Belly Dancing

Turkish belly dancing

2008-08-14T13:25:00.001-07:00

Unique Turkish Belly Dancing

Turkish belly dancing is an ancient form of dance that traces its roots to Anatolian fertility rites. The sensual movements that celebrate a woman’s natural curves and contours are part of an ancient fertility rite. Turkish belly dancing still has some of that mystique and its vibrant routines and costumes reflect its pagan roots.

There are of course other influences on this art form but belly dancing in Turkey has remained distinct from other belly dancing traditions largely due to the fact that it is still very much a part of everyday Turkish life rather then a mere tourist act. it is common to see belly dancing on Turkish television, corporate events, and parties.

Vibrant Art

Turkish belly dancing has been allowed to evolve, as there have been no restrictions on what can and cannot be performed. This means that belly dancers in Turkey are free to express themselves, and this translates itself into energetic performances that require great flexibility and strength.

The costumes of Turkish belly dancers are also sexier; with more cleavage and leg on display then the relatively demure Egyptian dancers. This style of costume is very popular in the West and the skirts with high slits have made their way to Western belly dancing classes everywhere.

The use of coins in Turkish belly dancing in terms of accessories is not all that common. Instead the costumes rely on intricate beading for drama and flair. Finger cymbals are also unique to this branch of belly dancing. The music in Turkish belly dancing involves the oboe, clarinet, Oud, Kanoon, Ney, and hand drums.

Male Dancers

Although this form of dance is associated with females there are instances when male belly dancers have taken center stage. Turkish belly dancing is no different. There have been male dancers who have impersonated women and others who simply use belly dancing moves to demonstrate their strength and agility.

Male dancers have always courted controversy but they are slowly gaining acceptance. In fact every Turkish party that hires belly dancers is sure to see a male audience member jump up and try to compete with the star attraction. He is usually not that successful though.

This form of dance will most likely continue to evolve and expand in Turkey, as it is an accepted and revered part of Turkish culture. It is proving to be popular among many Western women who appreciate the sensuality of the movements and the great strength it can provide anyone who studies this dance.

tribal bellydancing

2008-08-14T13:24:00.004-07:00

Learning Tribal Bellydancing

A lot of women seem to have a growing interest in learning the art form of belly dancing even though men have loved to watch the dance for years. There is a lot to learn when it comes to getting it all done but the mental and physical benefits that come with it are just too good to pass up. If you want to get in a lot better shape or want to add a little spice to your normal routine, try learning belly dancing, as you will be happy you did.

But as with everything in life, there are options to pick from, as belly dancing is just not belly dancing. There are several different types and forms of belly dancing to be aware of so you must consider which you would be more interested in. One of the more popular types is that of the tribal bellydancing.

Tribal bellydancing has been used for many years as a form of celebration and communication. Women have used the various dances and routines in their tribal bellydancing to get across a certain message or story. For modern woman though, this is just something that is used more for fun then anything else.

Taking Classes

While there may be a tape or two out there promising to teach you the basics of tribal bellydancing, nothing can compare to being taught in person. Being in a classroom setting will allow you to catch on quicker and to learn slight variations and tips that could help you that your otherwise would have never learned about.

Learning such skills from a tape is generally not advised, as you could also get hurt without the proper instruction. Learning directly from a professional is always the best thing no matter what it is that you are trying to learn in this lifetime.

There are a lot more classes offering tribal bellydancing then there ever used to be before as there has been an increased interest in it. What that means for you is that your chances of finding and actually getting into a class that offers lessons on tribal bellydancing is a lot better then it used to be.

Just start searching your local paper for advertisements or your local yellow pages for more information on classes near you. If that does not work well for you, head to the computer and jump on the Internet as you are bound to be overloaded with lots of information from there.

tribal belly dancing

2008-08-14T13:24:00.003-07:00

The Enigma of Tribal Belly Dancing

You may have heard that there are many different types of belly dancing. It is quite normal for any art form that has been influenced by so many cultures to be varied. Belly dancing varies primarily according to where it is performed. Tribal belly dancing is a branch of belly dancing that you may have heard of.

The thing is that there is no true form of tribal belly dancing, though the name may lead people to think that it is an authentic form of the dance. It is in fact a fusion of styles inspired by ethnic elements. Dancers who admire it in different parts of the world have then further adapted this art form.

A Question of Authenticity

The reason that there is no true picture or form of tribal belly dancing is simply that there is not enough information. At the time when ‘real’ tribal belly dancing was being practiced there was no documentation of the dance. If there was documentation such as pictures, painting or oral histories, they are no longer in existence.

Instead what we have today is a dance that has taken different elements from the various tribes of the Middle East and made it into something completely different. Usually elements of Turkish, gypsy, Moroccan, Algerian, and frankly whatever strikes the dancers fancy are incorporated into a routine.

Costuming and Style

There are also no authentic costumes in tribal belly dancing. The costumes are mostly inspired from what the dancer might believe tribal women wore. Usually the costumes are one-piece costumes rather than the traditional two-piece costumes worn by most belly dancers.

The fact that the nomadic tribes that inspire these modern day costumes probably borrowed and were influenced by other tribes and cultures makes this approach to costuming particularly appropriate. The great thing about this is that you can really choose whatever you feel suits your body and dance moves.

While traditional belly dancing of the Egyptian and Turkish traditions tend to be slower and more sensuous, tribal belly dancing tends to be faster paced. The dances usually have a more energetic and exuberant feel to them. Singing, clapping and ululations may also be incorporated into the routine.

The music also reflects this type of dance form and less classical instruments usually accompany the dancing. This is a great style of dance to experiment and explore. It gives dancers a lot of freedom to choreograph. A little research will help to inform and create something that is at least close to the original dance forms that inspired this genre.

Lebanese Belly Dancing

2008-08-14T13:24:00.001-07:00

Lebanese Belly Dancing is Extinct

Lebanese Belly Dancing, like belly dancing in Egypt and other Arabic countries have had productions of song, dance and acting. There have been Lebanese Belly Dancing shows and it is often referred to as the Oriental Dance.

This dance can be held in the same category for the Lebanese as ballet and opera to the Americans and Europeans. The music is so soulful and passionate that it can bring tears to your eyes. Much of the music is based on famous artists, especially hailing from Egypt.

Looking at Tthe Future

With the political situation in Lebanon, the future of Lebanese Belly Dancing is uncertain. Even though the dancers earlier brought in a lot of revenue into the country, the art of belly dancing was not favored by the Islamic religion. The young people of Lebanon believe that Belly Dancing is old fashioned and hence it is not used as a form of entertainment in other Arabic countries too.

Form

Lebanese Belly Dancing, like any other form of Belly dancing consists of swaying the hips breaking into dynamic expressions. The patterns used in the dance are curves, thrusts, lifts, locks, drops and shaking body movements. The belly area is the point of concentration and the footsteps are not important. The arms and hands move in a serpent-like manner.

Costumes

Lebanese Belly Dancing celebrates women, their life and creativity, their beauty and especially the beauty of their body. The costume of the dancer changes from place to place, but the skirt, bra and the hip-belt are the main parts of the costume. The dancer often plays finger cymbals and sometimes there is a music accompaniment.

Women Power

All the designs of Lebanese Belly Dancing emphasize and enhance the grace, power and independent control of the feminine form. It can be a fertility dance as well. Sometimes men participate in the dance too, but it is mainly done by women. The dance originally comes from the folklore tradition of the Middle East and still portrays the culture of the Middle Eastern countries.

The Egyptian and the Turkish Belly Dance is by far more popular in Europe and America, and the style has been modernized to suit new trends. But the culture is still borrowed from tradition and in many small villages and small towns of Lebanon, it is danced when there is a celebration.

Belly dance is gaining popularity worldwide, but the future of dance is extremely uncertain in Middle Eastern Countries. But there is still hope that Oriental Dance will flourish once again in its hometown like Lebanon.

learn belly dancing

2008-08-14T13:23:00.002-07:00

Learn Belly Dancing: The Options Are Many

The term belly dancing is not in fact the way that the originators of this form of dance call their particular way of dancing. It is, in fact, something that has been coined by westerners to describe a particular style of dancing practiced by Arab dancers. If you were to visit an Arabic country, you would most probably be bemused to learn that what westerners term as belly dancing is actually known only as oriental dance, while some Americans even have termed it as a Middle Eastern dance.

What’s more, Americans are not particularly taken up with belly dancing. To learn belly dancing you would need to look high and low and more particularly amongst ethnic populations whose enthusiasm for belly dancing knows no bounds. However, even those who are involved in belly dancing cannot agree as to where belly dancing actually originated.

Thus, opinion varies between those who say it is really an Egyptian form of dancing while others believe it has to do with people from India migrating to Rome. However, rather than get embroiled in the controversy about where belly dancing originated it is a much better idea to learn belly dancing.

Nothing Quite Like Learning From an Instructor

Of course, there is in fact, no better way to learn belly dancing than to have an instructor show you the ropes and be the one that will guide you through every stage of the learning process. In case, you are having trouble learning belly dancing, you can always ask questions and get your questions answered till you are confident of performing the steps in the proper manner.

In case you need to locate an instructor from whom you want to learn belly dancing, then you should go through the yellow pages. Check out restaurants where dancers perform, check the city’s local Parks & Recreation department, and check out the many websites that offer non-credit classes.

However, it is not always possible to learn belly dancing from an instructor. So you may be forced to use DVDs or even ask for instructions over the Internet. In fact, it is possible to learn belly dancing via the World Wide Web. Places such as Aziza Sa’id’s Lessons Online could prove to be useful in case you needed to learn Hip Lift as well as Drop and Shoulder Shimmy. Finally, you can also learn belly dancing through watching DVDs and a particularly resourceful video is the one known as Middle Eastern Dance Video Sourcebook.

Istanbul belly dancing

2008-08-14T13:23:00.001-07:00

Exotic Istanbul Belly Dancing

Istanbul belly dancing is a huge tourist attraction. Nightclubs everywhere offer special shows meant for visitors. However, Istanbul belly dancing is not just for tourists. Belly dancing is very much a part of Turkish history and culture. It has evolved with time but it has its roots in many different types of cultures that have helped to shape the dance into its present form.

