| Lingo These are my definitions, and have my own personal expereinces and such attached to them. Other's may assocate different connotations and meanings to these words, according to their regions and teachers. Accent: The part of the movement that is emphasized. Belly Dance: What Middle Eastern Dance is commonly called in the United States. (See Middle Eastern Dance) Danse Oriental: Another way of referring to Middle Eastern Dance. Drum Solo: A dance where the dancer moves her body in such a way that it looks as though the dancer is making the music by dancing. Usually done to a drum, but not always. Eurythmic: the art of performing various bodily movements in rhythm, usually to musical accompaniment. Finger Cymbals: See "Zills" Isolation: In this dance form, it refers to making the movement in one part of the body only, without the movement affecting other areas of the body. Lines: These are patterns that the audience sees when watching the dancers. The costume, moves, props, dancer's stance, and even colors effect the lines the dancer shows. In this dance form, 'S' lines are considered very important. M.E.D. or MED: Acronym for Middle Eastern Dance. Middle Eastern Dance: Also known as Oriental Dance or Belly Dance in the United States. This dance form is known for it's fluid movements as well as it's snappy movements. Both of which are practiced throughout parts the body, and used on the entire body as well. There are many different forms of Middle Eastern Dance, ranging from dance styles (like Baladi) to regions (like Egyptian). Regions included in the Middle East are those around the Mediterranean Sea, including Egypt, Greece, Turkey, and Lebanon. Thought to be several thousand years old, it is now practiced throughout the world. Oriental Dance: Another name for Middle Eastern Dance. Considered it's proper name. Patterns: The shapes created by the dancer *Floor Pattern: The shape created on the floor by the dancer by spinning and/or traveling. *Movement Patterns: The shape of the movement created by the dancer when dancing. Example would be hip circles. The circle is the pattern. Staccato: Snappy, angular movements. Taxim: Slow, undulating movements Traveling: Moving from one point to another (like when you walk across the stage.) Although traveling may be done by dancing. Undulation: A smooth motion made with the body (either torso, pelvis, or together) that resembles a snake, or "S" shape. If it is done while traveling, it is often called the camel. Veil: The material the dancer holds and dances with. Also, a head piece used to cover the hair and/or face. *Straight Veil: A dancing veil that is shaped like a rectangle. Usually about three yards long, but the length and width is up to the dancer. Comes in all colors and types of fabric. *Circular Veil: A dancing veil that is shaped like a semi-circle. Since it flows differently than a straight veil, it gives a different effect as well as a different line when used. Zills: The Finger Cymbals sometimes used by the dancers. It is a percussion instrument that is four small round disks worn on the thumbs and middle fingers (around or on the top knuckle). They are then hit together in various beats to accent the music, or create the music. |