~Belly Dancing, Drumming, Theatre/Acting, Performances, Boutique~

Gypsy Circle Performing Arts Studio creates a fun, comfortable environment to learn the exciting and self-fulfilling arts of Belly Dance, Drumming, Theatre/Acting, in a relaxed atmosphere. Our goal is that each student finds enrichment through these beautiful and exciting arts. Our style of belly dance is called American Folk Gypsy, a very self-expressive style of belly dance created by Julie "Assifa" Wolfsong, owner, main instructor and troupe director of Gypsy Circle. We have many classes and workshops for women and men, adults and children. Our troupes are available for performances in any combination.

We invite you to visit our studio and browse our retail boutique. The Gypsy Circle Boutique carries a variety of belly dance costumes and accessories, as well as Creations by Zatarra handmade jewelry for belly dance and every day wear, incense, candle holders and other unique merchandise.

We have recently moved, and are still located in the beautiful foothills of the Cascade Mountains, at 1358-B Main Street in downtown Sweet Home, Oregon.

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~~The Dancer~~

It begins
With a single drum
Its beckoning rhythm
Floating through the trees

Another
And another
Soon take up the call
Creating the body
Of the song

The passion of
A violin
Becomes its blood

The music takes its form
Drawing the dancer in

Beyond the colorful
Wagons
And bright silk
Tents
Is heard the ringing of
Her zills

The blended scents
Of some rare spice, wood smoke
And incense
Intoxicate
Those waiting

From the clearing’s edge
She comes
Hips swaying
Arms holding a fluid movement
Hennaed hands create
A gesture
To further soothe their languid souls

The dancer’s layered skirts
Swirl
Their colors a flash
In the firelight

A teardrop carnelian
At her neck
Holds its own fire
And the bracelets on her wrists
Their own song

Deeper
The tone of a frame drum
Becomes the pulse
As gently the dancer slows

Violin is replaced by
A single flute
Drifting
Becoming the breath
And the melody

The dancer’s veil
Floats
Caught on the wind
Alive in her hands
Mesmerizing

Again the beat quickens
Her veil is released
Allowed to fly at last

Faster
And faster
Only one drum remains

The dancer shimmies
And spins
Giving herself
Entirely
To the almost frenzied
Moment

Laughter escapes
The dancer’s throat
Unable to contain
The pure joy
Of living
For this dance

© 2004 - Julie Wolfsong

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Belly dance for your spirit!