There are certain characteristics of the dance that are unique to Istanbul belly dancing in terms of costume and props. It was traditionally meant for the eyes of women only as this was considered a sacred dance that celebrated fertility.

Costume and Props

The traditional Turkish costume for belly dancing involves a long skirt with a high slit. This skirt emphasizes the leg and Istanbul belly dancing involves the dancer’s legs more than other types of belly dancing. Although there is such a thing as belly dancing slippers it can sometimes be performed with high heels and platform shoes.

Turkish belly dancers also play zils, or finger cymbals during performances. Purists say that a dancer can only be considered skilled if they can play the finger cymbals while dancing. Four zils are usually used, two for each hand. They are very small and it can be difficult to master playing these tiny instruments and dancing at the same time.

The dance style of Istanbul belly dancing is also very different than that of Egyptian belly dancing. This is because there are fewer restrictions on Turkish belly dancing. Turkish dancers are allowed to do floor work and to incorporate pelvic thrusts into their shows unlike Egyptian dancers. Turkish dance also tends to be more gymnastic and energetic, rather than slow and sensual.

Modern Culture

Istanbul belly dancing is still very much a part of everyday life in Turkey. It is still a popular custom for a belly dancer to perform at weddings. Belly dancers are also called on to entertain at circumcision ceremonies for young boys. Television programs also feature belly dancing and there are quite a few famous belly dancers that are celebrated both in Turkey and around the world.

Turkish belly dancing is distinctly different from its Egyptian variant and watching a performance will most definitely be breathtaking. It is truly a display of grace, agility, and showmanship. It is guaranteed to be a fun night for everyone present. One performance is enough to make you want to take this exquisite dance form up yourself.

egyptian belly dancing

2008-08-14T13:22:00.002-07:00

Learning Egyptian Belly Dancing

A lot of times women will find that they want to learn something new and exciting that will not only allow them to have fun but will help them get into great shape as well. Also, on top of having fun and giving their bodies an excellent workout, learning new things by taking classes is a great way to socialize and to meet new friends. These are just some of the reasons so many women have found themselves wanting to learn egyptian belly dancing.

Egyptian belly dancing is something that is not only fun to do but is something that can help entertain others or even spice up a dull love life. Some women have found pole-dancing classes to give the same results but because of fears of judgment, other women have found their way to egyptian belly dancing classes. These classes are just like any others where you warm up, learn the basics, and then slowly progress into the more difficult routines. Before long, students taking egyptian belly dancing classes will find themselves dancing like professionals.

Finding Classes

Ten years ago it would have been next to impossible to find any classes or centers that were offering egyptian belly dancing classes and lessons. But now, as more and more people are starting to express in interest in it, most cities have at least one class on it and the bigger cities have been known to have several different places that are offering eqyptian belly dancing.

All you really need to do is to keep your eyes open and your ears open and before you know it, you will learn about some fun and exciting places to take classes. Even try asking your friends if they have heard of any place that would be offering such classes, as word of mouth advertising is a great resource.

If you do not happen to come across any places that offer egyptian belly dancing by chance, then it is time to start your search. Looking on the Internet is a great place to begin because if there is a business or a class anywhere near you offering egyptian belly dancing classes, they will more in likely be found on the Internet. Also, you could always scroll through your local yellow pages to find a place near you. In the end, you will be glad that you gave it a try as your body and your mind will feel so much better.

cairo belly dancing

2008-08-14T13:22:00.001-07:00

Where to Experience Cairo Belly Dancing

Belly dancing is now very popular due to its import to the rest of the world via video clips and famous dancers. Now everyone wants to learn to belly dance. If you want to see where it all started then you should look for Cairo belly dancing. This is where the dance started, from the time of the Pharaohs, and is a tradition that is still present in modern day Egypt.

Things have changed since the time of ancient Egypt when belly dancing was revered and held a central part in Egyptian culture. Today Cairo belly dancing faces some obstacles but authentic shows are still available for the curious. No visit to Egypt is complete without a belly dancing show.

Avoiding Tourist Traps

If you ask any taxi driver or hotel employee for the best place to watch a Cairo belly dancing show they will most likely direct you to Al Haram Street. The dancers in this place may not be Egyptian; lately there has been an influx of foreign belly dancers into the scene. This has not affected quality as many of these dancers are skilled and have learned from Egyptian dancers.

This is partly due to the fact that there has been a crackdown on what can and cannot be done in regards to belly dancing. Authentic Egyptian dancers have been discouraged with new conservative laws dictating what can be worn and performed.

If you would like to explore places other than this popular tourist destination then you will have to pay a little extra. The authentic Cairo belly dancing experience is to be had at the 5 star hotels. This is where the famous belly dancers perform. You will most likely have to book in advance and there will be a dress code.

Other than the hotels and nightclubs you can also experience Cairo belly dancing by boarding a ship that will provide you with both dinner and entertainment. A cruise like this may be a little steep but it’s good value for money. You will have a wonderful buffet dinner, a cruise on the Nile, and the beautiful dancers entertaining you all night.

However you choose to experience Cairo belly dancing it is likely to be a magical night. There is nothing quite like the ‘real’ thing. You will go away feeling like you have been transported, temporarily at least, to a magical world. The time when Egypt was an empire, when the Pharaohs ruled, and the dancers danced without restriction.

bellydancing outfits

2008-08-14T13:21:00.002-07:00

Tips on How to Cut Costs When Buying Belly Dancing Outfits

Anyone that has performed belly dances will vouch for the fact that it is an activity that provides loads of entertainment to both those who perform belly dances as well as to those who view belly dancing being performed. In fact, belly dancing allows dancer to bond with other dancers.

It provides a wonderful workout as well as is very sensual and it brings dancers a lot closer to their body as well. However, buying belly dancing outfits can prove to be costly since the costs add up considerably. Even if you are buying belly dancing outfits for the purpose of practicing belly dances, it can still prove to more costly than you bargained for.

Buy Quality Items

However, provided you consider a few thoughtful measures, you will be able to save on the costs of belly dancing outfits. The first tip in this regard would be to buy only items that are of good quality even if you plan to use them for practice dancing. You need to ensure that your belly dancing outfits have the right quality in as far as fabric and stitching go. Workmanship should also not leave anything to be desired. You should also try and match colors and so, circle skirts or harem pants could be chosen in black or white or even a single bright color.

You also don’t want to compromise on quality when it comes to khussa shoes which are essentially used when dancing on concrete surfaces. These shoes should in fact, be in colors that are neutral to ensure that they match with the rest of your belly dancing outfits. Another tip when it concerns belly dancing outfits is to select items that can easily be mixed as well as matched and thus you will need to opt for solid as well as basic colors.

Another important tip that can help you save money when buying belly dancing outfits is to go for items such as short skirts (cholis) as well as bangles that don’t cost too much, and which can even be used for normal daily use. If you want to affect even more savings on the cost of your belly dancing outfits, you should try and get the other belly dancers to join you in placing a single big order.

Thus, buy your outfits at wholesale prices as well as even save on the cost of shipping, and in addition, even wrangle discounts off the seller. Hopefully, these tips will show you how to get the most out of your belly dancing outfits’ purchases and you should also be able to economize on the costs.

bellydancing music

2008-08-14T13:21:00.001-07:00

Bellydancing Music Today Incorporates Pop Culture

There are many mental images that are sure to form in your mind whenever you start thinking about what exactly belly dancing music is. Among these images you would also find yourself thinking about the sun going down behind those wonderful Pyramids of Egypt. Perhaps you would also be moved by the sounds of exciting and eclectic techno beats. You may even begin to imagine dancers wearing tribal Gothic costumes of dark shades.

Eclectic Mix of Various Styles

Belly dancing music is an eclectic mix of different styles of belly dancing. The music is definitely influenced by the pop music of Egypt as well as some amount of Latin music. Even Saidi traditional rhythms are also included with a dash of Bollywood (India’s Hollywood) thrown in as well.

Thus, in case you are planning on choosing belly dancing music, it would be a good idea to select something that is inspirational and which makes you want to continue dancing. It should also reflect your personal image as well as your dancing style. Some people, however, feel comfortable in choosing belly dancing music that is more Egyptian because that is the music that traditionally has been associated with belly dancing.

You might also have come across a good example of belly dancing music in the form of Show Me by Ofra Haza that is a mix of mid-eastern pop, Saidi, as well as Beladi. Though the music may sound pretty alien to the uninitiated, it is nevertheless something that certainly helps facilitate better belly dancing.

In fact, listening to belly dancing music may even remind one of being in a nightclub. Though the music may be unfamiliar to your ears, it will nevertheless move you into performing some dance steps, even if you move by instincts rather than know the belly dance itself.

In any case, when you listen to traditional belly dancing music it will reveal its oriental influence. It is also often characterized by a lot of spontaneity. When dancing to live music, it may in fact, lead the belly dancer into following many new directions. However, modern belly dancing music has become more choreographed than the traditional forms, thus there is a subsequent lack of spontaneity.

In fact, in modern times, not the entire belly dancing being performed is actually using traditional compositions. The new influence of modern pop music seems to be changing the very texture of the belly dancing music.

Belly Dancing Wear

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Belly Dancing Wear with its Accessories

The belly dancing costume including all the accessories can be regarded as the Belly Dancing Wear. The beautiful flowing skirts, the bras and cholis, the belts and the earrings, or even a headpiece that is worn belong to the costume of any belly dancer.

Skirt

The Belly Dancing Wear can be created by you from the array of costumes which are available. The skirt is popularly worn by all belly dancers, and it is basically a circular skirt. The ten-tiered skirt also looks beautiful just like the cabaret skirt, with slits on the sides.

The skirt is often studded with beaded tassels or sequins to make it look bright. Some dancers like to wear harem pants or sometimes a simple caftan. A coat can be worn on the coat to accentuate the flow of the pants.

