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What is Belly Dancing or Middle-Eastern Dance?

Better known as "Raks Al Sharqi" in the Arab world, in Turkish "Gobek Dans/ Tansi" better known as a "Comical
Wedding Dance" translation broken down it is known to many Americans as "Belly Dance". Many experts say belly
dancing is the oldest form of dance, having roots in all ancient cultures from the orient to India to the mid-East. Probably
the greatest misconception about belly dancing is that it is intended to entertain Men throughout history, this ritualized
expression has usually been performed for other women-generally during fertility rites or parties preparing a young
woman for marriage. In most cases, the presence of men is not permitted.

Belly dancing is natural to a woman's bone and muscle structure with movements emanating from the torso rather than in
the legs and feet. The dance often focuses upon isolating different parts of the body, moving them independently in
sensuous patterns, weaving together the entire feminine form. Belly dancing is generally performed barefoot, thought by
many to emphasize the intimate physical connection between the dancer, her expression, and Mother Earth.

Belly dancing costumes are often colorful, flowing garments, accented with flowing scarves and veils. Finger cymbals
(made of brass and known as zills) are common, dating back to 200 B. C. as well as exotic jewelry, including intricate belts
made of coins that, in earlier days, comprised the family's wealth so that it might be portable in the event the woman
needed to move quickly or flee. Other interesting accessories used during the dance are swords, snakes, large vessels, and
even huge candelabras, complete with flaming candles.

In America, belly dancing enjoyed its first significant renown when the famous dancer Little Egypt performed at the
Chicago World's Fair in 1893. Americans found themselves fascinated by the exotic body rhythms and music, eventually
including them in many silent films made just a few years later. Costumes and dancing styles were given a distinctive
Hollywood flare and, in turn influenced dancers in the Middle East, thus evolving the art form to a new level. For example,
belly dancing with flowing veils hadn't been documented before the 1900s but is now quite popular throughout the World
since the turn of the century, belly dancing has grown enormously in popularity across the U. S. And worldwide. Belly
dance festivals, workshops, and seminars take place constantly, attracting large audiences of interested, involved men and
women. Many dancers now study the art form intensively, traveling to the mid-East and elsewhere to experience it where it
originated.

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