Where does Belly Dancing come from?

Belly dance is found all over the world today, but its roots are from the Middle East.  Egypt, Turkey, Lebanon, Morocco and Algeria are countries where bellydancing is a part of the folkloric dance and each of these countries have their own styles.  The true history of the dance is not completely known, however research into Ancient Pharonic times show images on tomb walls of dancing and the movements depicted resemble much of modern bellydance today.  Around the 1800's French writer Flaubert described some of the profound movements that local Egyptian dancers did and he was mesmerised with the unusual fluid and exotic movements that were so different to the western cultural dances.
 

The name "belly dance" came about for a number of reasons.  One of which was that the Egyptians called their dance "beledi", meaning "dance of my village or country", and the other was the movements involved popping and undulating the belly, chest and hips, seen by westerners at that time to be vulgar.  The name of the dance in Egypt is commonly called "Raks Sharki" or "Oriental Dance".   It wasn't until the Casino Opera was founded in 1927 by Badia Massabni, a gifted and enterprising young woman of Lebanese parentage, that modern belly dancing came about.  It was Badia who started the "Raks Sharki" Cabaret Bellydance which is the current dance form today.  Today, Egypt is considered to to be the centre of belly dancing, and the 'Hollywood' of the Middle East, and many famous belly dancers come from there.  That isn't to say that the Lebanese and Turkish styles are not equally beautiful and unique.  Today, dancers from all over the world including China, Korea, Japan, Singapore all flock to Egypt every year to attend the big belly dance workshops held their 3-4 times a year, catering to thousands of dancers.  I myself went there in June 2009, to take workshops with Dina, Randa, Dandesh, and others.
 

What are the features of this dance style?

Raks Sharki, Oriental Dance or belly dance is still an evolving dance art form which keeps developing new lines of styles and props that makes this dance so exciting, sensual, feminine and interesting.   Some of the styles of the dance are : Egyptian Cabaret (Raks Sharki), Modern Egyptian, Egyptian folkloric, Turkish Cabaret, American Cabaret, American Tribal, Gothic Bellydance, Western Fusion.  Some of the wonderful props that this dance uses are Veils, Isis Wings, Cane, zills (cymbals), candelabra, sword, Fan-veils, vois.  This dance because it is gentle on the joints means that dancers can continue dancing even in the older years.  We often have mothers and daughters dancing and enjoying the expression of their femininity uplifting and joyful. 




What are the benefits of belly dance?

Belly Dance is excellent for women as it uses the core muscles which are so important for women and preparing for childbirth and recovering from childbirth.  Belly dancing is great to tone the pelvic floor muscles, but the dance is gentle on the joints and body as a whole.  Belly dance is also beneficial to everyone, of all fitness levels. 

Unlike other sports and dances, where great damage can be done to those who are unfit, belly dance allows you to take things slowly, increasing your range of movements step by step.  This allows your muscles time to adjust and to be able to stretch to the full extended movement without jarring or tearing.  Those that are very fit will enjoy the fluidity and sinuous movements which engage the core muscles and increase flexiblity.  Belly dance can also be great cardio, due to the range of faster movements such as shimmies, rapid hip movements, spins, turns and jumps.

Who is belly dancing for?

Belly dance is one of the few dances where anyone can start at any age, as it is gentle enough to give you the time to adjust before attempting harder or more complex belly dance movements.  There are such a broad range of movements in this dance form that there is something for everyone.
   



Why should women take up belly dance?

If you love being feminine then you will love belly dance, however, most people have not learnt to use their hips in dance so being patient and just enjoying your journey in the dance as you attend your classes regularly is important.  It is not an easy dance, but one that is worthwhile, not only for your fitness, but the fun you will get out of expressing your femininity in the dance.  It sure does raise a woman's self esteem in how she feels about her own beauty and sensuality.  Many women have stated how wonderful they feel about themselves after taking up belly dance.  Lastly if you love "bling" and anything sparkly, this dance is for you!!

Article by Ishtar Bellydancer
www.ishtarbellydancer.com

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