Rhythm of the Dance Show at Hodjapasha – Evening Tour from Istanbul (Private)

Rhythm of the Dance at Hodjapasha – An Evening of Turkish, Ottoman and Belly Dance in Istanbul

The Rhythm of the Dance show in Istanbul is an evening performance staged at the Hodjapasha Cultural Centre in Sirkeci, a few steps from the Old City. On stage, Ottoman palace dances, regional Turkish folk dances, belly dance and contemporary routines follow one another, crowned by a fire show. As a daily evening tour from Istanbul hotels, it works perfectly as a short day tour after a busy morning of sightseeing.

Shore Excursion for Cruise Passengers in Istanbul

Arriving in Istanbul on a cruise ship? The Rhythm of the Dance Show at Hodjapasha is one of the shore excursions we regularly arrange for cruise guests calling at the port of Istanbul. Because it runs as a private tour, we plan the timing around your ship: your guide and driver meet you at the cruise terminal, and the programme is adjusted to your all-aboard time. Tell us how many hours your ship stays in port and we will confirm that the full programme fits comfortably. Send us your ship name and the date of your call in Istanbul and we will confirm availability.

• A live Rhythm of the Dance performance in the Hodjapasha hall
• Ottoman harem dances inspired by palace traditions
• Traditional Turkish folk dances and belly dance
• Modern dance acts and a dramatic fire show
• Welcome drinks before the performance
• Dinner included in the programme

The Hodjapasha Cultural Centre occupies a restored historic building in Sirkeci, the district around the old railway terminus on the edge of the historic peninsula. Its intimate stage puts the audience close to the dancers, so the colourful costumes, quick footwork and live energy of each number are easy to enjoy. The programme moves from the refined movements associated with the Ottoman court to lively folk steps from different regions of Anatolia, then to belly dance and modern choreography, giving a compact picture of how dance has evolved in Turkey.

Guests are asked to be at the theatre about 30 minutes before the curtain rises, when complimentary drinks are served. Photography is welcome, but flash is not allowed during the show. A professional English-speaking guide assists you, and hotel pickup and drop-off are offered depending on the option you book. This daily excursion is suitable for all ages and makes an easy Sirkeci day trip in the evening, reachable from Istanbul hotels in every district, with no long walking involved.

Photo credits: BrankaVV (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons); Another Believer (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons); Kemal.kubbe (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons); Sakaerka (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons); Turpcan (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons); Rotadefterim (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons); ErhanKalkandelen (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons); Serdarkrn (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons); Another Believer (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons); Another Believer (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons)