Download - A BRIEF HISTORY OF BELLY DANCING
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Belly Dancing - A BRIEF HISTORY OF BELLY DANCING -
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Belly dancing originated from various sources which are why
there are lots of theories about its origin. It is known world-wide
and practiced by a lot of people.
As far as world history is concerned, Belly Dancing is among the
oldest societal dances. It is believed that it originated from the
Eastern Mediterranean. This is due to the fact that there are
similarities in Egyptian artwork poses and modern dance.
Belly dancing have two forms that are called raqs baladi and raqs
sharqi. Raqs baladi is a social dance in Lebanon and Palestine. It
is performed by everyone during festivities such as weddings that
are intended for celebrations and mere fun.
The theatrical version of Belly dancing is the "raqs shargi". Raqs
sharqi is the most popular type of dance in the United States
today. Both forms of Belly dancing can be performed with female
and male dancers.
Belly dancing is a native dance that is why it is generally learned
in the early stage of childhood. The children learn the dance
informally by imitating and observing their elders through
community and social celebrations, along with informal
gatherings like most social dances.
Nowadays, belly-dancing classes are offered throughout the
world. Skilled dancers of this art share their knowledge that was
even passed down from the indigenous people.
The real and exact origin of Belly dancing is widely debated by
dance enthusiasts. Dancers who attempt to understand the origin
of this dance did some research. This is because these dancers
overlooked the fact that most Middle Eastern dances take place
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only in social backgrounds rather than going with the current
glamorous and more visible background of professional dancers in
nightclubs these days. There are lots of theories about the origin
of belly dancing due to the misunderstandings of the people who
want to learn its art. It is also regarded as a fusion of different
dance styles. This is why belly dancing has many origins. Thus,
most of the dance styles are derived from folk dances.
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Here is a list of theories about the origin of belly dancing,
according to most dancers:
1. Belly dancing originated in Greece and it spread because of
Alexander the Great.
2. Belly dancing originated from a religious dance that a Temple
Priestess made.
3. Belly dancing originated from the Upper Ancient Egypt through
indigenous dancing.
4. Belly dancing descended from Uzbekistan and traveled to India
because of the slave trade.
5. Belly dancing was spread during the Romani people's
migrations (termed as "gypsies") and other related groups.
6. Belly dancing originated in Northwest India, particularly in
Banjara of Rajasthan.
7. Bally dancing is part of a traditional birthing practice in its
region or regions of origin.
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From all the theories stated above, the first one is considered as
the most "believed" theory. This is although the most popular
theory is that it originated from a religious dance. The theory
about the "birthing practice" has several movements that are
incorporated in the modern "raqs sharqi". This is because some of
the movements demonstrated a type of exercise in order to ease
childbirth. Thus, there are two points stated above that suggests
that the so-called "Roma dance" is the origin of belly dancing.
Regardless of where this dance began, it has a vast history and
this eventually traveled fast around the world. It has a wide
history in Africa and the Middle East as well.
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The Costume
The most popular costume
style include a bra or a
fitted top that usually have
coins or beans, along with
a skirt and a fitted belt
placed in the hips that
have fringes of coins or
beads. The skirts may be
layered, paneled, circular
or straight -styled. A veil is
sometimes used in
performing a complete
dance. The veil must be
four or three and a half
yards in length. It is used
as a part of the dance in
order to frame and see the
movements of the belly
dancer. Egyptian belly
dancers wear dresses that
are fully beaded and
designed according to
tradition and dance. In the
western world, dancers are
free to choose the design
of the costume according
to fantasy and taste.
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Dancing Techniques
The basic step of this form of dance is doing a circular motion on
an isolated part of the body. An example of this is a step where in
the dancer performs in a circular motion that is parallel to the
ground and a body part. This is, in which, the shoulders or hips
become isolated.
Belly dancing both have physical and mental benefits. Dancing
alone gives a good workout to any person's cardio-vascular
muscles. This can increase the strength and flexibility focused on
the "core muscles" or the torso. This form of dance also builds up
leg strength. Most belly dance steps emphasize the so-called
"muscular isolations" due to the fact that it teaches the ability to
move different muscle groups or muscles in the body
independently. The veil work can build the shoulders, arms and
the general upper body system. Playing the "zils" builds
independence and strength on the fingers. This form of dance is
good for all body types and all age groups.
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Belly dancing is now a part of the modern pop culture as well.
Some pop icons of this age fused belly dancing into the modern
hip-hop dancing. The Latin star Shakira has recently popularized
belly dancing for she uses Latino dance along with belly dancing
and modern dance. The late R&B singer Aaliyah used this form of
dance as her "signature move". Ssliyah named her dance the
"belly roll" and it was featured in music videos. Some singers or
performers that featured a kind of belly dancing in one of their
music videos include Ciara, Rihanna, Beyonce Knowles, Britney
Spears, Christina Aguilera and Nelly Furtado. Out of all the
singers that performed belly dancing on music videos, only
Shakira had a professional "Belly Dance training".
Find out more on belly dancing from Mariella Monroe herself.