by Saeeda | Jul 21, 2012 | Bellydance styles
Egyptian dance
The Egyptian dance style emphasis more on hip movements
The Egyptian dance style places a stronger emphasis on the finer movements of the human body and is far more conservative than Turkish dances, although they have a similarity to the Lebanese dance styles. The basic dance vocabulary of all belly dance styles is very similar; with for example hip figures of eight, shimmies and the like. However, in Egyptian style there is no floor work (which is frowned upon in Egypt), the emphasis is more on hip movements with accents on the down rather than the up part of the movement and also overall Turkish style is a lot more ‘acrobatic’ then Egyptian.
Egyptian dance dresses
The fact that The Egyptian dance is more conservative than Turkish or Lebanese styles is also reflected on the costumes. Although some Egyptian belly dancers wear the two piece cabaret bra and skirt costume, they usually have to wear at least a sort of stocking type of fabric to cover their bellies, for decency reasons.
Also, in Egypt whole dresses that cover the torso are common, especially in folkloric styles. Farmers from Upper Egypt perform a dance known as the ‘Saidi’, which is one of the few Egyptian dances that involve the use of the ‘sagat’ or finger cymbals that are held by the dancers. The dancers use either one or two bamboo sticks, and the dance is of two types, namely the Raks Assaya and Tahtib. Another popular Egyptian dance style is the Shamadan (candelabra dance), commonly referred to as the ‘candle dance.’ This Egyptian style of dance is seen at weddings and derives its name from the candelabra that the dancers are worn on the head. The Hagallah, another wedding dance, is acted out by the Bedouin from Western Egypt.
The Raqs Sharqi (Oriental dance) is an Egyptian dance
The Raqs Sharqi (Oriental dance) is an Egyptian dance which has its roots in a folk style of dance (‘Baladi’) that originates from the Arab Tribes settled in Northern Egypt. In the early 20th century, this style of dance was performed in cabarets, in a formal setting for the first time and, although it maintained some elements of its origin, the dancers were influenced by western dances, such as ballet. Hence, Egyptian raqs sharki developed as a new style within the Egyptian tradition. The three styles of Egyptian dance traditionally linked to the belly dance include the Baladi/Beledi, Sha’abi and the Sharqi. Other dances include performances by the Ghawazee who are professional dancers from Egypt, the Melaya Leff which is a character dance using a shawl, and the Zar, a dance of Sudanese origin, that is performed by Egyptians to drive away evil spirits.
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by Saeeda | Jul 14, 2012 | Bellydance benefits
Belly Dancing has been around for centuries, but it is not for sure, as to where it originated. It still remains a mystery regarding the origin of Belly Dance but according to many beliefs it started amongst the Arab and African nations. Originally it was known as Oriental Dance. In Arabic it is known as raqs sharqi which is translated as dance of the east or dance of the orient. However, the roots of its origin traces back to various places such as the African tribes, Greek temple priestesses, Incas of South America as well as the Egyptian Pharaohs. As- of- now it has a global presence and is being performed throughout the world. It is being widely being shown in pop culture music as well as in performance shows in Vegas and other cities. Even though there are various forms of dances dating back to the ancient times, but belly dancing is regarded as one of the oldest and is considered more as a work of art than a dance.
Health Benefits
Lots of people around the world, who are new to this form of dancing like to know, is there are any sort of health benefits in belly dancing. The answer to this question is, any type of physical exercise, be it in the form of dancing, workout or training is bound to have some sort of health benefits. According to the experts, it provides a great deal of both physical and mental relief. By doing the basic belly dance steps, your body gets a good cardio-vascular workout, due to which your muscles get strengthened and the overall flexibility of your body increases. It is not only good for the young people, but also for the old as well. However, if you intend to start it, you must first consult a doctor. There are various types of belly dances and which form will be best suited for you can be known from your instructor. When it comes to the mental health benefits associated with it, it helps in improving the sense of well being, keeps the body in shape which in itself one of the best mental booster and helps in creating a positive outlook.
Different Styles of Costumes
There are many different styles of belly dance costumes available on the market. Each of these costumes is considered to be a part of the fun associated with it. The modern cabaret style costume is regarded as the most widely used and featured style. It consists of numerous variations such as a skirt fitted on the hip and running down till the floor, a hip belt as well as a bra top featuring some sort of decorations or jewels. Another popular style is the Tribal Belly Dance costume featuring various layers of heavy ethnic material as well as similar style of jewelry for providing a cultural or Gypsy appearance. For the beginners, there are simple styles of costumes that can be worn during practice but they also feature the Middle Eastern folkloric elements for providing an authentic look. These are only a few of them, if you want to know more about the various styles of costumes, consider using the internet as well as visit specialized stores having a vast collection of such types of garments.
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by Saeeda | Jul 12, 2012 | Bellydance benefits
Belly dancing has emerged as one of the hot new workout trends in recent years, according to the American Council on Exercise. Experts say a single belly dance session works hundreds of muscles, burns calories and reduces stress.
Belly Dancing is more than just a workout; it enhances wellness as it combines the use of mind, body and spirit. It improves balance, concentration, posture and flexibility. Belly dance students have the ability to experience more graceful, coordinated movement, increased energy and quicker reflexes.
The art of belly dancing gives the student an opportunity to express themself creatively. Unlike other dance forms where the dancers must look and perform exaclty alike, belly dance celebrates individuality and allows the dancer her own interpretation of the dance form. It also gives the student an opportunity to add some flare to their workout-wear. What other workout allows you the opportunity to dress up in beautifully ornate coin belts and shimmy your hips to an exotic rhythm?
Belly Dance classes give women an outlet for creative expression, self discovery and dance movement. Lessons are designed to stretch and exercise the physical body, challenge and uplift and mental body and to cultivate and express the spiritual body. When it comes to Middle Eastern Dance, it doesn’t matter what size you are, what age you are, or your level of fitness. It is a form of dance that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Belly Dance is excellent for women who are looking for a more exotic method of exercise, who want to learn new ways to move and express themselves, and those looking for an exercise regimen that focuses on mind-body-spirit integration through dance.
Saeeda lives in a world of dance imagery, and all her free time she spends on self-improvement.In this she is actively supported, encouraged and mentored by famous dancers, great masters, choreographers and teachers, such as Hossam and Serena ramzy, Fifi Abdou, Randa Kamel, Jillina, Aziza, Sadie, Ansuya, Leyla Jouvana, Khaled Makhmoud, Ozgen and Akaysha.
Saeeda is a gifted teacher, who teaches this dance to people of all ages and body types. She can explain the fundamentals of the dance in words of one syllable and teach in a short period magnificent oriental dance. Learning this dance, making it your partner in life, you will forget the way to doctors, dieticians, and various would-be, self-constituted fitness “gurus”.
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