(Back row, L-R) Melanie Giedlin, Stacii Gerson, Dwynne Blackwell Furberg, Surreyya Hada, Lynda Deschambault; (front row, L-R) Rose Abramson, Charlie Gruebele, Tamara Gravesande, Stri Zulch Photo provided

Sunday, August 8th, marked the premiere performance of Troupe Lafayette at Carnival of Stars in the Richmond Civic Center Auditorium. The beginner to intermediate belly dance troupe is an eclectic mix of high school and college students, working women and stay-at-home moms. They are instructed by award winning belly dancer Surreyya Hada. The women are learning the ancient art of Egyptian belly dance through recreation classes held on Monday nights at the Lafayette Community Center. Their debut has segued into possible future performances at fundraiser events throughout the East Bay. Look for Troupe Lafayette at the Solano Stroll street festival and parade in Berkeley/Albany on September 12th.