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Belly Dancing
By Neil Peterson | February 7, 2010
There are few dance styles practiced today that have so entranced and enthralled the Western mindset quite like the ancient art of belly dancing. Exotic, alluring and seductive, even the name itself brings to mind images of undulating, scantily-clad dancers and the strong, heady aroma of burning incense. But much of what we know about this art form is more carefully-crafted illusion that historical fact. Originating in the Middle East and bursting onto the American cultural landscape in the late 1800′s – the history and true essence of this dance have often been distorted by misconceptions. Today, what is often mistakenly viewed as a dance of seduction originated as a dance of celebration – and it is in this spirit of joy and gathering that many modern belly dancers honor this time-honored art form.
Even the name itself – belly dancing – is a Western moniker for a Middle Eastern practice. The two most popular styles still practiced today are ‘Raqs sharqi’ – translated from the Arabic for ‘oriental dance‘ and ‘Raqs baladi’, or ‘folk dance.’ The true origins of the dance have been lost to history – some credit the nomadic tribes of Northern Africa for the style’s distinctive movements, while others believe it was practiced by women in preparation for childbirth. Others still point to Ancient Babylon as the birthplace of the form. To add further intrigue to this history, as the dance has spread in popularity in countries around the world, each culture has added their own unique gestures, costumes and traditions.
Sadie Belly Dance
Much of what is visually recognizable about the dance today actually owes credit to the Victorian-era artists who popularized the seductive imagery of ‘harem’ dancers. Additionally, this idealized vision was further propagated on vaudeville stages and in Hollywood films, as audiences were enraptured by the lithe, elegant performers dressed in a ‘bedleh’, consisting of a fitted, bra-style top, a bare midriff accented by a decorated hip belt and loosely-fitting skirts or pants made of gauzy material. Often, to further accentuate the distinct rhythms of the dancer, the bedleh is decorated with beads or thin, metal coins that create a muted, jangling sound in time with the movement. In actuality, this costume is not wholly reminiscent of the typically-modest Arab dress, and many Middle Eastern countries enforce strict dress codes to limit attire that is deemed too revealing.
Further cultural distinctions can be found in the props adopted by the dancers. Some artists use zills, finger cymbals that are often used in place of the more traditional rhythmic accompaniment. Others use canes, tambourines, swords – and for the daring, snakes – as part of their performance. Even the choice of footwear can vary from region to region – with some dancers performing the style in high heels, while others choose embroidered sandals or bare feet. Each addition – or lack thereof – is tied to the social and cultural beliefs of the dancer, and reflects the historical tradition of the region’s dance style.
This beautiful, intriguing dance has long captured the interest of the Western world as an exotic, seductive art form that celebrates feminine sexuality. But for Arabic dancers, the style is inextricably tied to their shared cultural heritage – danced in segregated settings out of respect for their religious beliefs and social customs. It is still performed today in much the same manner as it was by their ancestors – at weddings and family gatherings, as a shared physical expression of joy and gratitude.
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