Belt and Bra

The belts and bras are an important part of the Belly Dancing Wear as well. There is a choice of coin belts, beaded belts or jeweled belts and the same can be had of bras. Of course the fit can easily be made according to you, because the clothes have to be comfortable and practical for your performance.

Accessories

Hip scarves are also in fashion among Belly Dancing Wear. As Accessories to your sequined bra, belt and skirt, you can wear a matching headpiece or arm cuffs. An Egyptian cobra arm cuff or an Indian snake arm cuff with matching anklets with belts would be ideal for a performance. You can be a sparkling figure on stage with a crystal necklace and matching crystal earrings.

Props

Belly dance performance can easily be enhanced by using a selection of props which can be included in your Belly Dancing Wear. Use silk or chiffon veils, or even feather boas to make an impact. A caftan would also be a good idea to wear between performances. You could try out Cholis embroidered with coins or even don tribal clothes to achieve the tribal belly dance look.

Combination And Features

You can definitely stitch your own costume, but if you cannot, you can surely make some good combinations of a skirt, bra, belt, headpiece and the jewelry to go with it. Often the

Belly Dancing Wear is according to the venue of your performance.

The most important thing for your wear is that it has to be comfortable and you should be able to belly dance without any problems. The price should be affordable too, and you should check out prices on different websites and then take your decision.

It is possible to buy the basic costume from somewhere and then add the beads and sequins according to your own creative ideas. Since belly dance has originated from the East, from Turkey and Egypt, most of the costumes have patterns and fabrics from these countries to give them an authentic touch.

belly dancing veils

2008-08-14T13:20:00.003-07:00

Choosing Belly Dancing Veils Made From Silk Could be an Advantage

Contrary to popular conceptions, when it comes to performing a belly dance you do not have to wear belly dancing veils, or even a belly dancing costume. These items do help to accentuate as well as highlight the arms, torso, as well as hip movements of the dancer. Essentially, such an item of costume does help to camouflage the eyes perhaps because this part of the anatomy needs to be de-emphasized.

Moves Through the Air Smoothly

However, if belly dancing veils are to be used they should be made from materials like silk because of the propensity of silk to move through the air smoothly. Though there are a number of styles as far as these veils are concerned, using the circular one seems to be the most graceful because it flows a lot better than when the belly dancing veils are made from other materials.

Many of the better belly dancing veils is in fact made from lightweight as well as lustrous Chinese silk. If they are made into half circles that measure about three yards by approximately four feet, they would be of the right size and would suit almost all belly dancers of various sizes and shapes.

There are of course also rectangular belly dancing veils. However, the circular ones allow the belly dancer to perform greater variety as far as different techniques go. Of course, these belly dancing veils are ideally suited when the belly dancer is performing the single handed maneuvers known as capes.

It is also usual to find a lot of variety available when it concerns types of silk belly dancing veils. They can easily be obtained in all the colors of the rainbow, and in fact, it is common for belly dancers to use and buy more than just one belly dancing veil.

Among the most used belly dancing veils’ colors you will find that belly dancers choose from between royal blue, black, turquoise, red, purple and white. For about fifty dollars these silk creations can help the belly dancer make a real impact and create a wonderful impression whilst belly dancing.

Choosing your belly dancing veils carefully can have a significant impact on the audience. If you choose the material with care it can go a long way in facilitating better dance movements as well as gestures. In fact, properly costumed, the belly dancer can tell a story in her dance because things such as belly dancing veils help in accenting the movements and help to complete the entire picture.

belly dancing supplies

2008-08-14T13:20:00.001-07:00

Getting Your Belly Dancing Supplies

It is no wonder that so many people are starting to pay attention to the new fade of belly dancing, as it is great for both the mind and body. Even though it may appear that they moves a belly dancer goes through are simple, they are actually very complex and it takes a skilled person to be able to pull it off successfully. But with the right tools and the right teacher, any women can become a sensational belly dancer.

If you are looking to start your own collection of belly dancing supplies because you are extremely active in learning it or you are starting your own school on it, there are several things to consider. First, you must really think about how many belly dancing supplies you really need so that you are not going overboard. By making sure that you are getting only the basics of what is needed, you will be sure to save yourself a lot of money. There is no need to have one of everything and in every color.

Where to go

If you are in need of just a few of the different belly dancing supplies then you could talk with your instructor of purchase some items from them. But, if you are looking for bulk purchases, the absolute best thing that you can do is to purchase your belly dancing supplies from a whole seller.

This means that you will be buying all of your belly dancing supplies in bulk but in the long run, you will save a lot of money this way. Also, some companies add extra discounts if you buy over a certain amount so that is something to look out for. Also, if you feel that you will be buying a lot of a period of time, look for companies that offer discounts to frequent shoppers.

When it comes to belly dancing supplies, you are bound to find everything you need off of the Internet. Whether it is one of something or a lot of something you will find a lot of what you need through web stores or online auction sites.

And do not let the idea of auction sites send you running the other direction, as they do not always just have used items. A lot of stores and retailers are using these sites to help move inventory and you can often times find excellent deals this way. Just keep your eyes open and you will come across everything that you could possibly need.

belly dancing skirts

2008-08-14T13:19:00.004-07:00

Belly Dancing Skirts and Costumes

Costumes for belly dancing vary as widely as the music used. Different regions use different types of costumes; however they all have certain aspects in common. While regional variations do occur, for the most part, all belly dancers wear certain costume pieces. While individual use of these varies by location, some possible accessories are headbands, sleeves, and veils. Specifically in America, pants are common, as are choli tops (from India) and vests.

Not all dancers utilize belts; some have embellishments sewn directly onto their skirts. The shapes of belts vary by region, with V-shaped belts more common in Turkey, while in Egypt the belts are rectangular in the front and rounded in the back to cup the buttocks.

Depending on the region in question, the bra can be either very plain cut or have decorative edges like scallops. Decoration/Fringe: Most belly dancing costumes have some sort of embellishment. Minimalist costumes tend toward embroidery, where others include plenty of sequins and fringe. Sequin pattern and fringe design differ greatly with locale.

Variations in Belly Dancing Skirts

In Turkey, the skirts tend to be sheer – generally a strong polyester/chiffon blend. Decoration truly depends on how expensive the skirt is, as well as whether or not a belt is used. For lower-end skirts with a belt, there is generally little or no decoration directly on the skirt.

If a belt is not used, however, low-end belly dancing skirts often have hip accents, including fringe, sewn right on the skirt. Expensive skirts however, commonly have extensive decoration on them designed to copy the patterns of the belt and bra. These skirts may be made of other fabrics as well; various types of velvet are common. They may also have cut-out sections or be designed for the purpose of showing off the legs.

Egyptian belly dancing skirts are rather different. Lower-end costumes use either pleated or 3-panel circle skirts made of polyester/chiffon blends. It is common for hip accents with a lot of fringe to be built into the skirt itself.

However, high-end costumes there either skip the skirt entirely in favor of a gown, or use a much sleeker, fitted skirt generally made from Lycra. These skirts are often extensively embroidered. While they can be decorated with sequins or beads, the expensive belly dancing skirts here do not utilize much, if any, fringe.

In America, skirts, like the dance itself, come from all over. While both circle and panel skirts of chiffon are used, they are generally utilized in layers. These belly dancing skirts are generally done in earth tones and have minimal embellishment. In fact, in the U.S. skirts are often replaced by harem pants.

If you are looking for a truly authentic belly dancing costume, you would be advised to look outside of the U.S. While costumes there may appear to be of middle eastern origin, when outfits direct from those regions are examined, it is clear that Americans have made their own, unique look; a look that, like their style of belly-dancing and like Americans themselves, comes from all over.

belly dancing skirt

2008-08-14T13:19:00.003-07:00

Choosing the Right Belly Dancing Skirt

Belly dancing is lots of fun and it’s also a great way to get into shape. If you have moved away from simply performing in front of friends in a class, you need a skirt. Finding the right skirt really depends on your own preferences and the type of dance you will be doing.

Any belly dancing skirt that you choose should be comfortable to wear and should allow you to move freely. One that restricts your movements will not be conducive to your performance. Instead you might find yourself making mistakes and looking awkward. Definitely something you want to avoid when belly dancing.

Material

The material of your belly dancing skirt is very important, as it can really make your costume outstanding. Typically you can find a belly dancing skirt made from silk, velvet, satin, and chiffon. Silk and velvet skirts tend to be more expensive with satin and chiffon skirts being more affordable.

Chiffon skirts can be very sexy as their see transparent nature really highlights a woman’s body and movements. This might not be the belly dancing skirt to wear at family oriented performances. Satin and silk skirts can look very impressive and are quite elegant. Velvet skirts can be a little heavy and if you want the feeling of lightness while dancing then this might not be the belly dancing skirt for you.

Styles

There are different types of skirts and the type of skirt you choose to wear will depend on your performance and audience. Full skirts are great if your performance or routine involves a lot of twirling and turns as the skirt will swirl with you and add movement and drama to your routine.

If on the other hand you want to involve your legs and your dance involves moves that will have your body in profile then this is not the best type of belly dancing skirt for your performance. A full skirt will often leave your legs hidden, especially if you have a skirt that is not of a sheer fabric.

Skirts with slits are perfect for highlighting your legs and are very sexy. Perfect if you are entertaining adults or a male audience who would appreciate the titillation of a little leg. If you want skirts that really stand out then you should look for a belly dancing skirt that has plenty of details on the hem. A scalloped hem or a handkerchief hem are beautiful, and will definitely make a beautiful costume.

belly dancing school

2008-08-14T13:19:00.001-07:00

Your Own Belly Dancing School

Belly dancing is a wonderful art form and with the right teacher it can be easily learnt by just about anyone. It is also a very fun exercise that will have you burning calories without realizing it. It’s also a great way to get in touch with your body and reconnect to your inner sensuality.

So what do you do if you cannot find a belly dancing school near you to facilitate your learning? You have to get a little creative and start learning on your own. If you cannot find a belly dancing school at the moment keep looking for one as a new one might crop up soon.

