special to pop

Banmala Dance Troupe and the Norman Unitarian Universalist Fellowship will host "A Very Belly Christmas" 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 at Norman Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 1309 W. Boyd St. Proceeds from the evening of Christmas-themed belly dance will help provide holiday gifts for children at the J. D. McCarty Center and others in the community. The event will feature performances by four dance troupes from across Oklahoma including Banmala of Norman, Les Danse Apparantee and Natanastua of Oklahoma City, and the Paradox Dance Collective of Duncan combining exotic music, swirling color, and imaginative choreography in a variety of styles. "Belly Dance is an ancient art form that the whole family can enjoy," said church president Susan Cogan. "The name comes from a mispronunciation of a Berber term meaning "County Dance" and it has origins that go back thousands of years. It's so wonderful to have dancers come together from around the state to help kids."

The J.D. McCarty Center has been part of our community since 1946 and provides assessment and rehabilitative treatment to children with developmental disabilities and other severe disabilities with physicians, occupational and speech therapists, a pediatric psychologist, and a range of other specialists. It employs over 200 people in the Norman area. Children stay for varying lengths of time and some go home to their family. However, some are wards of the state. The center is their home and their Christmas comes from staff and the community, and of course each child at the center receives a special gift from Santa.

"These children come to our city from across the state for healing and hope. We want to do our bit to make sure they have a joy filled holiday and offer a little fun along the way," said Ed Kearns, event chair. Admission is $5 or an unwrapped gift. No stuffed animals, please. Norman Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 1309 W. Boyd. For information, call Susan at 226-9712, e-mail nuuf@cox.net or visit banmala.org.