African origins …is considerable agreement that the belly dance, now performed by dancers from the Middle East, is of African origin. A report of the 4th century bc from Memphis in Egypt described in detail the performance of an apparently rumba-like couple dance with an unquestionably erotic character.
Origins in Egypt
The first belly dancers were a group of traveling dancers known as the ghawazee. These women were considered gypsies in Egypt in the 18th century, and were banished from Cairo during the 1830s, but went on to perform in Upper Egypt and later in the Middle East and Europe.
Origins of the Dance
According to some, the dance form that today many call belly dance is extremely old and traces of it can be found up to 6,000 years ago, in some pagan societies who used to worship a feminine deity, to celebrate women's fertility as something magic.
The belly dance, raqs sharqi or raqs balady originates from Egypt. In this country the dance has a long standing tradition.
During the Victorian era of restrictions on women, belly dancing was considered salacious, but in the late 1800s, American society welcomed belly dancing. It grew popular across the globe as a dance form women performed for male entertainment.
Overall, there is no universally accepted proscription against dancing in Islam. Some Muslims may feel belly dance is acceptable, but less so when it is associated with alcohol, drugs, or sexuality outside of marriage, while others may feel only each individuals' behavior and relationship with God matters.
A veil signified social status, communal membership and it provided a barrier between the veiled and unveiled.
1. Egypt. Egypt is La Mecca for belly dancers all over the world, especially the cities of Cairo and Luxor. Egyptian belly dancers are considered amongst the best in the world and Egyptian belly dance teachers are extremely sought after.
Belly dancing can be done at any bust size, it is mostly dependant on belly and hips and waist, but can still be done by anyone. Bust size will largely not effect a dancers ability to dance but it does have a few effects on the types of moves they can perform.
The biggest misconception about belly dancing is that it helps you lose the flab on your belly. Although it does strengthen your core and give you stronger abs, if you are aiming for a six-pack, you are better off sticking to your gym routine. "Belly dancing doesn't require you to become thin.
Not native to America, Immigrants brought belly dancing from Egypt, Turkey, Greece, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Central Asia, Lebanon, Israel, Armenia, The Balkans, Persia, Iraq, India, and Africa.
African origins
…is considerable agreement that the belly dance, now performed by dancers from the Middle East, is of African origin. A report of the 4th century bc from Memphis in Egypt described in detail the performance of an apparently rumba-like couple dance with an unquestionably erotic character.
Middle Eastern Dance, known also as Oriental Dance and Belly Dancing, is the oldest dance form in recorded history. It dates back to 3000 BC, and traces of it have been excavated in Southwest Asia and North Africa. The oldest evidence of this art form has been found in Mesopotamia, or modern day Iraq.
Based on Turkish and Spanish movement and influenced by the dances of the Romani people, this style is very lively, with large, percussive movements and expressive gestures, as well as colorful layers of costuming. The term "Turkish Belly Dance" can also have multiple meanings.
Many researchers have found evidence supporting the theory that belly dance is the oldest dance form, a fertility dance done by women, with and for other women (not men), encouraging, emulating, and celebrating childbirth and maternity.
Alla Kushnir – Greatest belly dancer
Her performance is fueled with power, passion, agility, vitality, and temperament. She has performed in several countries and created great echoes in the belly dancer community.
Belly dance originated in the temples of Egypt over 4,000 years ago and was danced by the temple goddess for religious ceremonies. Dance was a part of their culture. Labourers would work in rhythmic motion, sounds, song and percussion.
Dance belts were created to form a smooth idealized male bulge under tights with no visible lines, while keeping the genitals safely and securely held up and away from the danger of being crushed or bruised between your legs.
This is the basic and first item that every belly dancer needs to start with. If you are a beginner a hip scarf helps you check that the movements of your hips are correct and, when you perform, it enhances your hips' movements. There are different types of belly dance hip scarves, with coins, with beads, with fringes.
Since the Middle East is a segregated society, at certain times and places in history, it has been seen as improper for women to dance in the presence of men. Female impersonators traditionally have taken their place. Today, Turkey seems to be the most tolerant of these dancers.
Belly dancing is part of Egyptian culture, with tremendous influence on Arabic culture as a whole. Throughout the Middle East and the Arab diaspora, belly dancing is closely associated with Arabic music that is modern classical (known as "al-jadid").
For one thing “Belly Dance” or rather Raqs Sharqi and it's related dance forms are a cultural expression. An entire dance encompassing a full range of movements in it's repetiore along with cultural contexts, meanings, and nuances. Twerking on the other hand is pretty much just one movement.
Belly dancing is a fun way to get fit, so give it a whirl with this exercise video for beginners. As well as the physical benefits, the combination of music and exercise can help to lift your mood. This 45-minute class gives you an aerobic workout and helps to improve your flexibility and core strength.