Cat walk and belly dance, both are the two attractive and eye-catching sights all over the world. A belly dancer has the ability to be an artist from the waist up and an athlete from the waist down. (Shimmy TV, Vancouver, March 2008)
An Arabic expressive dance also known as Raqs sharqi, originated in Egypt. The region to which the dance belongs highly influences the dancing style and costume. It emphasizes multifaceted movements of the torso.
It is basically a torso-movement dance, which mainly emphasis on the movement and twists of hips. Rather than focusing on movements of the limbs through space, emphasis is on moving the hip region vigorously and with style.
Belly dance passion originates in ladies having flexible body, who has the ability to move their body parts independently. Now, let us dive deeper into this mesmerising world of belly dance.
MOVEMENTS
Fluid Movements
Fluid movements interpret lyrical sections and melodic lines in the music. Also to modulated or articulate complex instrumental improvisations. It requires great command on abdominal muscle control. Fluidity is the art of the dancer to create infinite poses and gestures to follow this dance style.
Percussive Movements
Percussive movements help to follow beat and rhythm of the music. It is mostly common for staccato movement of hips. Typical movements of belly dance include hip lifts, along with different curves made by hip movement. It also includes the lifts and drops of ribcage and shoulder.
Shivers, Vibrations and Shimmies
Varying in size and method of generation, there are many types of shimmies. Some common types include up and down hip shimmies, fast and tiny hip vibration, bouncing shimmies, straight, legged knee driven shimmies, twisting hip shimmies and relaxed shoulders and ribcage shimmies.
HISTORY OF BELLY DANCING
In the beginning of its origin, Belly dance is famous in the Middle East. It has two different connections in the Middle East. One as a social dance or a folk dance and other as a performance art. Inside the Middle East belly dancers are mainly popular in Egypt, Turkey and Lebanon.
Belly dance was initially introduced by a young aged dancer belonging to Egypt at the Chicago’s World’s fair in 1893. The Americans enjoyed this dance for the first time then. The amazing figure movements, beats and the rhythm of music fascinated Americans so much that they started including it in their films.
BELLY DANCE COSTUME
Belly dance costumes are often flowing garments, accented with flowing veils and scarves. They are so colorful. Finger cymbals are common which are made up of brass. Belts made up of coins and exotic jewelries are also comes in belly dance costume. The typical dress for belly dance is fitted top and waist tight harem pants or mini skirts.
Since the turn of century, belly dance festivals, seminars and workshops are constantly taking place in all over the world. Many dancers travel to the Middle East to learn the basics of belly dance and spread it in the world.
You can also visit our website for more details on belly dancing and belly dance costume.