Looking Beyond the Yellow Pages

If you looked in the yellow pages and couldn’t find a belly dancing school then you’re not alone. Plenty of people complain that it’s hard to find a belly dancing school. You just have to think a little out of the box when it comes to looking for lessons.

Look online first to see if there are local classes that are easily accessible for you. If your searches turn up nothing then vary the words in your search a little. Sometimes belly dancing is called Middle Eastern dance, tribal dance, Egyptian, or Turkish dancing.

You may not be able to find a belly dancing school that specializes in teaching belly dancing only but you can still find belly dancing classes. Visit local dance schools and studios to see if they offer classes. Some gyms also offer belly dancing as a way to keep fit. Look around and you might be surprised at where you can find classes.

Videos

If you really can’t find a class near you then it may be time to start your own belly dancing school! Buy a belly dancing video and start learning the moves in your own living room. The upside is that these videos cater for every level of dancer and it is much cheaper than attending a class. The videos usually have individual moves that are broken down so you can learn move by move.

Unfortunately you can’t really tell if you are getting better or not without someone giving you constructive critique. It can also be hard to pick up on mistakes you are making when you yourself have no experience. Look for videos that have a segment where the instructor demonstrates how to incorporate all the moves into a dance or routine. This will help you make up your own routines.

Belly Dancing Restaurants

2008-08-14T13:18:00.002-07:00

Belly Dancing Restaurants Attract Many Customers

Whether it is Europe, America or Asia, Belly Dancing Restaurants are found everywhere. They are generally Middle Eastern restaurants, clubs or bars and belly dancers often perform regularly. Sometimes, there are special timings for the dance performance, and you can call the restaurant and ask for the show timing. If you are having a party at a restaurant, you can hire a belly dancer as part of the entertainment.

Music

Belly Dancing Restaurants often have good music too. Many customers may be regulars and come to these restaurants because of the Moroccan, Asian or Egyptian music which accompanies the belly dancers. At most Turkish restaurants in London, for example, the customers are entertained with live Turkish music and belly dancing. In the Belly Dancing Restaurants you can just sit down and enjoy the dance or you can even try your belly dancing skills when the dancer comes to the audience.

Live singers also make a huge difference in the Belly Dancing Restaurants. Sometimes the restaurant and the dance floor are on separate floors, so that the customers can sit wherever they want. Most of them are late night bars and the dancers generally perform on weekend nights, and sometimes mid week too.

Some expensive night clubs and bars have belly dancers every night. Often there are small Persian or Iranian Belly Dancing Restaurants in big cities in Europe, which serve authentic food. Even North African restaurants with their delightful cuisine are present in some cities with an added attraction of belly dancers. The dancers help to make the atmosphere of the restaurant fun and the customers are promised an enjoyable and memorable time.

Audience Participation

In all Belly Dancing Restaurants active audience participation is encouraged. You can't afford to be shy, just let yourself go and sway with the music. The dancers often perform on a stage in the beginning and then come down and mingle with the crowds, mainly to earn their money. Men shower paper money on them to show their appreciation.

The male belly dancer is also a popular feature of the Belly Dancing Restaurants, especially in the North African ones. But any kind of belly dancing restaurant can be fun, and even if there is no live music there may be a loud cassette playing to which the dancer as well as the crowds can dance away the night.

Belly Dancing Restaurants provide good entertainment for an evening. The belly dancers are not always young girls, but also middle-aged women who are still as shapely as ever and can sway their hips and chests expressing a range of dynamic emotions. Some of them even have dance schools and train young belly dancers for the future.

belly dancing pants

2008-08-14T13:18:00.001-07:00

Creating a Harem Look with Belly Dancing Pants

When you are belly dancing you want to be comfortable. People often start of going to belly dance classes wearing yoga or workout pants. These types of pants are fine for the beginner who is not sure if belly dancing is for them. They allow you to be comfortable without feel self-conscious.

Once you get into belly dancing you will realize that half the fun comes from the pageantry of the magnificent costumes that make a performance special. A pair of belly dancing pants is the first step to making you feel like a belly dancing goddess.

Loose Fitted Luxury

There are two types of belly dancing pants that are commonly sold at the moment, pants with flares and harem pants. Flare pants are perfect when paired with an over skirt but harem pants do not require an over skirt. Harem pants are belly dancing pants that have enough drama to stand alone and make your costume stand out.

Flare pants look just like the big bell-bottoms that were so popular in the 70’s. The only difference is the materials that these belly dancing pants are made from. Belly dancing pants should be comfortable and easy to move in so these flare pants are made from Lycra and other lightweight, stretchable material.

Harem pants are exactly what you think they are, they usually have a drawstring at the waist and around the ankles. The legs are voluminous and give you the perfect image of an Arabian princess lounging in her harem surrounded by servant girls. These pants make a fabulous addition to your costume wardrobe and are just fun to wear during a class.

Either type of pants will have numerous designs to make them stand out. Flare pants come in many different colors and may have certain detailing to suit different costumes. Whether that is small mirrors sewn all over to give a dazzling effect or intricate beading, there really is not limit on how elaborate these pants can be.

Harem pants traditionally come in one color but they can be made from many different types of fabric. Satin and silk give a luxurious look and feel to these belly dancing pants. These pants can also be decorated with coins around the waistline and the legs to give an even more authentic feel to the pants. Whatever you decide to choose you are sure to feel like an Arabian princess as you shimmy and shake in your amazing belly dancing pants.

belly dancing music

2008-08-14T13:17:00.004-07:00

Fun Belly Dancing Music for Practice

If you are just learning to belly dance then you will need some great belly dancing music to get you grooving. If you are worried that you need to have authentic belly dancing music for your practices you can relax. For practice sessions in your home or in a class with friends there is no need to look for authentic music.

The only thing that you need to worry about in such a setting is that you like the music and are having fun. It is only if you really want to learn about belly dancing and everything about it that you should start looking for music that is authentic to this Middle Eastern dance form.

Compilation Tapes

There are now a number of CD’s that are being marketed as belly dancing music. If you just want to have fun in your living room shimmying to a great beat then buying a CD like this is fine to get you started. Usually this music is a combination of traditional music from the Middle East combined with certain Western elements. This is a great way to start learning about the music that goes with belly dancing.

Using music that is totally unrelated to belly dancing is also fine if you are just having fun and performing at informal gatherings like parties. As long as the beat gets you moving and gets you moving your hips then there is nothing wrong with choosing this type of music. Latin music is in fact a great substitute for belly dancing music if you can’t find any at your local music store.

Authentic Music

If you really want to find authentic belly dancing music then you will need the guidance of a teacher who has studied this art form. There are different types of music that are suited to different types of dance. Just because you have found a piece of music that is authentic to belly dancing it does not mean that it suits the moves that you have learnt. If there are no classes near you there are many video available that will help you along.

Learning the different types of styles of dance is important for you to find the right music to go with the routines you choose to perform. If you are not concerned with having a truly authentic dance style or music then you can choose to mix the types of dance and music according to your tastes. This will give you more freedom when it comes to performing.

belly dancing moves

2008-08-14T13:17:00.003-07:00

Learning Simple Belly Dancing Moves

Belly dancing moves when taken apart are actually quite simple and when you practice them separately you will see that they are not at all complicated. The best way to learn belly dancing moves is to practice the moves one at a time until you have mastered each one. Then you can have fun putting the moves together into a routine.

It might take you a while to get down the individual moves but once you have then you’ll have lots of fun. Do these moves in front of a mirror because it’s important to keep an eye on form. Do each one slowly until you can smooth each move out and do it faster.

Sexy Figure Eights

Figure eights one of the basic belly dancing moves that you can start with. Stand with your feet together and your posture erect. You don’t want to be slumped and at the same time your body should not be rigid. Now hold your arms out away from your body and remember that the hips should be doing all the work. Imagine that you have a rectangle around your hips.

Now slide your right hip to the top right hand corner of that rectangle. Now you want to bring your right hip the bottom right hand corner. Now slide your left hip across to the top left hand corner of the box before sliding the hip to the back corner of the rectangle. Now center your hips. You have just done a figure eight with your hips. Just imagine you are making a figure eight with your hips and you will have the hang of it pretty soon.

Chest Circles

Chest circles are belly dancing moves that you can do very easily. First stand in a neutral position with your back straight and feet together. Now slide your whole torso to the right. Practice sliding your torso from right to left. You want to keep the movement parallel to the floor. Imagine there is a hook pulling the sides of your body to the left and right.

Next incorporate chest lift into the sliding motions. Before sliding to the left lift your chest up. Simply use your abdominal muscle and the muscles between your shoulders to lift your chest up before sliding to the left. Once your body has moved to the left you can bring your torso back to the middle. You have completed one of the belly dancing moves commonly used in routines.

belly dancing lessons

2008-08-14T13:17:00.001-07:00

Belly Dancing Lessons: A Fun Way to Shape up

Taking belly dancing lessons with a friend is a fun way to keep up a friendship, get caught up on gossip, and stay in shape. Taking belly dancing lessons as mother and daughter, sister and sister, or friend and friend is something fun to do.

Adult Education Belly Dancing Lessons

Many people find belly dancing lessons through their local adult education facilities: community colleges, community centers, or universities. If you cannot find a local source of belly dancing lessons by exhausting these options, you may have to get creative to find a belly dancing instructor.

Talk to the dance instructors that you do find, and ask if any of them is trained in the ancient art of belly dancing. An instructor may be willing to teach you one-on-one or to add a belly dancing class to her schedule of dance classes.

Other Dancing Lessons

If you have ever expressed an interest in learning ballet, square dance, or even the Tango, why not try to learn those dances with a friend, too. Dancing feels great and it burns calories, too. Moving the body to the beat of music is something humankind has been doing since music was invented.

Nothing is more fun than dancing with a group of friends to a song that you love. While other kinds of dancing may not give you the core muscle workout that belly dancing lessons will give you, you may find that you get more of a cardiovascular workout from swing dancing or contemporary dancing than from belly dancing.

