The World’s Fair introduced Middle Eastern belly dance to audiences on the Expo’s Midway Plaisance.

Maiver de la Cruz, Visiting Professor of Dance at Oberlin College, discusses the history of belly dance and the way it was adapted to American tastes at the Fair. Following the lecture, Erika Ochoa, a Chicago-based Middle Eastern dancer, demonstrates the Ghawazee style dance as Fair-goers would have experienced it in addition to other traditional styles of dance. The program closes with a workshop on belly dance for beginners.

Registration is required by Saturday, November 10, 2018.

This program is presented as part of Near North Design Day.