History:

Gothla US: The Essence of Dark Fusion and Beyond

Gothla US first started off in Fullerton, CA in February, 2008, and then moved to Pomona, CA in March 2009, and Upland, CA in 2013 allowing us a bigger venue and more options as we grow.

It has been a tremendous success, attended by dancers and aficionados from all over the world. They gather together to celebrate, share, learn, and perform the art of Dark Fusion Bellydance and beyond in its many varieties. Visit the Gothla Archive to find images & media from 2008, 2009 and 2010. Our next event will take place on November 8-10th, 2013 in Upland, CA. Over the course of the weekend, take workshops from dedicated and talented experts, show us your stuff and perform in the festival, partake in community-minded events that will expand your dance and your mind! Shop from an array of unique vendors and artisans, all with a deliciously dark and decadent edge, and best of all - meet and network with other dancers from all over the world! Visit the links on the left to find out how you can be a part of Gothla US!

The first year was called "The Conjuring" as we viewed the event as aiding to bring into existence a full-size Dark Fusion event for the bellydance community - we put all of the ingredients together, made a lot of sacrifices, spilled some blood, and did a lot of mumbling and invoking - and BEHOLD! We did it! Magic! Year Two was "The Divining" - to practice divination means to look into the future and try to ascertain answers that will aid one's journey, and we paired with the sub-theme of "Steampunk" - exploring the past and the future, fantasy and reality. The third year was "The Evoking", meaning to summon or call forth, to create anew, especially by means of imagination and paired it with the concept of Journeying to the Underworld where we researched, understood and portrayed myths and legends throughout the world in our dances. In our current year, we explore "The Chrysalis" , as we expand beyond our own defined borders of the dance into realms not yet reached, embracing change and expression the unknown.