Online Belly Dancing Lessons

If you can't find belly dancing lessons in your local area, never fear. The internet can help you find an instructor or it can even teach you to dance. By watching online videos, you can learn to take belly dancing lessons and perform basic belly dancing moves: the hip piston, shoulder shimmy, three-quarter shoulder shimmy, chest thrust, snake arms, and the like.

Video Belly Dancing Lessons

If you have cable or satellite TV, you may have access to free fitness videos that teach you how to use belly dancing to tone your muscles and lose weight, or how to dance just for fun. Look for a channel called Fit TV. If you have an on demand video service, look for a health and fitness channel that has workouts the viewer can do at home. Use these videos to learn basic belly dancing steps at your own pace.

belly dancing jewelry

2008-08-14T13:16:00.002-07:00

Using Belly Dancing Jewelry

Belly dancing jewelry is often though of as flashy and sometimes tacky. This is usually because some amateur dances tend to overload on the belly dancing jewelry in their enthusiasm to look like the real thing. The truth is that authentic belly dancers don’t wear a lot of jewelry and will vary their jewelry according to the type of dance they are performing.

Keep the jewelry simple and every time you are considering using a piece of jewelry stop and think about how it affects your routine and movements. You want to feel comfortable while dancing and don’t want to have something hurt you in the middle of a performance.

Headdress

Having a headdress as part of your costume is definitely a bold and dramatic statement. It looks very regal and exotic and is a unique piece of belly dancing jewelry. You can buy a headdress that looks very similar to what Egyptian queens were portrayed as wearing.

Usually these headdresses are made of coins or beads that involve an amulet draped on the forehead with beads and chains that go through the hair. Before buying a headdress remember that anything that is heavy can feel uncomfortable when you are dancing.

Worse still a headdress might actually be dangerous. If you are using a veil or scarves in your routine then beware your props getting caught or tangled in your headdress. If you have chosen to keep your headdress in place with pins or combs then watch out for your beautiful headdress falling off during your performance!

Bells and Jewels

Wearing anklets and bracelets with bells on them are an accepted form of belly dancing jewelry. These pieces of jewelry can enhance your show and create a pleasant tinkling sound when you move. Belly chains with small bells are another form of belly dancing jewelry that can enhance your performance. The belly chain will attract attention to the form of your body and hips while you perform.

There is another form of belly dancing jewelry that has created some confusion among beginner dancers. This is a jewel in the navel. Old Hollywood movies that feature harems or belly dancing often portray dancers with jewels in their navels.

Traditionally belly dancers in the Middle East do not wear this form of belly dancing jewelry. It is completely a Western invention. It’s best to avoid this form of supposed belly dancing jewelry if you are serious about being authentic.

belly dancing history

2008-08-14T13:16:00.001-07:00

The Complex History of Belly Dancing

While no one is certain where or when belly dancing originated, it is known that belly dancing history covers many centuries and various places. As far as historians can discern, throughout the years belly dancing was used as for such diverse things as goddess worship, childbirth preparation, celebration, and personal enjoyment.

Belly Dancing History in the Middle East

Belly dancing is known as Raks Sharqi in Arabic, which means “Oriental dance”. In the past, this type of dance was done by women for other women only. In fact, at one time there were also men’s clubs where young men would perform a type of belly dance for other men. Historically, belly dance is done in layers of colorful clothing with no skin showing. The body movements were meant to cause the fabric to bounce and sway.

Belly dancing history is also full of controversy. The name belly dancing was coined during the 1893 Chicago World Fair. Due to lack of interest in the Egyptian dance show, the promoter re-named the style as “belly dancing”. It became a sensation. In the 1930’s in Egypt, as the layers of clothing gave way to bare bellies, politicians stepped in. By the 1950’s belly dancing was outlawed. Public outrage led to the ban being repealed with the stipulation that dancers would again cover their stomachs.

American Belly Dancing History

When belly dancing came to the United States, it could only be seen on burlesque or vaudeville stages. This led to people assuming it was risqué or inappropriate. Hollywood added to the disdain for belly dancing by their use of the dancers in film (as damsels in distress or women of ill-repute). Even today, many dancers and instructors fight against this type of stereotyping.

Belly dancing history in America actually started prior to the Chicago World Fair. Its debut was actually in 1876 at the Pennsylvania Centennial. However, it wasn’t until the fair in 1893 that it gained popularity. It proceeded to be a popular and profitable act at vaudeville shows.

More current belly dancing history involves its resurgence in the United States. In the 1950’s, a number of ethnic clubs in large cities had belly dancers as entertainment. By the late 1960’s many of those dancers were offering lessons. While this caused an explosion in the number of dancers, it also had inherent problems. In trying to differentiate their classes from those of other instructors, dancers altered the form in varying ways. As such, belly dancing is finding it difficult to gain footing in the larger dancing world due to the lack of specific accepted choreography and terminology.

Recently, there has been fusion of styles to create what is known as American Tribal Style Belly Dance (ATS). As can clearly be seen, belly dancing history is not stagnant. The dancers and the dance continue to grow and change, and will likely continue to do so as long as people remain interested in the art form.

belly dancing hip scarves

2008-08-14T13:15:00.004-07:00

All About Belly Dancing Hip Scarves

With everyone trying to find new and improved ways to go about having fun and staying in shape at the same time, it is no wonder that so many women have found an interest in belly dancing. There are classes left and right that seem to be popping up out of nowhere, and women seem to be flocking to these classes and filling up all of the available spaces left. This is great for not only the business but for the students as well as there is just so much to be gained with the mental and physical benefits.

There is more to belly dancing then getting the right moves down, as to be the perfect dancer, you must have the proper attire. A vital part of the outfit is that of the belly dancing hip scarves as a belly dancer is not a belly dancer without these. They not only add eye-catching colors and movement to the outfit, but they are an essential part of many of the dance moves made by the belly dancers. Without the right scarves, there would just seem to be something missing from the whole routine.

Finding Belly Dancing Hip Scarves

When you go out on the hunt for your first or even your tenth belly dancing outfit, you will be looking at belly dancing hip scarves. Sometimes though, you would like to have several different kinds and colors in order to mix things up every once in a while. There is nothing wrong with using all sorts of different belly dancing hip scarves based on your personal preference. These are an excellent way to explore and display your own personal tastes and style without changing too much about the basic attire of a belly dancer.

Besides the typical stores that one may visit to purchase their belly dancing hip scarves, an excellent place to look is the Internet. This is because with the Internet, there are no limits as you can buy the scarves from your country or from another country. You could end up finding styles and colors that you otherwise would not have found around town. Also, with the belly dancing hip scarves being so lightweight, they will not cost a lot of money to have shipped to you. Just keep your eyes open and look for deals too as you can save a lot of money this way just by doing some bargain shopping.

belly dancing dvd

2008-08-14T13:15:00.003-07:00

Buy a Belly Dancing DVD

If you are on the lookout for some great and useful belly dancing DVDs, then the name of International Academy of Middle Eastern Dance is worth checking out. If you want to learn from the best, these are the ones to learn from. They are devoted to furthering belly dancing and are also setting the standards as far as belly dancing goes.

Leading Authority

In fact, buying one of their many excellent belly dancing DVDs would not be a bad idea at all since they are acknowledged as being among the leading authorities when it comes to everything belly dancing. They also have a long history of performing belly dancing shows behind them. To illustrate how good one of their belly dancing DVDs are, it is heartening to note that some of their, it is believed, fifty odd such belly dancing DVD titles have been used by established theaters in Hollywood as well as in other parts of Los Angeles.

The belly dancing DVD that have been produced by International Academy of Middle Eastern Dance along with Suzy Evans have already produced the best performances in belly dancing in many parts of the world and all of this experience is packaged into each of their belly dancing DVDs. What’s more, for about forty dollars you could benefit enormously from the highly professional belly dancing DVDs that are packed with useful tips on how to perform spins and turns as well as which have live recordings of the better belly dancing performances.

Thus, if you were to choose their belly dancing DVD called Marguerite – Spins and Turns you would learn the time tested art of Spinning as well as Whirling from the outstanding dancer Marguerite who has been tutored by the Mongolians Shamans. In fact, Marguerite will lead students through the balance as well as neck exercises that help to warm up students in preparation for the real spins and turns.

Also, this belly dancing DVD also teaches you the correct techniques and will break down and show students the different types of spins and turns. These include pivot turns, barrel turns, head flip turns, ceiling spot turns, traveling spins as well as mermaid turns, and a whole lot more.

Thus, whether you are a newbie at belly dancing or looking to improve your skills, buying your belly dancing DVD from the International Academy of Middle Eastern Dance would be worth your while. It is also an excellent value for your money.

belly dancing costume

2008-08-14T13:15:00.001-07:00

What is Authentic Belly Dancing Dress?

We have all seen the elaborate and exotic costumes of belly dancers in music videos and in pictures. Yet as with anything that becomes a staple of popular culture there are sure to be variations from the original art form. Belly dancing is no exception, so what is authentic belly dancing dress?

The answer is that there really is no modern belly dancing dress that is authentic. The belly dancing costumes you see today were adopted by Egyptian dancers according to the images and costumes of 1930’s and 40’s Hollywood. Eventually these costumes became accepted as belly dancing dress and are used all over the world.

Egyptian Dancers

Egyptian dancers usually have a full mermaid style skirt of any color with a fitted bra top. The top has a fringe of beads or coins and sometimes a scarf is incorporated into the routine. This costume is very popular overseas and is usually the image associated with belly dancing. As mentioned before this is not authentic belly dancing dress.

Traditionally dancers wore costumes that covered the whole body and did not show much flesh. Only a scarf or belt tied around the hips was used to highlight the movements of the dancer’s body. It takes great skill to perform in such costumes. An amateur would do better to perform in the costumes that are commonly associated with belly dancing.

Folk dances and routines known as baladi are performed in full beaded dresses. These types of costumes are restricted to folk dances rather than the typical belly dancers that are more commonly performed in nightclubs and as entertainment. Some Western dancers will don these dresses when performing such folk routines though they may not restrict themselves to using the costumes to folk routines.

