What
is Belly
Dance?
Belly dance is known by several different names,
including: Middle Eastern dance; Oriental dance; and Raqs Sharqi, the Arabic
term that means “dance of the East.” Its movements highlight agility,
fluidity, and personal expression.
The origins of this ancient and
unique art form are lost to us. While oral tradition places its origins at 4,000
years ago, evidence suggests an even older beginning.
Long before the pyramids were
built, the cultures of the Middle East, called the “cradle of civilization,”
were matrifocal, meaning that women held positions of power both at home and in
society at large. These earliest cultures worshipped Goddesses of the earth and
fertility, and the rites dedicated to these Goddesses were lead by priestesses.
Joy and religion were not seen as separate, and religious rites and festivals
featured dancing. Since many of these rituals centered on fertility (both of the
people and of the land), these dances would have used the pelvis, the seat of
fertility and pleasure, extensively.
As time passed, the nature and
function of the dance changed. Tomb paintings from ancient Egypt show dancers
entertaining royalty, their postures suggesting a clear relationship with modern
belly dance moves.
The dance spread from Africa throughout the Middle East, India, and the Mediterranean. In India, ancient Hindu temples are adorned with bare-breasted dancing women - the animating spirits of the universe. The Hindu religion states that the universe was danced into being by the Goddess Shakti, and it is Her dance that continues to animate and preserve it.
In ancient Greek culture, women danced at secret
rituals for Demeter, the Goddess of the earth, and Dionysus, Her son. Even the
flamenco of Spain has its roots in belly dance.
In
Islamic cultures, professional dancers are still hired for weddings, perhaps as
a holdover from ancient times in their roles as teachers or priestesses of
fertility. At all joyous occasions, such as weddings, births, and rites of
passage, women belly dance with each other in celebration.
Today, belly dance is performed all over the world by people of all religious faiths and levels of ability. I hope you will celebrate with me in experiencing this ancient and unique art form.
For more information about the history of belly dance, follow these links:
Origins of Oriental Dance pt. 1: What is Belly Dance?
Origins of Oriental Dance pt. 2a: Greece/Macedonia/Bible/India
Origins of Oriental Dance pt. 2b: Ancient Egypt/Medieval Egypt/Ghawazee
Biblical belly dance part 1 and part 2 by Qan-Tuppim, published by Gilded Serpent
