Belly dancing
One of the world's most ancient dances
Although its origins are disputed, belly dance is generally considered to be an ancient dance, having evolved from various dance traditions throughout the Middle East and North Africa.
The Golden Era of the artform was set in Egypt in the mid-twentieth century. Today it is practised in earnest by thousands of enthusiasts all over Europe and North America.
In Arabic there are two terms for the dance: raks sharki, the contemporary stage style, and baladi the country style.
 |
 |
Raks sharki translates as 'dance of the East' or 'oriental dance' and baladi, meaning 'country', refers to a rhythm, style of dance and costume all relating to the Egyptian folk tradition.
Nineteenth century French travellers, witnessing the unfamiliar torso movements of baladi, dubbed it 'danse du ventre' or dance of the belly.
This term is misleading as in fact the whole body is used—head, shoulders, arms, chest—with a particular emphasis on movements of the pelvis and hips rather than actual belly isolations. Another common trademark is a varying degree of flirtation and coquetry. |
The rhythms and instrumentation used from area to area often have some commonalities despite great regional variations, but there is an overall emphasis on percussion.
Previous to the early 1900s, the Egyptian baladi was performed mostly outdoors at festivals or in private homes and coffee houses as well as being an indispensable feature at weddings.
The movements were focused mostly in the hips and shoulders and the dance was improvised and performed in a small space.
The typical costume was a floor-length dress and hip scarf and often a head scarf. The dancer was accompanied on traditional instruments including an assortment of drums, tambourines, wind and stringed instruments.
In 1926, Lebanese actress/dancer Badia Masabny opened a nightclub in Cairo modeled after European cabarets. It was here and at similar night spots in Algiers, Beirut and Cairo that raks sharki developed into the sophisticated and refined artform of today, distinguished from its predecessor, baladi, by a greater use of stage space, a larger movement vocabulary, use of veils, a Hollywood-inspired two-piece sequined costume, and such balletic influences as more expressive use of the arms, the introduction of choreography and a more elevated carriage often on the balls of the feet (or in high heels).
|
|
 |
Yet despite all the glamour and sophistication of contemporary oriental dance, the rhythms and body isolations of a typical raks sharki routine still relate back to an ancient folk tradition.
It retains its connection to fertility and eroticism by being an indispensable feature at weddings in many Middle Eastern countries, performing the multifold purpose of getting the bride and groom (who may have just met) in the mood, making a blessing of fertility on the couple, and providing entertainment for the guests. Today belly dance is enjoyed variously for its artistry, ethnicity, beauty, and fun.
Why belly dance?
Benefits gained from the practice of Middle Eastern dance:
• Satisfaction from achieving new levels of physical mastery
• Strengthening, reshaping and renewed acceptance of one's body
• Greater freedom and range of self expression
• Relief from back pain
• Familiarity with different musical styles and cultures
• Girl time
• And lots of Fun Fun Fun!
|
|