Bellydance

Introduction to Bellydance

Bellydance can be described as a celebration of the feminine soul and inner spirit through ancient dance. Women of all ages, sizes and walks of life can come together to enjoy and participate in the expression of this hypnotic art. With its undulating movements and incredible muscle control, bellydance is a fantastic way of promoting health, sensuality, and a most wonderful sense of freedom.

Misconception: Bellydance is not a strip tease! No costume or parts thereof are removed within bellydancing, in fact there is great pride to be taken in the extravagance of ones costume.

Introduction to Bellydance Styles

(Please keep in mind this is not a comprehensive list, but it should give you a fairly good idea.)

Traditional Egyptian Cabaret

Egyptian Bellydance is very controlled and refined, often with a balletic influence. They emphasize muscular control and most of the movements are small, internalised and 'tasteful'. "Less is more" can describe the philosophy of this dance.

Modern Egyptian Cabaret

Modern cabaret is similar in technique to traditional but there appears to be a little more of a jazz-ballet influence and is more "showy" and westernised. This style is often what would see performed in restaurants and by troupes.

Turkish

Turkish Bellydance is rather the opposite of Egyptian, with its large earthy movements. It can be described as flamboyant and provocative and the dancers are often in much more 'scant' costumes.

Beledi

Beledi is the dance and music of the Egyptian countryside, with a specific dress type (a fitted caftan with a slit up one or both sides, and a triangular head scarf.

Ghawazhee

The Ghawazhee dancers were the original Egyptian "gypsy street dancers".

Khaleeji

Khaleeji is the dance of Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf. Dancers wear highly embroided caftan called a thobe, and most movements are centred around the shoulders and their signature "hair toss".

Persian

Persian dance is different from the dance of most middle eastern countries in that there are very few undulations or abdominal movements. However the graceful arm movements, twirls and shoulder shimmis are similar.

American Tribal 

Tribal is a fusion of many different styles and influences, such as East India, Middle East, North Africa, Flamenco, and contemporary. A truly hypnotic dance to watch, I highly recommend you look up the Ghawazi Caravan dancers for more information. www.ghawazicaravan.com