Mariyah Shimmies!

The Mystery of Belly Dance Unveiled!

"Raks Sharqi" is the Arabic name for belly dance. Its meaning is "Oriental Dance" or "Dance of the East." The term belly dance is said to come from the French "Danse du Ventre" meaning "Dance of the Stomach." Belly dance is perhaps the oldest form of dance with origins traced back to ancient Oriental, Indian, and Middle Eastern cultures. Belly dancing has existed in the Middle East for thousands of years, but is relatively new in Western culture.

This ancient dance was thought by many to emphasize the intimate physical connection between the dancer and Mother Earth. Today the dance continues to serve as a way for women to connect to their bodies through empowerment and strengthening of the body, mind, and spirit. Belly dance has become a popular form of exercise, and a fun hobby for women around the world.  Many see belly dance as a woman's dance, celebrating the sensuality and power of being a mature woman. However, men do perform the dance, but not in public in Arab countries.

In America, belly dance is usually performed in restaurants and at cultural events. In the Middle East, the dance is incorporated in the social culture, and is seen at family gatherings and celebrations such as weddings.

Fluidly integrated, belly dance uses isolations, and different body parts to move to different rhythms in the music. When performed, it is fundamentally a solo improvisational dance with its goal to visually communicate to the audience the emotion and rhythm of the music. The dance is also sometimes performed in groups with choreography.

Belly dance is a misnomer, as all the parts of the body are involved in the dance. The torso is one of many focuses as it moves and flows in a variety of patterns. The hips are the main focus as they answer to the call of the drum beats. Arms and hands gracefully outline the various isolated movements. The facial gestures (emphasis on the eye's expressions) completes the poetic connection as the dancer internalizes and expresses the emotions evoked by the lyrics and the music.

Middle Eastern music is integral to the dance as it uses complex rhythms, call-and-response, and ornamentation. The dance includes various styles characterized by geographical origins. Examples include: Bandari (Iran); Debke (Lebanon); Guedra (Morocco); Kaleeji (Saudi Arabia); Saiidi (upper Egypt); and, Tribal Fusion (America). The "belly dance" of India, influenced by its northern style of classical dance known as Kathak, is called "Bollywood." The term Bollywood is derived form the words "Bombay" and "Hollywood," and has become one of the most popular styles of music in the world.

Belly dancers incorporate accessories (known as props) to enhance the music or to add mystery and drama. A common prop, finger cymbals, are played along with the musical rhythms, and the dancer becomes a musician as well. Veils, usually used for entrances, are most often used in America, and not commonly used in the nightclubs of Egypt. Other types of accessories include: swords, canes, baskets, large vessels, candelabras, snakes, fans and wings.

Costumes for belly dance are very glamorous and feminine. They are usually a two-piece outfit consisting of decorated bra top and matching skirt. The costumes are elaborate and elegant, embellished with bead work, jewels and beaded fringe. Decorative arm coverings, wristbands, headpieces, neckbands, jewelry and shoes are options to compliment the outfit. American belly dance costumes resemble Hollywood or couture design.

Bollywood costuming is elaborate as well. The look is brilliant and colorful Indian clothing combined with Arabic and American belly dance fashions. Generous headpieces, nose rings, earrings, necklaces, numerous bracelets, anklets, hand jewelry, rings and more are often included.

The final touch of glamorous stage makeup completes the sparkle of the belly dancer!