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What: Tundra Caravan Middle Eastern Dance Recital

When: 7 p.m. Saturday

Where: Pioneer Park Center for the Performing Arts

Admission: $10 adults, $5 children under 12

Energy. Art. Tradition. Varied style. Education. Culture.

These are just some of the elements brought together for a single performance by the Tundra Caravan Middle Eastern Dance Recital, which offers a variety music and dancing in a single spring recital.

“This is an event that brings together all the different instructors, styles and groups of the Middle Eastern dance community in celebration of the art,” said Tundra Caravan member Lara Lotze of the upcoming event, scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday at the Pioneer Park Center for the Performing Arts.

This annual recital is organized by Tundra Caravan, a nonprofit organization whose goal is to bring quality Middle Eastern dance events to the Fairbanks area. By offering such events, especially those that invite varied styles to perform under one roof, Lotze said the group can begin to overcome common misconceptions associated with the art form.

“Even though the Middle East and its culture is very broad and is a large geographic area, people often think of the seductive belly dancing stereotype. Sometimes they get confused about what we mean by Middle Eastern because there is such a variety,” she said.

Egyptian Classic Style, American Cabaret, Turkish Fusion, American Tribal Style, Saidi Cane Dance and American Veil and Sword are just a few of the styles to be performed at the recital, depicted by various dance groups from the area. Guest instructors involved include Chandani, described by recital organizers as “a dynamic dancer and instructor as well as a founding member of Tundra Caravan.” Chandani has been teaching Middle Eastern dance since 2000, and is currently instructing in Fairbanks, Fort Wainwright, and Eielson Air Force Base.

Another instructor bringing energy to the stage is Souzana, a founding member of Tundra Caravan. In addition to teaching the art at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and Raks Souzana, she also performs and teaches as a guest artist at the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival.

A 27-year veteran dancer, Robyn Russel (Rabiah Banu) will also share her talent. Russel also plays a drum-like instrument called the doumbek, directs the improvisational dance troupe Noor Shimall, and teaches privately at her home studio.

Mary Haley will direct the Cold Fusion Tribal Dance, formed in 2005 and featuring a broad variety of dance backgrounds, including ballroom, breakdance, burlesque and Bollywood.

Lotze herself will also share her talent. She specializes in American classic style and modern Egyptian, and currently teaches at Alaska Awalim in the Artisan’s Courtyard.

In addition to these dance instructors, Lotze said organizers are equally excited about a doumbek performance by musician and composer Elzbeth Adams.

One thing Tundra Caravan wants to emphasize with the event, Lotze said, in addition to the importance of bringing this variety of performers together, is the wide range of influences involved in the Middle Eastern dance culture. The vast geographical area and the worldwide influence of the art has contributed to the dynamic nature of the art.

“Middle Eastern dance has come across the world and is truly a global dance form. It has adapted to fit varied cultures, and is an ever-evolving dance form,” she explained. “It is not static.”

That evolution and continual adaptation is part of what makes the annual performance exciting. It also provides an excellent opportunity for veterans and newcomers alike to broaden their knowledge and experience.

“If someone has seen a performance but is absolutely focused in classic Egyptian, it may surprise them to see a contemporary Tribal American dance,” she said. “This allows our audience to see what other forms are like and see all of what the Middle Eastern dance community has to offer.”

Lotze also said the event is family-friendly, and offers “a little something for everyone.”