The Desert Opal Dancers perform a wide variety of belly dance styles including traditional styles which originated in the Middle East, modern ATS or American Tribal Style, Tribal Fusion and Dark Cabaret.

The Opals specialize in using dance props to highlight their movements and add drama to their performances.  Some of their favorite props include veils, canes, candles, swords, fan veils and even parasols!

[L to R] Belinda, Laura, Alaira, Bethsheba, Kara, Kirsten, Raqs Qalam

[L to R] Nancy, Qatariina, Kara, Raqs Qalam

[L to R] Kirsten, Qatariina, Kara, Raqs Qalam and Nancy

6/1/13 - Sphinx Hafla at Mango, Niles, IL

3/30/13 - Joseph's Labyrinth, a dinner show benefit for the Prune Belly Syndrome Network, at Danny's on Douglas, Elgin, IL

2/12/13 - Bellyfest and Gala Show at the Holiday Inn Itasca, Itasca, IL

1/27/13 - Changing the World One Child & One Community at a Time Benefit Hafla hosted by Rogue, The Moose Lodge, River Grove, IL

[Back row, L to R] Kirsten, Qatariina, Kara, Bethsheba, Farasha
[Front Row, L to R] Raqs Qalam, Nancy

11/4/12 - SilverMoon Showcase, 4:30p, The Onion Pub, 22221 Pepper Rd., Lake Barrington, IL  60010

10/24/12 - Belly Dance Wednesdays at the Martini Room, 8p, The Martini Room, 161 E. Chicago St., Elgin, IL 60120

2012 MIDWEST TRIBAL MAFIA.  Four of the Opals (Kara, Qatariina, Bethsheba and Raqs Qalam) performed in what turns out will be the very last Midwest Tribal Mafia show.  Vittum Theater, Chicago, IL.

[L to R] Bethsheba, Kara, Raqs Qalam and Qatariina

2012 HIPTASTIC OUTDOOR BELLY DANCE FESTIVAL AND SHOW.  Five of the Opals (Raqs Qalam, Kara, Bethsheba, Qatariina and Kirsten) graced the outdoor stage on a perfect Fall day at the Round Lake Beach Cultural & Civic Center, 2007 Civic Center Way, Round Lake Beach, IL.

[L to R] Bethsheba, Raqs Qalam, Qatariina, Kara and Kirsten
 

2012 ARTS OF HEALING HAFLA.  Four of the Opals (Nancy, Kara, Qatariina and Bethsheba) participated in this wonderful benefit to raise money for Cancer research held in Mundelein, IL.

[L to R] Nancy, Kara, Qatariina and Bethsheba

2012 HAFIDDLER ON THE ROOF ALL KLEZMER HAFLA.  Four of the Opals (Kirsten, Beverly, Kara and Bethsheba) performed at this fundraiser for Magda's cat shelter held on a rooftop in Chicago, IL.

[L to R] Kirsten, Beverly, Kara and Bethsheba

2012 TRIBAL REVOLUTION FRIDAY NIGHT PARTICIPANT SHOWCASE.  Eight of the Opals (Nancy, Raqs Qalam, Farasha, Kara, Qatariina, Bethsheba, Beverly and Kirsten) performed in the Friday night show at the Westin Hotel in Wheeling, IL.

[L to R] Qatariina, Kirsten, Bethsheba, Farasha, Nancy, Beverly, Raqs Qalam and Kara

2012 TIARA HAFLA.  Six of the Opals ((Nancy, Raqs Qalam, Kara, Qatariina, Bethsheba and Kirsten) performed in this wonderful benefit hafla which raised money for a local dancer, Zayna, with serious health issues and also gathered food donations for the local homeless charity.  The hafla was held at the Vogiele Barn in Hoffman Estates, IL.

2012 NAMASTE SHOW.  Seven of the Opals (Nancy, Raqs Qalam, Farasha, Kara, Qatariina, Bethsheba and Kirsten) performed at the Triton College Performing Arts Center on Saturday, April 21, 2012.

[L to R] Nancy, Raqs Qalam, Farasha, Kara, Qatariina, Bethsheba, and Kirsten

2012 APRIL SPHINX HAFLA.  Five of the Opals (Bethsheba, Kara, Qatariina, Farasha and Kirsten) performed at Mango in Niles, IL.

[L to R] Bethsheba, Kara, Qatariina, Farasha and Kirsten

MIDDLE EASTERN DANCE THROUGH HISTORY TO TODAY STUDENT RECITAL CONCERT. Four of the Opals (Kara, Marianne, Nancy, Raqs Qalam) performed as special guest artists at Elmhurst College, located in Elmhurst, IL on Friday, January 27, 2012.

SPHINX HAFLA.  Three of the Opals (Beth, Kara, Kirsten) performed in the sold-out December Sphinx Hafla at Mango in Niles, IL on Saturday, December