Musicians and dancers team up for show to benefit humane society

CORVALLIS - "I think that people tend to, if they've never seen it, not know what to expect," said Siobhan VanLanen.

A local belly-dance instructor and performer as well as a singer-songwriter, VanLanen is hosting her second fundraiser for Heartland Humane Society from 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at The Beanery, 500 S.W. Second St.

She relishes the chance to share Middle Eastern dancing and music with the uninitiated and fans alike.

"It's enlivening, it's stimulating, it gives you a chance to see the beauty of a costume - that was an art form in itself - displayed. It's an educational experience," she said.

VanLanen will use finger cymbals to performing some Middle Eastern-style rhythms learned on a trip to Egypt in 2007, along with her partner Wesley Stoker on drums and good friend Melanie Sorenson on flute.

In addition, students in VanLanen's Galactivate Dance Studio and members of the Corvallis Belly Dance Performance Guild and the Middle Eastern Dance Guild of Eugene will also perform.

The goal of the event is two-fold.

First, to "-.share the beautiful artistry of the ancient dance form with all its distinct modern variations - from cabaret to folkloric style dancing," VanLanen said.

And also, "to support the wonderful organization of the Heartland Humane Society, that works really hard to find homes for domestic animals," she added.

"To me, it's a culmination of bringing together my love of art, music and dance with together my love of animals," VanLanen said.

VanLanen, who owns three cats, one of which was adopted from Heartland, is no stranger to raising money and awareness for groups like the humane society. A member of numerous wildlife and environmental organizations, she's worked as an activist with Greenpeace and has a minor in wilderness studies from the University of Montana.

In her work as a bellydance instructor, she enjoys helping her students find an awareness of another kind.

"There's just a huge evolution that happens -. including physically with the development of core muscles to be able to do movements that are circular versus angular in motion," VanLanen said.

"What I see in my students is that they blossom on a physical level and they get to reap the benefits of flexibility -. circulation -. strength," she said. "From an emotional point, people will begin to accept their body and build self-confidence - to become stronger as a person," she added.

VanLanen hopes the community will respond generously to the show.

"I want to show the best of local talent," she said.

CHECK IT OUT

Belly dance and Music Showcase, 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday Nov. 15, The Beanery, 500 S.W. Second St., Corvallis. Suggested donation: $5-$10, benefits Heartland Humane Society. Information: 754-8487 or www.siobhanbellydance.com.