Baraka Dance Studio emerged from a desire to preserve this increasingly rare form of tribal belly dance .

The meaning of Baraka: Baraka is an Arabic word that has many meanings. It is regarded in various Eastern religions as an indwelling spiritual force and divine gift - a spiritual power. It represents the ultimate grace one can experience in life - the thing that we are all forever seeking. Baraka represents the essence of life.

Why this form of belly dancing: This particular form or style has become rare, replaced by modern versions of it. We are a big proponent of eclectic dance and music – however it is good to retain the original forms as well.  Baraka Dance Studio was created to preserve this wonderful style.  There is no pure form of belly dancing anymore, at least not in the United States, but this style was passed down by some of the tribal belly dance instructors in California in the 1970s and it is a truly powerful form.

About Nancy Rose

I graduated from Antioch University in 1979 with B.A. Degree in Ethnic Dance and Music.

I’ve been teaching Middle Eastern dance since 1976 in San Luis Obispo, San Francisco, and Santa Barbara, CA.

From 1976 to 1978 I was the director of the Baraka Dance Troupe.

I learned this form in the early 1970’s from Sharon Iverson aka Shareen El Safy and later editor of Habibi Magazine, Jamilia Salimpour of San Francisco and director of Bal Anat, along with other members of Bal Anat, and Santa Barbara instructors J’Nelle Gover, Zig Knoll, Diana Hankey, Tiny Ossman and Beth Sheba.  I was inspired by both Bal Anat Dance Troupe at the Northern Renaissance Faire and at the Dicken’s Christmas Faire - as well as Baba Ganoush Troupe and Hahbi’Ru at the Southern Renaissance Faire.

I have danced and taught this belly dance form since 1974.  There were times when my life took other turns, but I always came back to my dancing. After performing with Baraka Dance Troupe for three years, I moved to San Francisco to complete my B.A. in Ethnic Dance and Music at Antioch University. I fell in love with this belly dance style early on and it is in my blood.  I think it is worth preserving.

Below, you’ll find a gallery of images from the Baraka Dance Troupe.