PHOTO CAPTION: Imari & the Sahara Desert Dancers will bring the art of belly dancing to the Franco Center at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10. Dancers from left, front row are Renee Sherman, Trena Dubois; and back row Emberly Hudak, Jennifer Uwaechia, Lisa Cummings (Imari), Teri Herzog, and Bonnie Barclay. Tickets for their fund raising performance range from $15 to $30 and can be purchased at 207-689-2000 and www.francocenter.org. The Franco Center is at 46 Cedar St., Lewiston. Submitted photo. 

Imari & the Sahara Desert Dancers coming to Franco Center Feb. 10: A Mystical Journey of the Magic Lantern and the Quest of the Golden Veils, A Theatrical Dance Performance 

LEWISTON—A Mystical Journey of the Magic Lantern and the Quest of the Golden Veils, A Theatrical Dance Performance by Imari & the Sahara Desert Dancers is coming to the Franco Center for a fundraising performance at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10.  

“Don’t miss one of the most mesmerizing and colorful family events in New England, brought to life with enchanting dancing and live music,” suggested Lisa-Marie Cummings, known by the stage name of Imari. “Let us bring you along on a journey to mystical places full of shimmies, sparkles, and smiles!” 

Imari & the Sahara Desert Dancers have committed 22 years to sharing the beautiful art of belly dancing with nursing homes and hospitals throughout Maine on a volunteer basis. The dancers spend their summers entertaining at family festivals and charity events region-wide. “We have raised thousands of dollars for local charities such as the CMMC Unrestricted Annual Fund, Salvation Army, The United Way, Odd Fellows Nursing Home, St. Mary’s Hospital Breast Health Program and Make-A-Wish® Maine,” said Cummings.  

The women who make up the dance troupe vary in age, each balancing professional and family lives, and together they have formed an undeniably strong bond in striving to make a positive difference in their community, and beyond. 

Watch the group in an earlier YouTube video at https://youtu.be/lLhXcyw8fYw 

Doors, concessions, and cash bar open at noon. Tickets can be purchased through the Franco Center’s box office in person from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays or call 207-689-2000. Ticket purchases can also be made online at www.francocenter.org/shows.   

Tier 1  Adults        $25 advance – $30 door 

          Students    $20 advance – $25 door 

Tier 2  Adults        $20 advance – $25 door 

           Students    $15 advance – $20 door 

The Franco Center is at 46 Cedar Street, Lewiston. Parking is in the mill lot across the street. Handicap access is on the Lincoln Street Alley side of the building. 

A snow date is planned for 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11, if the Saturday event is cancelled due to bad driving weather. 

BOX OFFICE TICKETS on sale now!