Belly Dancing

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Belly Dancing is a sensual and erotic dance utilizing perfect abdominal and chest muscle control. The graceful gyrations and steps utilized by the sole performing woman in the dance was first introduced to American culture in 1893, when it was exhibited at the Midway Plaisance of the Colombian Exposition in Chicago. Male musicians with Turkish-derived instruments accompany the sole female performer.

The music is divided into two distinct sections: a lively part called Ciftetlli and a contrasting part called the Taksim. During the Ciftetill, the musicians play lively, upbeat music with a variety of instruments, and vary the tempo of the music from slow to fast. The predominantly four-count beat is play slowly, while the rhythm gets more complex during the exhilaratingly rapid sections. During these portions, the music’s beat can be 9/8, 7/8, 6/8, or 5/4 rhythm measures.

When the musicians move into the Taksim section, they play an improvised solo and utilize a clarinet or ud, producing a deep soulful wail. During these slow and dramatic sections, the dancer begins to descend to the floor seductively, and sensually performs her gyration movements.

The “danse du ventre” originated as part of the religious culture of the tribal peoples of the Middle East and Africa. The dance’s wavelike motions of the pelvis and abdomen were symbolic of the conception and birth. The earliest depictions of belly dancing found have been in Egyptian tomb paintings dating back to the fourteenth century BC.

Although the music has a definite rhythmic pattern, it is uncomplicated. The entire belly dance is improvised and is a visual depiction of the way the music moves the dancer. As the musicians improvise much of the music, the dancer adapts to their lead.

Characteristic movements include curving patterns, undulations, thrusts, lifts, locks, and drops, and shaking or quaking body movements. The focus is on isolated movements of individual parts of the body with little notice given to the footsteps. Arms and hands move fluidly. Unusual strength and control is demonstrated in the belly area.

Versions of belly dancing can be seen in many music videos, although purists of the dance claim these overtly sexual movements are not proper dance. The Columbian singer Shakira has caused some resurgence in the art of belly dancing due to her music videos, where her dancing combines belly dancing with other popular and Latin styles.

Another place where belly dancing has become popular is at the gym. Since the dance is so physically demanding, many gyms are offering belly dancing instead of the traditional aerobics classes. Due to this resurgence, belly dancing is beginning to disassociate the negative connotations it had over the last few decades, and is showing itself as a legitimate art form for the mainstream culture.

The Belly Dance is identified by swaying hips, a rolling torso, and articulated isolations, which are employed in many different emotional expressions.