From bellydancing to K-pop, Amira Dance studio to stage its 45th annual show

Amira Dance Productions will showcase various cultural dances — from a Victorian-flavored carnival number to an Egyptian form of street dancing to Poly-Tahitian styles — during its Dance Odyssey Celebration Saturday. This marks the studio’s 45th annual show.

The studio first opened in 1974 by Alice Castilow after she studied belly dancing in New York City. Castilow, who performed under the name Amira, was among the first to bring the dance style to Kansas and the studio she founded has gone on to become the longest running dance studio in the community.

Following Castilow’s death in 2004, the studio wanted to keep the tradition in honor of Castilow and two of her students took over the studio and planning of the celebration.

At last year’s celebration the event sold out early with 400 guests in attendance and this year the studio bumped the number of tickets to 500.

The celebration, however, did not always boast such high attendance. Co-owner and co-director Patricia Baab said in the early days, the studio performed to a much smaller crowd.

“45 years ago we had our first annual show but it was in the studio. It was a very small, family-oriented group. We sat on the floor and had Pepsi crates that we used as tables and we just performed for our families and every year it just grew from there,” Baab said.

While the studio may commonly be known for its belly dancing classes, the show will offer a variety of dance styles including Polynesian, ballroom, hula hooping, East Indian, K-pop and much more.

“The variety that we provide on stage is not like anything done in Wichita,” she said.

The show will feature about 70 local performers, ranging in age from 16 to 85. Some, Baab said, have been practicing since the end of last year’s show. Rehearsals began in full swing by October. The shows are known for their eclectic music and colorful costumes. This year the dancers will use props including umbrellas, trays balanced on their heads, poi veils, finger symbols and hula hoops.

With this year being the 45th show the studio has taken on the anniversary stone sapphire as the theme. The color will play a prominent role in the design and costumes of the dancers, Baab said.

She said she hopes the event will allow the audience to see something they are not familiar with and even spark interest to learn more about the dance styles.

Besides the health benefits that come from dancing and staying active, the studio has built a community around its passion.

“It’s a bonding experience where you’re sharing the love dance with the same people who love to dance. A lot of friendships are made. We support each other in the studio as well as outside,” Baab said.

Dance Odyssey Celebration

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, March 7. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Where: Crown Uptown Theatre, 3207 E. Douglas Ave.

Tickets: $25 in advance; $30 at the door. Tickets for children ages 12 and younger are $10. Tickets available at the Crown Uptown box office or online at www.crownuptown.com or www.amiradanceproductions.com