"Picture this....a 'Tribe' of women in elaborate striking costumes, dancing together in a captivating display of female beauty, strength and unity. A mesmerising array of colour and movement, all set to the backdrop of vibrant tribal percussion music!"

Zaar bellydance is a professional performance troupe based in the Yarra Valley, Victoria.

Formed in 2002, Zaar regularly perform at Cafe's, Festivals and Private Functions, creating a space for audiences to experience the timeless expression of the female spirit through the medium of dance.

Zaar specialise in a style of bellydance that has its roots deep in the Gypsy dance traditions of North Africa and the Near/Middle East, but is really a fusion of many dance styles. With influences as varied as Classical Indian, Flamenco and Modern Dance, seamlessly blended together, this is a truly multi-cultural dance form!

This cultural fusion is seen not just in the dance technique but also in the global elements that are incorporated into the costuming. Dramatic headdresses, rich fabrics, intricate facial tattooing,and ornate tribal jewellery make an impressive visual impact. Dynamic and haunting Folkloric Middle Eastern music is embellished by the dancer's playing of zils (finger cymbals).

This constantly evolving dance style has been developed to its present form over the last 35 years by a succession of American dancers. It is now globally recognised as 'American Tribal Style Bellydance' (ATS) to describe both its historic tribal influences and its status as an exciting modern dance form.

This form of dance is captivating and different!

Zaar bellydance does not rely solely on conventional choreography but instead use a form of structured improvisation, emphasising the connection between the women dancing. The troupe shares a common vocabulary of movements - much like a language - where new and inspired arrangements are created in each performance, freeing the dancers to be truly present in the passion and joy of the dance!