During a visit to the Mercado Medieval in Manacor, a week ago, I was surprised to suddenly be confronted by a group of young ladies, festively clad in what appeared to be oriental dresses.

I later found out that the females belonged to a group presenting Danza Oriental, also known as Danza del Vientre. The set-up is called Raks al Sahara, and they impart classes in belly dancing and such like to a willing audience of dance students, beginners, males and females, from the tender age of 12 on, and up. They also perform at parties, weddings, social gatherings, festivities and what have you, where a bit of music, fun and colourful ambience is wanted.

More information can be had from telephones 658.577.141 or 659.804.242.

The photo was taken in Manacor, Mallorca, Spain. The date: September 20th, 2008. The time was 18:04:41.