Dancing is great fun and exercise. Just about anyone can move to the music in their own way, or learn to dance the myriads of dance forms practiced around the world. Dance is universal; indigenous dances are an important part of people's history, culture and traditions.
Two Traditional Types of Belly Dancing
Migrations of people from one part of the world to another bring their customs and traditions with them. Belly dance is the Western term for a traditional form of dance common throughout the Middle East, North Africa, Greece and Turkey. There are a variety of belly dancing styles and they fall into two categories. Raqs sharqi is the belly dance art form most Westerners are familiar with; the night club, restaurant and cabaret style usually performed by women, although there are men trained to belly dance. Raqs baladi translates to 'dance of country'. It is the folk dance style of belly dancing performed by men and women at social gatherings.
Americans Embrace Belly Dancing
No one really knows the origins of the belly dance. It was at one time a dance to the goddess of fertility, and some dance movements were used in childbirth. There are pictures of belly dance-type moves dating back to ancient Egypt.
Belly dancing began seeping into the West during the Romantic era of the 18th and 19th centuries. Belly dancing emphasizes the abdominal muscles, hip movements and chest moves. The typical belly dance costume Americans are familiar with is a creation of Western entrepreneurs; dancers did not traditionally wear body-revealing, risque outfits. Modern belly dance costumes usually consist of a beaded bra top and matching belt. Harem pants or a skirt complete the outfit. The bra and belt are frequently richly decorated with beads, coins, embroidery or sequins. Veils are another common component of the costume. Many dancers also use additional items such as zills, canes, and swords in their choreography.
The 1893 Chicago Show
The term belly dance was coined by Sol Bloomberg, entertainment director of the 1893 Chicago World Columbian Exposition. This type of dance had been called by a French term: 'danse du ventre'. Bloomberg Anglicized the phrase, translating it literally as 'belly dancing'. There were belly dancers from several countries at the Chicago fair, including Syria, Turkey and Algeria. It was the Egyptian belly dancers, led by a dancer named Little Egypt, that created near-hysteria when the dancers gyrated their hips as well as the rest of their body, shocking the staid, rather stuffy Victorian spectators.
American Belly Dancing Today
Over the years Americans have adopted belly dancing and made it their own. American Tribal Style belly dancing is a unique home-grown dance borrowing elements from a variety of dance styles.
Belly dancing is not only a fascinating dance for both observers and participants, it is a great way to exercise. It is aerobic, non-impact, improves flexibility and strength. Individuals of all ages can enjoy belly dancing.
Enough talk about dance. Start the music!
Talk about dance? Dance is not something to talk about. Dance is dance. - Peter Saint James
For more information about belly dancing check out the following websites:
IAMED: International Academy of Middle Eastern Dance
Wellesley College Belly Dancing Society
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