Originating in North Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, belly dancing is based on one of the oldest social dances in world history. There are two styles of belly dancing. The first is called Raqs Baladi. Raqs Baladi is a social dance performed during weddings and other festive occasions. The second style, the flashier Raqs Sharqi, is the most common version seen in America today.

Raqs Sharqi belly dancing consists of movements that are executed throughout the body. The focus of the dance is the pelvic and hip area. It is, fundamentally, a solo improvisational dance with its own unique dance vocabulary that is fluidly integrated with the music’s rhythm.

Raqs Sharqi dancers internalize and express the emotions evoked by the lyrics and the music. Appropriately, the music is integral to the dance. The most admired Raqs Sharqi dancers are those who can best project their emotions through dance, even if their dance is made up of simple movements. The dancer’s goal is to visually communicate to the audience the emotion and rhythm of the music. Raqs Sharqi translates from Arabic as "dance of the Orient".

Today, these ancient dances are taught in classes offered throughout the world, and skilled dancers are able to share their knowledge that has been passed down from the ancients who created them. 

Phara, the proprietor and name sake of Phara's, is an accomplished Belly Dancer having studied with internationally acclaimed Belly Dancing instructors. She was also the protege of the late Serena Wilson; the visionary dancer, teacher, and choreographer who was widely credited with helping to popularize belly dancing in America. Phara has performed and taught the art of Belly Dancing throughout the United States. She has also hosted a popular TV series in Seattle for four years called, “History, Mystery, and the art of Belly Dance. Be sure to ask Phara about her Zils (finger cymbals) which is her specialty.

Belly Dancing Performances at Phara’s
Our lovely, mesmerizing Belly Dancers perform Thursday through Sunday. The Belly Dancing performances are free to Phara’s patrons, but it is customary to pass a basket for the dancers.