|
History of belly dancing
The term "belly dance" was used by the French when
they saw the undulating torso of the dancer, but the correct
name is Oriental Dance or "Raks Sharki"
in Arabic. In the ancient middle east, the belly dance was
first used as a birthing aid, with the sisters of the woman
giving birth performing snake like symbolic movement to ease
their sister's birth.
Some think belly dancing is an Egyptian art, and the best
dancers are gypsies originally from Egypt. Belly dance was
later brought to America in 1893 by the famous dancer Little
Egypt as an exotic fayre.
Spiritual connections and serious technique
Belly dancing is a spiritual connection between the mind and
body to achieve a sense of holistic well being. It celebrates
the feminine soul and joy of womanhood. It is not a sleazy
or "exotic" type of dance, and the costume, which
is never removed, is intrinsic to the dance. The oriental
dancer needs to use a combination of agility, fluidity, grace,
creativity and physical strength as well as a well trained
technique.
Throughout the west there are belly dancing teachers practicing,
it's easy to enrole in a class which is a fun way to be creative
and get some exercise.
|
