Otto's Empire Belly Dance Troupe puts on first showcase

Otto's Empire Belly Dance Troupe put on their first ever showcase in Schine Underground Saturday afternoon.

Founded in 2015, Otto's Empire aims to highlight traditional belly dancing cultures and traditions. They incorporate both traditional and modern choreography into their dances. Tickets to the event sold out with 150 people in attendance. The showcase also featured Syracuse University dance groups Black Reign Step Team and Syracuse Orange Bhangra.

Photo: Riley Bunch

Junior Lorena Kanzki helped found Otto's Empire in 2015.

Junior Lorena Kanzki, who helped found the group her freshman year, took center stage improvising her dance entitled "Yearning". Seniors Sarah Farmer and Maria Velazquez were featured in a "Senior Spotlight" dance. Other performances used traditional items such as finger cymbals, veils, canes, wings and even swords.

Otto's Empire is open to all who are interested, no matter the experience. Workshops held throughout the year immerse attendees in multiple cultures associated with belly dancing including Egyptian, Turkish, Greek and Lebanese.