by Saeeda | Jul 22, 2012 | World of Belly Dance
Where the Origin of Belly Dancing actually was born?
The origin of belly dancing has been an issue that has been long debated by professionals because there is no clear answer to where the origin of belly dancing actually was born. Some professionals such as anthropologists believe that perhaps it was Egypt as there is evidence indicating this by the carvings left that seem to indicate the same movements and pictures that would be similar to belly dancing. Others believe that it originated from India, Central Asia, Middle East and even Africa and there is significant evidence left behind by these ancestors that would seem to support that belief.
The origin of belly dancing can be better defined and understood when you appreciate what the belly dancing purpose was for and who performed them. Many cultures of this day lived with the earth, as one with the earth and it is these societies that gave way for the origins of belly dancing. It is believed that these cultures utilized belly dancing to provide sensuality much in a way as today’s society would call foreplay and it stimulated sexual senses. It was also largely used in sacred ceremonies as well as initiation rites and fertility rituals as it was a helpful tool in creating spirituality.
In countries such as Polynesia and Africa the origin of belly dancing don’t show that it was specifically a dance exclusively for women, as most people today believe. There is plenty of evidence to suggest that dancers of both male and female variety participated in such erotic dancing that was accompanied by a blissful rhythm from the African drums.
In just the opposite of the African tribes who used belly dancing for the erotic dance form that is became the people in India took the origin of belly dancing and interpreted them as an act of worship. In fact, if you visit India it would be well worth your time to go to Konarak to see the temple wall. It is an Indian shrine that dates back to the 13th century and displays dancing girls that are carved in the stone in a variety of erotic poses. This is even one of the still standing remnants of years ago when the origin of belly dancing were beginning.
As with every art form that is studied for years, the origin of belly dancing also suggest that many dancers were banished from these temples because their dances became far more erotic than they were spiritual and were even involved in prostitution. It is from this bit of belly dancing history that people associated belly dancing with strippers and other undesirable professions. In fact, belly dancing is an art of Middle Eastern Dance with its exotic movements and the unique interpretation of the beautiful Middle Eastern music and rhythms.
by Saeeda | Jul 22, 2012 | World of Belly Dance
Belly Dancing in Turkey is a very popular form of entertainment
Belly Dancing is a very popular form of entertainment in Turkey. It is quite common to find dancers performing in nightclubs and restaurants all over the country. However belly dancers are often hired for private events such as weddings, festivals, shows and parties.
Belly Dancing in Turkey has a long-standing tradition that has lately become a hot tourist attraction. In spite of its popularity these dances remain an intrinsic part of the private lives of all Turks regardless of age or class, and in its most basic form it is a dance for fertility.
In its native tongue it is called “Gobek dans” and it is still growing and changing even today especially as it comes under the influence of various cultures. And the authorities are mixed on where they believe the original dance came from, some say from the Greeks and others claim that it is from the Egyptians.
The art is very popular in Turkish nightclubs and is a profitable profession for women who receive their tips from men literally showering them in paper money, or by stuffing bills into their costumes. And of course a little known fact is that men also belly dance. It is not uncommon for men to jump up out of the audience and accompany the woman on stage. Of course this happens more often at private parties or festivals than in the clubs.
As belly dancing spreads the globe it is enjoying increased popularity as it hits different parts of the world. Perhaps the allure of the dance is due to its rich heritage that makes it so unique as a dance style. Because of this heritage many people associate the belly dancing from Turkey with religion and exoticism. And of course this causes some strong opinions about the art; some love it while others despise it.
In Turkey the dancer is generally a well-curved woman, with strong abs muscles who dances to a backdrop of traditional music. She will often accompany the music with the use of clangs, which are the little bells used during a Belly Dancing in Turkey. The music is very rhythmic and the dance emphasizes the movement of the hips and chest. The movements are solid and organic as the dancer moves bare foot across the floor in order to remain connected to the earth.
The cadence of the dancers body parts are the main characteristic of this style. The dancer moves with fluid, supple and well-integrated movements which are very sensual in nature. Most movements concentrate on the hips and shoulders, which alternate with shimmy and sliding moves.
Various other items are used by dancers, which are specific to Turkey such as serpents, swords, veils and candles. These items are most widely used in Turkish folk dances, and are said to have mystical powers. The use of a snake during dances come from the ancient cults and is a foundational element symbolizing male and female sexuality and even the concept of immortality.
by Saeeda | Jul 22, 2012 | Bellydance benefits
Belly dance is for most an out of reach world
The thing about it is that not too many women accomplish this. Belly dance is for most an out of reach world which borders on the exotic and exclusive. Honestly much too many women are exempted from this world either by lack of knowledge or lack of exposure. Therefore they do not even fathom the idea of belly dancing being part of their lives.
Because of this, many miss out on this wonderful dance and never enjoy the emotional and physical benefits which belly dancing can bring into their lives. Unfortunately many Bellydance books do not address the preliminary issues which may discourage someone from even giving belly dance a try. These books focus mostly on technique, which although important, is useless to someone who is not actively seeking what they are offering. Someone has to first WANT to do something before they can learn how to do it.
A lot of the time the hardest part is not the learning process, but acquiring the actual desire and interest in the thing we may later want to learn. We often have a million and one reasons to not do something, and the one reason we should do it, gets lost in the avalanche of those million & one reasons.
Jumping right into Belly dance
But jumping right in is the only way you begin to truly understand the dance. And because it’s such a feminine dance, for women it comes to them more naturally than they would expect. Essentially, Belly dance is a fun exercise which engages you on all levels-body, mind, and soul. When you welcome belly dance into your life, you are welcoming something which can enhance you in so many ways.
Belly dance is certainly an alternate mode of exercise and wellbeing
Although you may not have considered it before, Bellydance is certainly an alternate mode of exercise and wellbeing to consider. There are very few things left in the world that are truly feminine. All aspects of our lives seem to be infiltrated with blatant male influences. Belly Dancing is one of the few things in existence which really embraces us as women. This is a great comfort and should be reason enough for us to welcome this wonderful dance form in our lives.
Belly Dance-Freedom
Belly Dance offers a remarkable level of freedom from any constraints you may be feeling from your current exercise plan. It is also a natural, soulful fit for women and can be an exciting way to rejuvenate your fitness and emotional health.
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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