Little Egypt swiveled her hips to match the rhythm of heavy drumbeats. She smiled as seats were filled in the Egyptian Theater and took note of the surprised yet pleased expressions on her audiences’ faces. It was 1893 and millions of revelers were gathered at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Little Egypt was a belly dancer and among one of the first performers to introduce this ancient style of Middle Eastern dance to America.
Raqs Sharqi, which is Arabic for belly dance, has come a long way in the U.S. since Little Egypt’s first performances. Considered scandalous in the late 19th century for its shimmying motions and body undulations, the art of belly dance has blossomed and become embraced by women and men of all ages, sizes and heritages. While many people associate belly dance with sequined costumes that expose the midriff and call attention to feminine curves, there are several different styles of belly dance with unique sets of motions, costumes and histories.
Oriental/Cabaret
If you’ve ever seen a belly dancer perform at a Middle Eastern restaurant, adorned in a glamorous jewel-toned costume and shimming her hips, you’ve probably seen an oriental-style performance. This type of belly dance, which is believed to have originated in Egypt, is the style many Americans are most familiar with. Movements are focused on the stomach and hips, and accompanied by arm, chest and full body undulations. This style is typically soft and feminine, but when dancers perform to drum solos, the movements become sharper to match the beat. Oriental-style dancers perform to classical Middle Eastern music that consists of drums, mizmars (which are members of the oboe family) flutes, violins and other stringed instruments, tambourines and finger cymbals. They may also dance to Arabic pop and traditional, folkloric music from The Middle East and North Africa. They may use props such as finger cymbals, canes, and swords. Sheer yards of shimmering fabric, called veils, are traditionally used in Egypt only when a belly dancer enters the stage. In America, it has become popular for a Raqs Sharqi performer to dance with the veil throughout her piece.
If you’re intrigued by the glamor and sensuality of belly dance, enjoy classical Middle Eastern music, consider yourself a traditionalist, or want to learn the fundamental movements that make belly dance, allow Oriental to be where you begin your studies of Raqs Sharqi.
Folkloric
If you are interested in studying the historical roots of belly dance, folkloric will delight you. Middle Eastern folkloric dances come from the community level and are usually performed at weddings, family parties and other celebrations. The Egyptian, Reda family popularized folkloric dances for the stage in the late 1950’s by founding the acclaimed Reda Troupe.
Usually men and women can perform a folkloric dance together. These pieces are lively and often involve kicking, jumping and stomping. There is less emphasis on the movements of the belly and dancers generally perform in modest, floor length dresses.
Popular folkloric dances include the Debkeh from the Levante region, Ghawazee from Egypt, and Hagallah from Libya.
American Tribal
American Tribal belly dance is all about improvisation. With origins in California, this style is often referred to as “organic.” Tribal is usually performed in groups, with one team member playing the role as leader and improvising her movements rather instead performing a memorized routine while the other dancers mimic her movements.
Costumes vary but typically consist of bra tops spangled in coins, dance pants or a skirt, elaborate head ornaments and props such as finger cymbals, veils, and swords. Music is often electronic, experimental and sensual.
Fusion
After you learn some of the basic belly dance techniques, you might notice that you want to shimmy to every type of music you hear! Fusion is perfect for creative types who’d like to incorporate belly dance moves into a another form of dance, like hip- hop, samba or jazz. While fusion classes are not as common as an Oriental or Tribal class, they are growing in popularity.
Are you intrigued? Visit the following set of links to learn more about the art of Raqs Sharqi and get your shimmy on:
http://www.bellydancesuperstars.com/
And if you want to dress the part, you can check Scheherezade Imports for costumes and accessories.