Turkish Costumes

Turkish belly dancing dress is a lot more revealing than the costumes worn in Egypt. Turkish dancers often wear skirts with very high slits that expose the whole leg. Waist belts are also worn high on the waist to emphasize movement and the contours of the body. This type of costume can be very alluring, though it must be noted that the use of veils is usually not practiced, this is a Western idea.

Mix and Match

Now that you know the different types of belly dancing dress and their origins you can choose the type of costume that you would like to wear. As a performer you should feel free to mix and match a little. There is no harm in veering away from what is considered traditional if you think it enhances your performance and looks good.

belly dancing costume

2008-08-14T13:13:00.004-07:00

Authentic Belly Dancing Costumes

If you are a beginning belly dancer and you are shy about performing in front of a spouse or loved one, you must get yourself an authentic belly dancing costume. Wearing a costume will get you in the right mood for dancing and make you feel exotic and sexy. If you look the part, your dancing will look more authentic, and your audience – even if it is just one person – will enjoy your dance tremendously.

Belly Dancing Costume – Top and Pants

Your top and pants should be made of the same fabric. Prints and solids are both acceptable, but the fabric should be interesting. Metallic fabrics and brightly colored fabrics work best. If you wear a dark, plain color like black, be sure it is trimmed with bright metallic gold or silver fringe or sparkles.

The traditional harem pants are worn below the natural waistline so the navel is exposed, and the traditional bra top is worn cropped to expose the midriff. Don't worry if you don’t have six-pack abs; belly dancers usually have a little extra flesh around the midriff. However, this skin should be toned so it doesn't jiggle uncontrollably during shimmies and hip piston thrusts.

Belly Dancing Costume – Jewelry

The right jewelry can make any belly dancing costume look authentic and genuine. Belly dancing is always done in bare feet, so make sure your toes are perfectly manicured. Ankle bracelets trimmed with sparkling jewels and tinkling coins draw attention to your beautiful feet.

Arm cuffs with bells or tinkling coins add drama and a pleasing sound to your dance. "Slave" style bracelets are extremely popular, as are heavily fringed bracelets that loop through the fingers to keep the fringe extended. Some cuff-style bracelets are worn high on the upper arm and feature fringe that extends nearly to the wrist, giving the impression of a fringed sleeve. These pieces should always be coordinated with the entire belly dancing costume for an integrated head-to-toe look.

Earrings are an important element of any belly dancing costume. Sparkling crystals are popular, and coins are a recurring theme with belly dancing. Both work well in earrings. Hoops look just as good as dangling chandeliers, so pick an earring that suits your personal style.

Bindi is the term for jewelry worn on the face. Wear a single jewel between the eyebrows for drama, or select a fancy bindi that extends across the entire forehead, accentuating your eyebrows.

Belly Dancing Costume – Hip Scarf

Hip scarves can transform any pair of workout pants into harem pants. Don't skimp on the bells and coins, as these add interest to any costume, and movement to any dance.

belly dancing coins

2008-08-14T13:13:00.003-07:00

Adding Sparkle with Belly Dancing Coins

If you have just started belly dancing then you know that costumes are all part of the fun. When putting on a performance the costume of a belly dancer is just as much a part of the attraction. People tend to connect exotic gold accessories with belly dancing.

Authentic belly dancers actually wear very little jewelry, as too much jewelry can be a hindrance to the smooth movements that make up a good routine. However belly dancing coins are an exception. Hip scarves and belly dancing bras are often adorned with belly dancing coins.

Ancient Tradition

The origin of belly dancing coins is currently unknown. Most people tend to believe that the tradition started when the audience of a belly dancing show would give the dancer coins as a token of appreciation. Others believe that it originated from a gypsy tradition that has a similar style of dance that uses coins. Whatever it’s origin it has now become almost a required accessory to this art form.

Hip Scarves

Hip scarves are commonly decorated with belly dancing coins as the movement, color, and sound of the coins on the hip scarves adds to the drama of the routine. You can buy a hip scarf that already been adorned with these coins if sewing is not your cup of tea. Often such scarves have elaborate patterns and are very eye catching.

If you feel that you can make your own hip scarf with belly dancing coins then go ahead. You can easily purchase belly dancing coins that have a hole drilled through them for easy threading. You can combine the coins with beads for that extra flair that is so important when belly dancing.

Headdress

If you would prefer to leave your hips free of any accessories you can still incorporate belly dancing coins into your costume. Many belly dancing costumes come with headdresses and a headdress made of coins is sure to impress and add a touch of exoticism to your costume. It also looks very stately when you enter the stage wearing a headdress.

Bras and Tops

Yet another way to add belly dancing coins to your costume is to have the coins sewn onto your belly dancing top. There are tops that come with coins already attached but you can feel free to improvise by adding coins along the bottom part of your belly dancing top. Or you could also sew the coins directly onto your top.

belly dance clothing

2008-08-14T13:13:00.001-07:00

Accessorizing with Belly Dancing Clothing

Belly dance clothing is just an important as the beautiful languid moves of the dancer. Without her elaborate costume the dancer’s moves, no matter how beautiful, loose some of their impact. Wearing the right belly dancing clothing can make you feel more confident and a lot sexier too.

There is no doubt that clothing used in this dance form is meant to flatter and highlight a woman’s body. The whole dance itself is a celebration of a woman’s curves. The clothes are the icing on the cake if you will. Why not complement your hip shaking and undulations with the right belly dancing clothing?

Material

The material of most belly dancing clothing is lightweight and transparent. The nature of the fabric adds to the effect of sensuality and titillation. The soft and flowing fabric will flutter and ripple with the slightest shake of your hips or turn of your body. It adds a feeling of endless movement to your dance moves.

The lightweight fabric used in belly dancing clothing also makes movement easy. You wouldn’t want to be dancing in a stiff material that restricted your movements, would you? The silks and satins commonly used to make the tops and skirts add a touch of glamour and luxury to even the simplest costumes.

The colors chosen are usually jewel toned. The bright colors are an extension of the expressive nature of the dance. You can’t help feeling more free when you are wearing bright happy colors. Bright colors are also traditionally used in belly dancing. Silver or gold accents serve to heighten the feeling of exoticism.

Accessories

Common accessories added to belly dancing clothing are coins, chains, and shells. Coins are the more traditional accessory to belly dancing clothing. This is because belly dancers are traditionally presented with coins for their performances. Usually a fringe of coins is added to skirt hems and bra tops.

Veils are also another popular accessory that is coordinated with belly dancing outfits. Veils can be an alluring prop to hide the face or draped around the head to provide a flowing movement during turns and swirls. Scarves used around the arms are used to draw attention to the grace and elegance of the movements.

Whatever you choose in terms of belly dancing clothing you should first like the clothes. Secondly you should feel comfortable in them. Don’t feel like you have to bare a lot of flesh just to be authentic. You can leave most of your body covered and still be sexy.

belly dancing clothes

2008-08-14T13:12:00.003-07:00

What Belly Dancing Clothes to Wear

So you have taken the plunge and signed up for belly dancing lessons. Now, if only you knew what to wear! Take heart; you can wear almost any workout wear while you are leaning how to belly dance. However, the lessons will feel more authentic, and you will feel more like a real belly dancer, if your belly dancing clothes resemble the exotic, flowing garb worn by real belly dancers.

Belly Dancing Clothes – Headwear

It is perfectly acceptable to belly dance with a bare head. Loose, flowing hair gives the impression of a veil, so let your long hair move with your dance movements. If you want your headwear to coordinate with the rest of your belly dancing clothes, wear a jeweled headband with tiny tinkling coins attached. A coiled silk headband can be purchased in colors that go with your outfit, and it can be worn solo or pulled on over a veil.

Belly Dancing Clothes – Tops

A choli is an authentic belly dancing cropped top or bra, with or without sleeves. In belly dancing, the midriff is exposed. Look for a brightly colored silk or shiny satin top. Dancers who prefer to cover the midriff can achieve the special look with a shiny, metallic tank or blouse with spaghetti straps. Dress up a plain bra top with a bra cover. These mesh covers, trimmed with tiny bells or coins, make any top a belly dancing blouse.

Belly Dancing Clothes – Pants

The traditional pants for belly dancing are harem pants: sheer, flowing fabric made into loose pants. Often, harem pants are deeply slit all the way around, to allow flashes of skin to peek sexily through the pants during the belly dance. Harem pants should match your choli or bra, and should be trimmed with sparkling lace, tiny bells, coins, or other sparkling, decorative trim.If you prefer to wear ordinary workout pants, you can achieve the look of harem pants by wrapping a brightly colored scarf around your hips.

Belly Dancing Clothes – Footwear

Belly dancers traditionally dance barefoot. If for some reason you cannot dance in bare feet, wear shiny satin or bejeweled ballet slippers. Beaded anklets are a must. A metallic, jeweled ankle bracelet will draw attention to your feet and complement the rest of your belly dancing clothes, giving them a look of authenticity. As much attention is drawn to the hands and feet during belly dancing, a meticulous manicure and pedicure are absolutely required.

belly dancing classes

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Moves You Will Learn in Belly Dancing Classes

Wouldn't you love to learn to belly dance? This ancient dance form can transform an ordinary person into a whirling dervish of flying scarves, shimmying shoulders, and gyrating hips. Taking a belly dancing class to learn basic belly dancing moves will ensure that you learn each move properly, increasing the effectiveness of the move for muscle toning purposes, and reducing the risk of injury.

Where to Take Belly Dancing Classes

Dance studios and community colleges offer classes in belly dancing. Occasionally you can find a Middle Eastern restaurant that offers belly dancing classes as a marketing strategy. Using the Internet to find classes near you is a great way to save gas and time.

If you cannot locate a belly dancing class near you, you can also use the Internet to learn to belly dance. Many sites offer online lessons, complete with music and video instructions. Here are some of the belly dancing moves your class will teach you.

Snake Arms

Fluid, incessant arm movements are the hallmark of belly dancing. Learn to slither your arms as if they were snakes in your belly dancing class. If you are interested in toning your body while you dance, you will be happy to learn that Snake Arms tones the arms and shoulder muscles.

