A young woman begins her journey as the Fool: inexperienced, curious, and still discovering who she is. Through challenges, uncertainty and moments of joy, she learns to trust herself and grow into her strength, awakening the High Priestess inside. Along the way, she explores self-image, societal expectations, perseverance and finding one’s place in the world.
That transformation provides the storyline for Tarot Card Belly Dance Showcase: The High Priestess Awakens, presented by Republic Belly Dance on Oct. 10 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the basement of the Arts Council of Fayetteville on 301 Hay Street.
For Republic Belly Dance owner Nita Moran-Fuentes, the evening brings together two personal interests: Tarot and dance. Her inspiration came while watching another dancer’s Tarot-themed showcase. She saw an opportunity to connect the individual cards through a single narrative, much as multiple cards contribute to one reading.
“Since belly dance is so strongly related to womanhood and women feeling empowered within themselves, I wanted the cards to tell the tale of how a woman may start her journey in life and grow into her strength,” Moran-Fuentes said.
A master of ceremonies, portraying a fortune teller, will introduce each performance and explain how its card fits into the maiden’s journey. That narration creates a shared storyline while allowing dancers to develop their own interpretations through movement, music and costume.
Moran-Fuentes carefully selected cards for the production but also welcomed performers’ suggestions. The Sun and Justice were among the cards dancers chose themselves, prompting her to adapt the narration and running order.
“Dancers are artists, and if they are inspired by a certain card, they are more likely to create an amazing performance,” she said.
That creative freedom extends to the visual details. Audiences can expect custom props, including illuminated wands and a scale, alongside costumes and music chosen to reflect each performer’s card.
Most participants practice fusion belly dance, combining traditional belly dance elements with modern music or movement influences. Traditional dancers will also perform, offering a variety of styles within the connected story.
Moran-Fuentes developed the narration and overall visual concept, with support from her troupe and other collaborators. Nikki Flynn contributed ideas informed by her experience in burlesque and theatrical performances. Ayanis of FLD Studios is helping direct decorations, while photographer and set designer Johnni helped refine the decorative vision.
Although the event embraces mystery and mysticism, Moran-Fuentes hopes audiences unfamiliar with Tarot will see its potential as a tool for personal reflection. For her, the cards offer a way to explore feelings and look inward.
The production’s emphasis on intuition carries into its message about confidence. “The storyline of this showcase pushes the narrative to listen to your inner voice instead of listening to what others tell you,” Moran-Fuentes said.
Through teaching dance, she has encountered women who struggle to recognize their own beauty and strength. She hopes the evening encourages them, and anyone watching, to see their potential.
“Everyone has greatness within; they just have to pull it out,” she said. The showcase also offers an opportunity to appreciate belly dance as an expressive art form, with storytelling and individual creativity at its center.
This will be the largest show Moran-Fuentes has hosted. Her previous events have been smaller and more casual, while her experience performing in larger productions, including a Dungeons & Dragons-themed showcase, helped shape her approach to this evening.
Admission is $10, and advance purchase is strongly encouraged. Tickets are available on Eventbrite at https://tinyurl.com/mrxz9hp6. At the time of the interview, Moran-Fuentes reported approximately 20 seats remaining. Tickets will be available at the door only if the event has not sold out; she said standing-room admission may also be available. Guests should check the Republic Belly Dance Facebook page for ticket information and availability updates at https://www.facebook.com/Fusion4Tribal/#.
Children are welcome and admitted free, but seating is limited. Parents should expect children attending free to sit in their laps; a separate chair requires a purchased seat. Moran-Fuentes describes the show as family-friendly and asks that children remain quiet during performances.
Guests should use the Arts Council’s rear entrance. A nearby parking deck and street parking provide additional parking options. Moran-Fuentes said the venue is wheelchair accessible, with elevator access to the basement. Seating will be close together, and only VIP seats are designated.