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 BELLY DANCING

What is it?
DEFINITION AND EXPLANATION OF BELLY DANCING
Belly dancing is a well-known form of dance involving specialized hip movements.  Modern Belly Dancing often blends many techniques from all over the Middle East including Egypt, Lebanon, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, and Morocco.  Each country has its own style and although it is generally considered a female art, dances are performed by both male and female dancers.

What is it used for?
BENEFITS OF BELLY DANCE
Belly dancing can provide the dancer with physical and mental benefits.  The variety of intricate movements of the dance strengthens and tones muscles in the abdomen, back, shoulders, neck, pelvis, and arms, and utilizes natural bodily movements.  Dancing can provide:

- Good cardiovascular workout
- Low impact, weight bearing exercise
- Improved flexibility
- Improved flexibility
- Strengths legs and upper body
- Maintains circulation, lubrication and range of motion in hips, shoulders and spine
- Isolates and teaches control of core muscles
- Burns calories (in vigorous dance, up to 300 per hour)
- Aids digestion/elimination
- Stress relieving, expressive, fun
- Promotes body awareness and acceptance
- Stimulates subtle energies (chakras)

Where did it come from?
HISTORY OF BELLY DANCE
Two major types of belly dancing are traditionally performed.  The first, known as Raqs Baladi, is a form of social folk dancing undertaken as a means of pleasure and celebration by both men and women, usually during joyful events such as weddings. The second, more theatrical form, is called Raqs Sharqi (pronounced "roks sharkee.")  When most people think of belly dancing, this is what they picture.

The roots of the term Raqs Sharqi is “dance from the East”, which originated as a Middle Eastern dance done by women for women observers.  Some believe that this form was taught to young girls to improve their abdominal muscles in physical training for later childbirth.  The techniques isolate the muscles and require much repetition to attain proficiency. The smaller the movement, the greater the control and the more the muscle is exercised. The women of the Middle East knew this, as well as the pain-mitigating qualities of exercise, and so the dance was created from abdominal movements like pelvic rocking and  the belly roll. At its core, this form is a solo dance done with various improvisational riffs which is enhanced and interplays with music.

1798 -- Napoleon's invasion of Egypt allows Westerners their first glimpse of Egyptian belly dance.

1893 –The French coin the phrase "danse de ventre" – "dance of the stomach" –when a troupe called "Egypt's Theatre of the Street" enthralled crowds at the Chicago World's Fair. The Victorian mores which were prevalent at the time caused observers to be shocked by the dancers’ lack of corsets and their elaborate hip movements.  The New York Society for the Suppression of Vice attempted to have the act closed. Despite this, its popularity spawned dozens of imitators, many of whom falsely claimed to have been dancers at the fair.

1890s –In the 1890s Thomas Edison recorded several belly dancers on film, and these may be viewed at the Library of Congress.  Included with the collection is dancer "Princess Rajah" featured playing zils, finger cymbals, and balancing a chair in her teeth.  

1917 – Mata Hari, famous for her scantily clad performances of "Javanese" exotic dances, adds sensationalism and an element of the risqué to the public perceptions of belly dance.

1990s -- Although the traditional Raqs Sharqi style remains popular throughout the world, additional influences from the folk dances of India, North Africa, and Spain have contributed to new variations of belly dancing. 

Present day - Columbian/Lebanese pop star, Shakira, often incorporates belly dance techniques into her live performances. While respecting the origins of belly dance, today's dancers continue exploring and creating within the dance form.

What is it based on?
BELLY DANCING TECHNIQUES
Most of the basic steps and techniques used in belly dancing involve circular motions isolating a certain part of the body. A “hip circle” involves a circular gyration of the hips, or a similar movement by the ribcage is known as the “chest circle”.  Numerous additional intricate movements are performed, and the arms and shoulder movements are used to accentuate the torso’s movements.  Props such as swords, baskets, silk veils, or wings can be incorporated as desired.

Khaleeji is a style of dance in which most movements originate from the shoulders and the dancer performs elaborate hair tosses.  It originates from Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf States, and dancers are garbed in full, heavily embroidered caftans known as a ‘thobe nashal’.

Baladi is a folk dance originating from rural Egypt.  The dancers are attired in full robes and their hair is often covered.  They may perform a stick dance which is based on a method of Egyptian self-defense known as Tahtib.

Classical Oriental Dance appears to have its artistic roots in the Ottoman Empire.  Characterized by polished movements and subtle, flowing arm actions, it utilizes music composed especially for the dancing. 

Egyptian Cabaret utilizes a controlled method which combines ballet.  Movements are subtle and dependent upon good muscle control.  Women may not legally expose their midriffs in public in Egypt so dancers must wear body stockings of a ‘cholis’, a particular abdominal vest.  The use of navel jewelry is believed to have originated in Hollywood, since early depictions of belly dancers in films required concealment of cover the navel.

How is it done?
WHAT IS A BELLY DANCE CLASS LIKE?
Beginning belly dance classes are generally accessible to students of all body types, encouraging positive body images. Belly dancing may be done for fun, to get in shape, or for self-awareness and healing.  Belly dance classes that emphasize the chakras, or energy centers of the body, are becoming increasingly popular. 

Most belly dance classes last about an hour and begin with a warm-up before going on to a faster aerobic section that raises the heart rate.  Most classes conclude with a cool-down and stretches. During the class, the teacher will instruct on correct posture and technique.  Students may expect to learn both single movements and combinations. Learning zils, or finger cymbals, may be included for certain dances.

Classes are usually designated as beginner, intermediate or advanced. Those with no previous experience should start with an introductory or Level 1 class.  When the basics are mastered, student may choose to continue to a more challenging class. Those with previous dance training may be able to progress to Level 2 quickly, but most students take 6 months to 1 year of preparation. The challenging nature of Level 3 classes requires a strong level of physical fitness and ability to perform the basic techniques.  Level 3 classes are often oriented towards those wishing to perform belly dancing.

Who does it?
BELLY DANCE PRACTITIONERS
Belly dancing is taught throughout many countries by skilled instructors wishing to share the knowledge of these ancient dances.  Classes may be held in dance studios, ethnic restaurants, at community centers, colleges and universities, health clubs or other wellness organizations.