Bringing Arab Sexy Back

Middle Easterners aren’t too pleased with our culture lately. Some don't take too kindly to our McDonald's-fueled consumerism, love of globalization, or national symbol: Britney Spears. They hated her since before we had no choice but to — even back when she was belly-dancing her way into our hearts on “I'm a Slave 4 U.” Oh, but wait, Middle East, aren’t you the geographic region that brought the stomach-swerving shuffle to the world? Where did Brit-Brit learn those moves to begin with? There's no shame; own your sexy. Belly dancing is certainly better for your abs than the fast food we've exported.

To show locals how it’s really done, a dedicated group of Miami Dade College's Kendall Campus students will reveal belly dancing's Arab roots through its annual performance, Passport to Arabia. More than 150 hoofers will tout the artistic, cultural, and health-boosting aspect of the ancient dance form at 8 p.m. at the Miami-Dade County Auditorium. Tickets start at $20 and are available through Ticketmaster or the auditorium's box office.
Sat., May 10, 8 p.m., 2008