What Is Belly Dance?
What Is Belly Dance? Many experts say belly dancing is the oldest form of dance, having roots in all ancient cultures from the orient to India to the mid-East. The richness of belly dance tradition and its universal appeal can be attributed to the blending of many various sources, cultures, and styles.
Probably the greatest misconception about belly dancing is that it is intended to entertain men. In the late 19th century, exposing or referring to any part of human anatomy was socially unacceptable. It was often misrepresented by untrained imitators to be a risqué, erotic dance which gave belly dancing a questionable reputation in polite society.
Throughout history, this ritualized expression has usually been performed for other women, generally during fertility rites or parties preparing a young woman for marriage. It arose out of the dance that was associated with childbirth. It prepared girls for labor and was part of the delivery ritual. In most cases, the presence of men is not permitted.
Belly dancing is natural to a woman’s bone and muscle structure with movements emanating from the torso rather than in the legs and feet. The dance often focuses upon isolating different parts of the body, moving them independently in sensuous patterns, weaving together the entire feminine form. Belly dancing is generally performed barefoot, thought by many to emphasize the intimate physical connection between the dancer, her expression, and Mother Earth.
Belly dancing costumes are often colorful, flowing garments, accented with flowing scarves and veils. Finger cymbals made of brass and known as zills are common, dating back to 200 B. C. as well as exotic jewelry, including intricate belts made of coins that, in earlier days, comprised the family’s wealth so that it might be portable in the event the woman needed to move quickly or flee. Other interesting accessories used during the dance are swords, snakes, large vessels, and even huge candelabras, complete with flaming candles.
In America, belly dancing enjoyed its first significant renown when the famous dancer Little Egypt performed at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, which included an exhibit called “The Streets of Cairo.” The exhibit featured authentic dancers from several Middle Eastern and North African countries, including Syria, Turkey and Algeria, but it was the dancers of the Egyptian Theater who gained the most notoriety.
Americans found themselves fascinated by the exotic body rhythms and music, eventually including them in many silent films made just a few years later. Costumes and dancing styles were given a distinctive Hollywood flare and, in turn influenced dancers in the Middle East, thus evolving the art form to a new level. Inspired by the European vaudeville and burlesque outfits, Hollywood designers created a fringed, beaded, sparkling bra and belt set, which was adopted first by the Egyptian dancers in 1930s, and later by the rest of the Middle Eastern dance community.
For example, belly dancing with flowing veils hadn’t been documented before the 1900s but is now quite popular throughout the world. Traditionally there was no special belly dance costume. In fact, native garb covered and concealed the contours of the body, with only a scarf or belt tied around the hips to highlight the movements.
Since the turn of the century, belly dancing has grown enormously in popularity across the U. S. and worldwide. Belly dance festivals, workshops, and seminars take place constantly, attracting large audiences of interested, involved men and women. Many dancers now study the art form intensively, traveling to the mid-East and elsewhere to experience it where it originated.
Belly dancing provides a way to express oneself, serve as a workout regimen, and be a part of spiritual or meditative practice, offer opportunities to make friends and connect with others, and of course, bring great joy. It is truly a dance for every woman.