Belly dance Guide, Meaning , Facts, Information and Description
Belly dance is a Western name coined for a style of female dance developed in the Middle East and other Arabic-influenced areas. In Arabic language it is known as raqs sharqi or raks sharki, translated as "Dance of the East". For Europeans, this translation sounded perfectly fit, hence it was also known as "Oriental dance", "Exotic orienal dance", "Oriental belly dance" and the likes. The term "raqs sharqi" is claimed to be originated in Egypt, although, as the name suggests, the dance itself could have been originated elsewhere. The dance has been known through the oral tradition in Egypt since the pre-Islamic times.
Raqs sharqi is performed by women, usually solo, for entertainment of spectators in public or private settings. Despite its alias, "belly dance", raqs sharqi dancing involves motion of the whole body, from head to feet. Basically, it is an improvisational dance, although based on a certain vocabulary, rhythmic and fluid at the same time.
It is a woman's dance, celebrating sensuality and power of being a woman. Sohair Zaki, Fifi Abdou, Lucy, Dina, who are all popular dancers in Egypt, are above the age of 40. Many feel that you have limited life experiences to use as a catalyst for dance until you reach "a certain age".
The music is as important as a vocabulary of movements from which to draw. The dancer becomes the vehicle of communication to make sound and emotion visible to her audience.
In Egypt, three different forms of the dance: Baladi, Sha'abi, and Sharqi are known.
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The term "belly dancing" is generally credited to Sol Bloom, entertainment director of the 1893 World's Fair, the World Colombian Exposition in Chicago. It was here in the Egyptian Theater, where the USA first got a look at raqs dancers, when Bloom presented "The Algerian dancers of Morocco". The dancer who stole the show, and who continued to popularize this form of dancing was "Fatima", also known as Little Egypt. Her real name was Farida Mazar Spyropoulos.
The dance performed by Little Egypt had also been called "Hootchy-Kootchy" or "Hoochee-Coochee", the origin of the name is unknown, and "danse du ventre", which is French for "belly dance".
Today the word "hootchy-kootchy" means simply an erotic suggestive dance.
Bellydance today still retains much of the Hollywood stigma and many dancers and instructors are working hard to overcome this image. Considering belly dance started out as a dance by women for women, as teaching aid to learn about bodies and prepare for child birth, the images of women dancing for a sultan are undeserved. While Raqs Sharqi is still popular in the west, dancers here have also embraced other forms such as tribal or tribal fusion which borrows from gypsy and Spanish traditions as well as Egyptian styles.
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The benefits of belly dance are both mental and physical. Dancing is a good cardio-vascular work out and helps increase flexibilty. It is suitable for all ages and body types and can be as physical as the dancer chooses to make it. Less fit individuals would be wise to consult a doctor before starting bellydance as well as talking with the instructor to see what level his or her classes operate at. Mental health benefits, for many bellydancers, include an improved sense of wellbeing, elevated body image and self-esteem as well as a generally positive outlook that comes with regular, enjoyable exercise
This is an Article on Belly dance. Page Contains Information, Facts Details or Explanation Guide About Belly dance Raqs sharqi
Non-Egyptian forms
Belly dancing in the Western world
Belly Dance in the U.S.A
Some of the contemporary (1985-present) outstanding dancers are: Suhaila Salimpour, Ansuya, Alexandra King, Delilah, Cassandra, Rachel Brice, and Susan Del Vecchio.Male belly dancing
Health and belly dancing
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