Shoulder Shimmy

This classic belly dance movement is used in other genres such as swing and jazz. Shoulders move back and forth in opposite movements. Beginners can learn the shoulder shimmy by slowly moving their shoulders back and forth to music, then bringing the speed up to tempo. The shoulder shimmy engages the muscles of the upper back and shoulders.

Hip Circle

The hip circle gyration is used in virtually every belly dance. To practice this motion, imagine you have stepped into a waist-high pipe that is a few inches wider around than you are. Circle your hips slowly as if you were polishing the inside of the pipe. Don't forget to add style to your dancing. As you get comfortable with the moves, feel the inhibitions give way to the beat of the music and the sultry, sensual nature of the dance.

Hip Piston

This move is just what it sounds like: a pumping of the isolated hip muscle. Like the shoulder shimmy, you may need to learn this move slowly at first. Gradually increase the speed until you are moving at full tempo. Above all, belly dancing classes should be fun.

belly dance class

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What Type of Belly Dancing Class to Sign Up For

Belly dancing is so popular now that nearly every dance studio and gym seems to offer classes. Add to the mix of traditional classes are videos that all claim to teach you how to belly dance in a certain amount of time. So whom do you believe and what belly dancing class should you join?

There is no hard and fast rule. It really depends on you as a person and how best you learn. There are pros and cons to every type of belly dancing class out there. Think about the advantages and disadvantages before you sign up for a class.

Community Fun

The great thing about attending a belly dancing class is that you can quickly build a network of people who all have a shared passion for dance. The great thing about classes is that you get to meet people who like dancing. There will be dancers of all abilities in your class but most likely they will be people who are attracted to belly dancing and have not had any dancing experience prior to this.

Once you get comfortable with your belly dancing class you can start hosting parties where you can come together to perform and support each other. There is nothing like an audience to make you want to really perfect your moves and work extra hard on those shimmies. Plus, it’s fun to perform in front of your friends and watch them perform in turn.

Video Class

There are plenty of belly dance videos available for you to try out these moves in your living room. This is a great way to learn belly dancing if you are too shy to attend a belly dancing class or just simply don’t have the time to attend one.

The downside is that there is no one to give you critique and you have to be very aware of your own movements to determine that you are dancing correctly. It can also get boring and a little repetitive if you stick to just one video.

Private Lessons

If you are lucky enough you may be able to find an instructor who will give you private lessons. The plus is that you will have an instructor who can devote their entire attention to you and make sure that you are getting everything right. On the other hand this form of belly dancing class can be very expensive.

Belly Dancing Bra

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A Perfect Fit for the Belly Dancing Bra

The Belly Dancing Bra like the belt belongs to the whole costume set. One bra can be worn with several skirts, so it looks like a new costume every time. Bras have many nice beaded designs and colors.

Two Styles

There are basically two styles of the Belly Dancing Bra, the Turkish style and the Egyptian style. But Egypt is the country where some of the best costume makers in the world are found and they make both the styles.

There are many designs of the Belly Dancing Bra on websites of shops and dealers who sell them. If you need a large size Belly Dancing Bra which cannot be bought off the shelf, you can order it at one of the shops you choose and they will custom order it for you.

The Belly Dancing Bra comes with gold coins, silver coins, beads and sequins. Also the bra and belt come as a set, and is often sold together. For a belly dancer the size of the bra is the most important factor. The fit has to be proper and comfortable at the same time. Also it has to be appropriate for use in belly dancing.

Size and Fit

A costume bra and your normal bra size may not be the same size. If a Belly Dancing Bra is marked 34 B, and you normally wear 32 C, it is a probability that the bra may fit you well with a few adjustments to the circumference. Actually a Belly Dancing Bra should provide ample coverage.

Since there are beads and sequins on an average professional Belly Dancing Bra, you require perfect support for it. Hence you cannot afford to have elastic, and definitely need a non-adjustable bra. Pick a bigger size, so that the size can be made smaller, by reducing on the band or the shoulder straps.

Many shops who sell costume bras leave one edge of the straps unsewn, so that you can attach it wherever you like. This saves you the trouble of ripping out the seams and reattaching them.

Affordable Bras

A Belly Dancing Bra for a professional dancer is an expensive affair. But there are more affordable ones available for students and semiprofessional dancers. These cheaper types of bras are a good deal lighter and there are many styles too. There is a greater range of sizes and adjustability.

Corset-Style

The corset-style Belly Dancing Bra offers adjustable lacing and can properly fit more than one band size because the criss-cross style of straps provides ample support and helps to distribute weight evenly. These bras have been tested and sized by real women and not just plastic torsos, so that a proper fit can be ensured and the dancers can enjoy their dancing totally "accident-free".

belly dancing belts

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Showcase Your Hips with Belly Dancing Belts

Buying accessories for your newfound hobby of belly dancing is fun and exciting. Before you know it you have bought more than you need. So, before you go out there and load up on all the belly dancing accessories that you can find, you might want to think about what is absolutely necessary to your costume.

Most of the time all you need is a pair of comfortable pants or a loose, flowing skirt to dance. Most people choose a fitted bra top especially for belly dancing. You can then choose whatever accessories you like. However, many people find that belly dancing belts are a must to really complete an outfit.

Coin Belts

Belly dancing belts are now made up of many different types of materials. Traditionally belly dancing belts are made from coins. Many coins, that are made to look like ancient gold coins, are strung together to make a waist belt that will accentuate your hips and their movements.

There are different styles of the coin belly dancing belts. The most basic is the triangular belt, when laid flat the belt has a triangular shape. When worn it tends to be longer on one side of the hip. Paired with the right skirt this can be a very dramatic addition to your costume.

Another design popular among belly dancer is the circular belt. These types of belly dancing belts are very simple and simple encircle the hips. This type of belt will really emphasize the hips of the dancer and the movement and sound of the coin belt will punctuate every movement of the hips.

The third common type of belt is the scalloped belt. These belly dancing belts can have very ornate designs with varying lengths. This is the perfect way to jazz up a simple costume or skirt. It can also be just the thing you need if your routines involve a lot of shimmying.

These are just some of the basic designs. There are plenty more designs out there to suit different dancers and costumes. You can even buy belly dancing belts made from shells instead of the traditional coins.

If you would prefer something more delicate then chains instead of bells and coins can make great belts. These can come in silver or gold depending on your costume and preference. Bells can also make great accessories when attached to belts, your movements will be that much more dramatic with the sound of tinkling bells.

belly dancing accessories

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Getting Your Belly Dancing Accessories

Now that a lot more women are getting interested in taking belly dancing lessons, they are starting to see the fun in purchasing and putting together the different outfits and buying all of the different belly dancing accessories. Just as any outfit needs that something extra special, so do the outfits of the belly dancer and that is why there are so many belly dancing accessories to pick from.

The belly dancing accessories, or the lack there of, can actually make or break the entire routine. This is because the art of belly dancing is more then just dance moves. It is about the visual affects that are seen when watching a belly dancer do her thing. Watching the moves of the belly dancer along with the belly dancing accessories are a big part of the entire experience. The belly dancing accessories that are worn are simply beautiful and some would say stunning, as it is all a part of the whole experience.

Finding Them

A lot of women find their belly dancing accessories online on the Internet as that has become the place to find the biggest selection for all of the needs of a belly dancer. Belly dancing accessories can be found for sale on an individual basis or in bulk. So whether you are looking for belly dancing accessories for yourself or for an entire class, you will be able to find what you are looking for on the Internet. Most of the retailers that you would see in person can also be found on the Internet and they can ship just about anything you need or want to you. And since the accessories are not that heavy, usually, the price for shipping will not be all that bad for you.

Also, feel free to take a glance at the different online auction sites, as you may be able to find some used belly dancing accessories there. Do not let the idea of something being used stop you from taking advantage of the discounts that you would receive from buying gentle used items. Not all used items are torn up as some could have been used only once which makes them in basically new condition. So keep your eyes open and be able to try new things, as the more money that you can save the more money you will have to spend on other things such as more belly dancing accessories.

Belly Dancing Turkey

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Seductive Belly Dancing Turkey

Belly Dancing Turkey is a common form of entertainment in that country. The common venues are night clubs, but the dancers are also hired for weddings, festivals or even shows and parties.

Belly Dancing Turkey belongs to the tradition of the land. It has now become a great tourist attraction, but it is an art form which is enjoyed by all Turks, belonging to all age groups and classes. It could also be termed as a form of fertility dance.

"Gobek dans" is another name for Belly Dancing Turkey. It continues its long process of development today, but it may have developed because of its influence of many different cultures. Some believe that it has originated from the Greeks, while others think that the source of belly dance is Egypt.

Night Clubs

In a night club Belly Dancing Turkey is a great way for women to earn money. The men shower paper money on the dancers or stuff them into their scanty costumes. Of course belly dancing is also done by men, who jump up out of the audience and accompany the woman on stage. This often happens at private parties or festivals.

World Renowned Dance

There are special Belly Dancing Turkey costumes, jewelry, videos, music and accessories available on several websites. Now the dance is recognized as a dance style of its own all over the world. In many ways oriental dance is different from other dance forms because it reveals its diverse heritage. The associations with Belly Dancing Turkey are both religious and erotic. People have very diverse opinions about the belly dance, some scorn it while others simply love it and look at as a form of art.

Music

The belly dancer in Turkey is generally a woman, who is extremely shapely and has well-trained abdominal muscles. The music is played in the background and she accompanies her dance with clangs, which are Turkish bells. Often some type of rhythm instrument is used to accompany the dance. The emphasis is on the hip moves and the chest moves. The movements are firm and earthy, and the dance is conducted bare feet connected to the ground.

Dance Movements

The rhythm of the body is the main characteristic of the dance movements. The dancer moves with flowing, smooth and complex movements which are extremely sensual. The focus is on the movements of the torso, which alternates with shaking and gliding moves.

