All About Belly Dancing

oBelly dancing is based on one of the oldest social dances in world history, originating in North Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Belly dancing is both a beautiful form of dance and a great way to exercise. It'll help you stay in shape and allow you to express your personal creativity. Belly dancing is enjoyed by many people all over the world. Perhaps the most distinguishing feature of belly dancing is the isolated movement performed by the abdomen. These belly movements may be circular, rolling, angular or vibrating.

History of Belly Dancing:

Much debate surrounds the origins of belly dancing, probably due to limited academic research. Several theories exist about the true development of this unique dance form. Over the years, different styles of belly dancing have evolved from various cultures. Belly dancing has popularized for several reasons, including entertainment, cultural ritual, childbirth preparation, physical fitness, and celebration. Because belly dancing seems to be a combination of many different dance style, it therefore has a variety of origins. One such origin seems to be ethnic folk dancing.

Belly Dancing Music:

Almost any type of music can be used for belly dancing. Music tends to be a powerful motivator. Depending on the goals of your belly dancing workout, however, choosing the right music is important. Whether belly dancing for an aerobic workout, a personal meditation, or a stretch routine, choosing inspiring music will help you enjoy the experience even more. Feel free to use any style or genre of music for belly dancing. If you're serious about learning authentic belly dancing, however, traditional Middle Eastern music will further help you understand how to correctly move the hips and abdomen.

Belly Dancing Costumes:

Belly dance is usually performed wearing long skirts or harem pants. Some belly dancers prefer to simply wear a leotard or a stretchy, form-fitting top. While belly dancing, it is often desirable to keep the midriff uncovered, allowing the defining movements of the abdominals to be visible. Although some dancers prefer to dance in bare feet, shoes are sometimes necessary when dancing outside of the home or studio. Comfortable shoes or sandals with flexible soles, such as ballet slippers, are good choices.

How to Start Belly Dancing:

If you are interested in trying belly dancing, your first step will be to find a qualified teacher's. Check around for local instructors at private studios or college campuses. If you'd rather learn belly dancing in the privacy of your own home, consider investing in a few instructional DVD's. Your next step will be to invest in a few belly dancing costume supplies. Look at dance supply stores or thrift shops for inspiration. Your belly dancing practice attire need not be elaborate, but should serve as inspiration.

Belly Dancing Forms:

Several different styles of belly dancing are popular in the United States today. There are two basic forms of belly dancing: "raqs baladi" and "raqs sharqi." Raqs baladi is social belly dancing performed for celebration by both males and females of all ages. These belly dances are usually performed during social gatherings such as weddings and parties. The second form of belly dancing, raqs sharqi, is a more theatrical version and is the most popular form of belly dancing performed in America today. It is also performed by both male and female dancers.

Raqs Sharqi :

The term "raqs sharqi" means "dance of the East" or "dance of the Orient." Raqs sharqi is the Arabic name for what Americans refer to as belly dance. This Egyptian form belly dancing is lighter, with many movements performed on the balls of the feet. Upper body movement is abundant, with plenty of arm waves and shoulder shimmies. As it is a "show business" style of belly dancing, raqs sharqi dancers tend to wear bright, glitzy costumes with lots of sequins and beaded fringes. Elaborate, close-fitting dresses are often worn with deep slits on the sides to draw attention to the legs.Music for raqs sharqi is composed using a wide range of instruments, in order to give dancers a wider selection of movements. The music, originating mostly from early Egyptian-Classical styles, consists of simple Arabic pieces to more modern Turkish tracks.

Raqs Baladi :

Raqs baladi refers to a particular style of belly dancing. The term translates to "native dance" or "country dance" in Egyptian Arabic. Raqs baladi is most known to be an Egyptian folk dance. Baladi is the most ancient form of Egyptian solo dance. Raqs Sharqi is a by-product of this original style of Eyptian dance.
Raqs baladi is a social dance performed for fun and celebration by men and women of all ages, usually during festive occasions and social gatherings such as parties and weddings. It is an improvisational dance integrated with the rhythm of the music. Baladi dancers traditionally wear an ankle length, baladi dress with a coordinating hip scarf.Baladi music consists of several distinct sections, although not every piece of baladi music has all the sections. Musicians as well as dancers typically improvise within a loose framework, which makes the style truly original.

Belly Dancing Movements:

Although it may seem that only the abdominal area is moving, belly dancing involves several other parts of the body as well. While belly dancing, a dancer must isolate major muscle groups and work them in isolation or in opposition to other parts of the body. Sharp, angular movements are inner directed, with belly dancing covering very little floor space. Belly dancing is usually performed as a solo dance, but groups may also dance together in a choreographed routine.