"Tarot - Fantasy Bellydance" is a collection of 20 dance
performances exploring the symbolism and archetypal ideas associated
with the cards of the Tarot deck.
The performances represent nearly all the cards of the
Tarot Major Arcana: Fool, Magician, High Priestess, Empress, Emperor,
Hierophant, Lovers, Lust, Hermit, Wheel of Fortune, Justice, Hanged
Man, Death, Temperance, Devil, Tower, Star, and Judgment.
A number of Tarot cards are portrayed through stories or
mythological imagery: In "The Magician" the hero's shadow escapes and
takes over; "The Empress" is the story of the goddess Parvati; "The
Hierophant" is a ritual of the revelation and worship of the goddess
Isis; "The Lovers" echoes the plot of Wagner's "Venus and Tannhauser";
"The Wheel of Fortune" makes two rounds through the stories of
Cleopatra and Medusa; while "Judgment" recalls the medieval motif of
the Dances of Death.
Some of the performances approach Tarot symbolism
through experiences of personal growth and mysticism: "The Star" is a
story of a broken heart; "Temperance" is a seductive interplay of
passion and restraint; "The Hermit" is a journey of learning and
overcoming; "The Tower" is a warrior dance.
Performed by a spectacular lineup of bellydance stars,
"Tarot - Fantasy Bellydance" alternates solos with group dance
compositions in a wide range of bellydance styles. Contributing
artists include Anasma, Andrea Anwar, Autumn Ward, Ayshe, Bellycraft,
Blanca, Elisheva, Fayzah, Irina Akulenko, Michelle DeVine, Neon, Sarah
Johansson Locke, Sarah Skinner, Tanna Valentine, Toshi Hamada, Yoshina 