Kasbah Entertainment
Each and every night, a belly dancer or a tribal dance troupe interjects some extra energy into The Kasbah, beginning between 9:00 and 9:30. We feel night life should not be relegated to only Friday and Saturday evenings, unlike the other venues in Sacramento that offer dancing only on weekends.


Belly Dancing
Arabia, our lead dancer and coordinator, has brought together a handful of professional dancers, not beginning students. She is well-connected in the Eastern Dance community, and it is not unusual to have guest appearances by out-of-town performers passing through Sacramento.

The term "Belly Dance" derives from the 19th century French misnomer danse du ventre, which has come to connote derogatory stereotypes about a dance that is largely misunderstood. The Arabic name, raks sharqui ("Dance of the East") is more appropriate, focusing on all aspects of the body in culture and incorporating the broader Middle Eastern tradition of the dance as an historically-based art form of personal expression and social celebration. Although the origins of belly dance, or more respectfully, "Oriental Dance" are debated, it is generally agreed that it began as a fertility ritual and developed into a social dance, known as raks beledi or "dance of the people". Incorporating diverse elements from a variety of countries and cultures -- Egypt to Lebanon, Turkey to Morocco -- Oriental Dance is based on rigorous technique, an extensive movement vocabulary, the dancer's emotional interpretation and the energy of the audience. In contrast to most Western forms of dance, participation is part of the show and can be in the form of clapping, ululating (the zaghareet), dancing along, and tipping.Tipping is not required. It is however, a culturally appropriate way to show your appreciation for the dancer. Kasbah features the tradition of the Arabic "money shower" where the host will convert your money to singles which will then be thrown over the dancer during her show. In the spirit of these ancient traditions, Kasbah offers the unique and unprecedented opportunity to showcase a diversity of styles of Oriental Dance in the most culturally authentic environment. From the Modern Egyptian cabaret dance to traditional folkloric styles, to Moroccan berber folk dance, you will see a variety of belly dance presentation every night of the week! Come sample the magic and mystery of the Orient. Get out of your seat and Rak the Kasbah!
For more information, please send an email to Arabia

Belly Dancing nightly

Thursday Night Trio Additionally, the Andreas Mario Project plays each Thursday evening beginning around 10:00. This folksy jazz trio adds a little something extra to our "conversation-first" ambiance as we get the weekend going a little early.

Hookah
Hookahs—Middle Eastern water pipes, designed for communal smoking—are frequently used on the patio tables, and a handmade sign listing the various flavors of tobacco available, including strawberry, banana split and premium white grape (Al-Fakhar).

Bring your friends and enjoy a bit of the Middle East in Midtown!