienced dancers and musicians.Culture Center is a part of 550-year old Turkish Bath called Hocapasa Bath which is today used as a market. Dances from different regions of Anatolia are performed as well as group and solo oriental dances with modern choreography in the collages, with specially designed costumes and accompanied by live music. In addition, an exhibition in the foyer area which describes The History of Dance Culture in Turkey starting from 10.000 years back to today with graphics , pictures and video support can be seen.
Turkish Dance : In the Ottoman era and in Turkey today, dancing traditions in Anatolia are different than dancing traditions in Istanbul and other big cities. In Anatolian villages and towns, against the religious and social restrictions of imparial city, women and men used to sing, dance and have fun together. Dances performed during these entertainments are usually rituals with themes of their own. The reason for the organization of entertainment such as weddings, grape harvest festivities and celebrations would determine the dances to be performed and the dances would differ according to wheter they were performed only by men or women or both men and women together In the Ottoman Empire and in modern Turkey today, every area, every city and village has its own traditional folkloric costumes and dances. These rich and traditional entertainment forms are still held in high regard and enjoyed today. With more than 4000 types of traditional folkloric dances identified by folklore researchers in rural areas and villages, Turkey has one of the richest folkloric dance heritages today.
Anatolia is the melting pot of many civilizations where this great traditional heritage is kept alive. It is known today that belly dancing originated from ancient Egypt and India. The main theme of this dance is human nature and sexuality. Belly dancers in revealing, erotic costumes would roll their bellies, rhythmically circle their hips and waist, move their hands gracefully up and down like a snake and bat their eyes at the audience, accompanied by old Turkish style köçek music. This dancing style was strictly aimed at man and it had many erotic associations, therefore belly dancers would often dance for men in taverns, saloons and drinking houses. While belly dancing was confined to desolate back door venues during the Ottoman period, after the declaration of Republic women and families were allowed to participate in social life and belly dancers began performing in legal public venues, taverns and nightclubs. Belly dancers were always popular after 1920’s. Just like prominent singers, they would take to the stage as the final act and the audience would patiently wait for them to appear. Turkish belly dancers are also known as “Turkish delights” on account of their beauty, plumpness and agility Today, belly dancing is an art form loved by everyone and enjoyed by families. World renowned, beautiful and agile belly dancers keep entertaining audiences in night clubs, famous music halls and venues. Oriental dance training is improving today. Auditions for young and talented people are being organized and those who are chosen are given training in thematic dancing. Dancing troupes like “Fire of Anatolia” present great productions of traditional folkloric dance and oriental dance rhytms choreography. These musical and dance productions tour the world.
Ticket price : 25 euro per person
Performance is in two parts and takes 1 hour total. As regularly every Tuesday and Thursday at 20:00 and 21:00 at Saturdays.
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