MANCHESTER - Learn the art of belly dancing during a special workshop at the Mark Skinner library on Wednesday, Sept. 5, at 7 p.m. Julz Irion and Bethany Perron, members of Bennington Beledi Tribal Bellydance (BBTB), will teach the fundamentals of the dance form.

BBTB encompasses the locally acclaimed Sahidi Sisters, who perform at a professional level, and Sisters of the Shawl, a troupe comprised of aspiring students as well as professional dancers. Both troupes exemplify traditional American Tribal Style (ATS) belly dance, performing to a mix of traditional and alternative music.

ATS is an improvisational style of dance that brings together steps, music and costuming elements reminiscent of the tribal, nomadic and Rom cultures of India, North Africa and the Middle East. Dancers learn a "language" of cues and movements and choreograph dances on the spot, interpreting music individually.

The workshop is free and open to the public. Mark Skinner Library is located at 48 West Road in Manchester. Exercise clothing is recommended. Call 362-2607 to reserve a space.

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