The Nile Bar and Grill, for the second year in a row, hosted the Primal Infusion: Tribal at the Nile belly dancing festival, which was not only an opportunity for vendors to sell their wares, but also a place where belly dancers were able to show off their skills to a varied assortment of music.
About 600 people in total attended the Feb. 19-20 show, which was a first for show coordinators. According to the Web site www.tribalatthenile.com, this year was the first year the show was able to arrange for a second night, allowing more entertainment to be planned than normal.
Jen Raven, stage manager for the event, spoke highly of both the dancers and the vendors.
“Things are going really well at this event,” she said. “I’m in an awesome mood because the vendors are doing well and so are the dancers.”
Workshops were also held for those who wanted to learn belly dancing, or for those who just wanted a refresher course.
The opening Master of Ceremonies for the event, Marjhani BellaMorte, said during the show that everyone could benefit from the workshops.
“Even I have benefitted from a refresher course or two, ladies,” she said. “So don’t feel shy about signing up. These workshops are for you.”
Several vendors also danced in various portions of the show, as is the case with Missy Denney who is from Bakersfield and dances for three different troupes including Sister Moon Rising, Tribal Moon Rising and Dark Raven.
“I’ve been dancing about five to six months,” said Denney. “I really just like the community with the women. We’re all a big family, and I love the energy we create.”
Bakersfield Emerging Contemporary Artists was also present to support the different troupes and also to take part in their own fundraiser on Feb. 19 during movie night.
John Hazlett, member of BECA, said he was happy with how the event turned out.
“The movie night fundraiser was for BECA, and it was a good night,” he said. “This is even better today because it’s getting our name out there.”
According to event planners, they hope to have the event back at the Nile for 2011.