Belly dance history and dancing classes UK
Learn the history of Bell dancing and other world dances.
SOCIAL AND PROFESSIONAL DANCES
Belly dance,UK classes
There are many names for belly dance - Middle Eastern; Raks Sharqi; Oriental; Rakkase. The term "Belly Dance" was coined at the Chicago World's Fair in 1893, when the dancer called "Little Egypt" (pictured to the left) performed. She wore much less than was considered proper at the time, and she caused quite a stir! Her undulating movements led to this style of dance being called "Danse du Ventre", translated as Dance of the Stomach.
There is much speculation regarding the origins of belly dance. What we do know is that it has its roots in the Middle East (Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt etc) with influences from India and Spain. However, the history of the dance is a little more elusive with many explanations ranging from fertility rites and preparation for child-birth (the movements of the abdomen explain this idea), to it being a way for the women hidden away in harems to celebrate their femininity and to entertain themselves. But, whatever the truth really is, one thing is certain: since Little Egypt performed over a hundred years ago, Belly Dance has captured the imaginations of thousands across the world!
Today women from many cultural backgrounds, of all shapes, sizes and ages, have taken Belly Dance to their hearts, and I think it is true to say that it really has taken on the role of a celebration of womanhood! In the classes that I have taught over the years women from all backgrounds have come together in an atmosphere of friendship and non-judgment, and for a few hours in a week they manage to forget their worries and cares and simply enjoy themselves!
Some dancers like to concentrate on perfecting the more traditional styles of dance, while others like to develop their own style, often fusing different styles of dance to create something new. And this is the beauty of this dance form, it allows for great creative freedom!
Sadly, our art has had its detractors, with some implying that Belly Dancers are strippers or erotic dancers by another name! Nothing could be further from the truth though. A good Belly Dance performance is, in fact, suitable for the whole family. There is nothing "rude" or "sleazy" about it, and although an audience may become mesmerized by a dancers undulations, isolations and shimmies, there is nothing suggestive about the dance. Belly Dance is about beauty, grace, muscle control, skill, and, most importantly, having fun.
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