Various other props are used during Belly Dancing Turkey such as snakes, swords, veils and candles. These items are popular among folk dances of Turkey and have magical powers. Snakes are associated with ancient mystery cults and are a complex symbol symbolizing male and female principles as well as immortality.

belly dancing

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Shimmy: Belly Dancing for Weight Loss

Belly dancing is one of the best ways to lose weight, firm and tone your body. Dancing in general has never been more popular, as evidenced by the many dancing themed popular TV shows. Dancing With The Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, and the like have revived an interest in dancing. At the same time, weight loss makeover programs like The Biggest Loser, Bulging Brides, and Ten Years Younger also surged in popularity. Belly dancing combines the two: weight loss and dancing.

Shimmy on Fit TV

Not to be outdone by ballroom, hip hop, contemporary, swing, or jazz, the ancient art of belly dancing also has a television show of its own. Shimmy, which airs on the satellite and cable channel Fit TV, takes viewers through a half-hour belly dancing lesson, led by exotic beauties Shivaun, Adalat, Dominique, Gillian, Karen, Manon, and Simone. The dancers break steps down, starting very slowly until the dancer following along at home gains confidence in her abilities to learn the moves. Gradually the pace increases, and soon the home viewer is belly dancing in her own living room.

Pace of the Show

Every episode of Shimmy begins with a dancer-led warm-up that gets your muscles ready for the workout to come. Next comes a section devoted to instruction. Home viewers learn four to six movements that put the hips, thighs, glutes, and abs through a vigorous workout. Belly dancing has never been so much fun, as the home viewer learns a complete routine.

A performance section follows the teaching. Viewers can dance along, using moves they just learned, or sit back and watch. The beautiful dancers in their flowing scarves and colorful costumes paint a vivid picture of this ancient dance. A no-holds-barred, freestyle session closes out every episode, with hips pumping, shoulders shimmying, and fingers flying.

Calorie Burning Fun

Belly dancing burns about 250 to 300 calories per hour, so dancing your way through an episode of Shimmy will consume 125 to 150 calories. After twenty-three belly dancing sessions, you will have danced enough to lose an entire pound. Building muscle in your core and midsection is key to reducing the buildup of troublesome belly fat—the most dangerous kind of fat there is.

Belly dancing builds the core muscles that surround the spine. Regular belly dancing will whittle your waistline in record time. Check your local cable or satellite listings to see if you get Fit TV in your area, and find out when Shimmy is on. When the time comes, start shimmying and toning your way to fitness with belly dancing.

arabic belly dancing

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Arabic Belly Dancing in the Middle East

Westerners have a very skewed image of Arabic belly dancing. Because of its history on vaudeville stages and as a feature at burlesque shows, it developed a reputation of being risqué and extremely sexual in nature. However, nothing could be further from the truth

History of Arabic Belly Dancing

While no one is certain precisely when or where belly dancing originated, it is generally accepted that it was a dance used in religious worship and as a form of celebration. The dance is traditionally performed at weddings, birthdays and other joyous occasions.

Historically, it could not have been used as titillation because it was performed by women for other women only. If men wanted to see any sort of belly dancing, it was performed by other men. While this is no longer the case, generally speaking, Arabic belly dancing was a women’s art form and the movements were passed down from mother to daughter.

Additionally, in the past, costuming for Arabic belly dancing was vastly different from what is seen today. The traditional costume involved layers of fabric and no bare skin. The movement was the important thing, as it was the movement of the body that caused the bouncing and flowing of the costume. It wasn’t until later that the costumes became more revealing.

Belly Dancing Costumes

As has already been stated, costumes started out covering the entire body. Now, they don’t, but are they truly as risqué as people claim them to be? It depends on where the costume comes from. In Egypt, there is still a taboo against dancers revealing their abdomen, so belly dancers there are required to wear costumes that keep them covered. As such, many dancers choose gowns over costumes with pieces. For those that use a bra and skirt, they also wear a skin-tone body suit so that they are within the rules of the law. Therefore, costumes in Egypt are not revealing at all.

In America, where belly dancing is a conglomeration of different styles, costumes are a mishmash of cultures. While bras are common, so are chopi tops and vests. For the lower half of the body, American dancers either wear layers of skirts or harem pants. Again, these costumes cover most of the body.

Turkey is home to the most adventuresome costumes. There bras and skirts are standard, and the skirts often have cutouts or are designed to show most of the leg. So are these the sexy Arabic belly dancing costumes? These are indeed the costumes that people refer to as risqué. However, upon closer examination, is it an accurate description? The costume consists of a bra and a skirt. This generally covers more than normal beachwear.

While in the middle east a bikini may indeed be considered scandalous, in the western world they generally are not. So why the bias against Arabic belly dancing and its costumes? It is a combination of two things. The first is ignorance of the history of belly dancing, and second could well be that belly dancing is empowering to women. It is time women took their strength back and embraced the feminine. Arabic belly dancing is rife with both, and as such, should be respected as the beautiful art form it is.

arabian belly dancing

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Why Are People Biased Against Arabian Belly Dancing?

There seems to be a false assumption in western nations that Arabian belly dancing is scandalous and inappropriate. Generally intelligent people make negative comments when they hear of teenagers and young girls practicing this ancient dance form. What causes Arabian belly dancing to conjure up such negative images in people’s minds?

Arabian Belly Dancing Costumes

Perhaps it is the attire worn when performing belly dance that makes people think of sex. While some dancers in different areas may wear gowns that cover the entire body, the general image of a belly dancer involves a bra, skirt and various decorative items such as belts. In some countries, such as Egypt, it is still taboo for women to show bare skin. Therefore, dancers there wear flesh-colored body suits under the rest of their costume.

Even without that extra layer of clothing, one needs to look at Arabian belly dancing costumes in a realistic light. Even the most risqué costumes consist of a bra that covers the breasts and a skirt which, at the very least, covers the pelvic region. All of a woman’s sex organs are covered, and often in a much more thorough fashion than one can see at their local beach. If bikinis aren’t considered to be indecent, belly dancing costumes that usually consist of much more fabric shouldn’t be a problem either.

History of Belly Dancing

So if it isn’t the clothing that inspires the disdain for Arabian belly dancing, what is it? Perhaps looking at the origins of belly dancing could offer a clue. Unfortunately, historians have failed to pinpoint a starting place or timeframe for belly dancing. What is known is that it was a women’s dance, traditionally passed down from mother to daughter. It was such a gender-specific dance that in the past the only way for men to view anything approaching it was to have other men performing the dance. Arabian belly dancing was also considered somewhat sacred, being closely linked with goddess worship.

Perhaps these are the factors that truly make Arabian belly dancing so controversial. First, in many parts of the world, goddess worship is frowned upon, so anything associated with it would be considered immoral. Additionally, since belly dancing remains a fairly gender-exclusive practice, it could be viewed as being anti-male. This is compounded by the fact that Arabian belly dancing celebrates both women’s bodies as well as their inherent strength.

In many parts of the world, including the west, there is a push for all things feminine to be suppressed. Women are encouraged to dress like men, talk like men, and generally act like men. An art like Arabian belly dancing that emphasizes women through their bodies and, historically, through worship of the divine feminine is a stark contrast to the currently accepted masculinity of society. Women need to embrace being female and stop looking at Arabian belly dancing as something wicked. Rather it should be seen as the beautiful feminine form of artistic expression that it is.

arab belly dancing

2008-08-14T13:08:00.001-07:00

The Vintage Art of Arab Belly Dancing

Many cultures, countries and even the whole human society has seen many fads and tendencies for dancing over the years and even centuries. None, however, is as venerable and still to this day mystically fascinating as Arab Belly Dancing. Since the dawn of civilization has this art form been learned, practiced and admired. But what do we really know about it?

Origins of an Art Form

What we today call Arab Belly Dancing, has it came to be known in the late 19th Century for the French qualification Danse du ventre, is referred to in traditional Arabic Language as Raqs Sharqui (Eastern Dance) or Raqs Baladi (Folk Dance). A unique origin for the dance itself would be quasi-impossible to pin down as it is derived from many ritualistic and artistic forms of dancing observed and practiced in many antique civilizations. Parts of it can be traced to the Empire of Alexander the Great, some to ancient Egypt and others even in India.

Practiced began to spread over the western world near the end of the Ottoman Empire, as the 19th Century was bowing to the 20th, where middle-eastern dancers would be invited to exhibit their prowess in various world fairs and important social gatherings. Popularity then increased with famous dancers borrowing from such an art, like the mystique Mata Hari. Inevitably though, moral censorship was quickly applied to the sensuality of Arab Belly Dancing, which garnered restrictions and banishment in many parts of the world, some for a very long time.

A Unique Style and Look

Costumes as we see worn today for Arab Belly Dancing are not necessarily in tone with their original counterparts. The accoutrement most popular and today associated with Arab Belly Dancing, called Bedlah (meaning Suit in Arab), comes mostly from fantasies captured by Hollywood and the entertainment industry in the early 20th Century.

In any variation, the costume usually consists of a top or bra and hip belt, both fringed with beads or coins, completed by one or more skirts layered in different patterns. Practitioners of the western world often add a veil, worn the entire length of the dance, to add exotic qualities to audience’s experience.

A Technical Tummy

Techniques used to perform Arab Belly Dancing will most usually be customized by the dancer, but always with the same basis consisting of performing circular motions isolated in one part of the body. Rolling belly muscles, striking the shoulder and hips and coordinating the body’s movement and balance with a scarf or silk veil are the primary motions presented. Although less known and popular, Arab Belly Dancing is also practiced, in some form, by men who display the same type of movements but with different kinds of props, like swords and canes to turn the feat into a display of masculinity.

More Than Art

Arab Belly Dancing offers more than entertainment, as it is considered a very beneficial work out for whoever practices or simply learn it. The dance and its movements help improve muscle flexibility and increases cardio-vascular capacity. Not to mention the emotional expression involved that constitutes a surplus in the mental health department.

A good show, a fine sport, and a memorabilia of civilizations long gone or evolved. Arab Belly Dancing offers more than meets the eye, even if what does has much interest in itself.