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Bellydance, the seminal ATS troupe. But Bert “Roman” Balladine inspired Pat’s love of the 9/8 rhythm, which blossomed under visiting masters of Turkish and Rom (Gypsy) music and dance. She continues to study folkloric dance and hone her zils. As band “mom,” she voices the certainty: “We can DO this!” Also: “Dance, gardening and parenting (on good days) are activities that for me are the closest to divinity. Parenting because I am Love; Gardening because I am the Creator; Dance because, during a few Best performances, I am the Divine.”
Stashia Cabral (right) is a much-sought after soloist and accompanying partner for dance events in the Northwest. A member of Bellissimonde, she also is a founding member of the dance troupe Bellyphonic. Her dance foundation is American Tribal belly dance, although she’s studied cabaret, neo-tribal, triberet, folkloric and AfroCuban styles as well. And she continues her dance and performance education whenever she can. Perfecting herself as an artist is one of her great passions. Stashia’s fluidity and signature shimmies inspire awe and wonder. She is a sensual, mischievous and inspiring dancer. Her enthusiasm is infectious: "Oh, that was FUN!"
Urbana (left) is the newest member of the troupe. Kristin Yount moved to Portland from New Mexico, where she studied Flamenco with Eva Encinias-Sandoval. After her only child was born, Kristin took up yoga and belly dance, after which the performance bug bit her again. She took the name Urbana which means a woman from the city. To her it also means the soul within our urban environments. When Urbana dances she invites all to remember that even under the thickest concrete our mother earth still brings life to us all. She performs often as a soloist, working with many bands and at many venues. She above all loves interaction with live musicians and the camaraderie of Bellissimonde. In addition to being a beautiful dancer, Urbana also is an accomplished potter and event organizer and a zealous advocate of hand crafting. |
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For troupe, performance & CD info, contact: Pat Scott, Bellissimonde Director PO Box 8376 Portland, OR 97207-8376 (503) 249-8767 |
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If the musicians are the heart of Bellissimonde, then the dancers are its soul. |
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Patricia Scott (center) is troupe director, choreographer, a founding member and a core dancer. Pat first studied with Jamila Salimpour, a predecessor of American Tribal Style (ATS) belly dance. Pat also studied with Masha Archer, who inspired Carolina Nerrucio, creator of Fat Chance |