The Origins Of Belly Dance

Belly dance is an exotic form of dance that has a rich history that dates back over 6,000 years. Some people consider the ‘Oriental dance’ to be a dance of seduction, whilst others believe that belly dance originated as a fertility ritual. Throughout Middle Eastern history, belly dance has been performed at special celebrations and occasions like weddings, birth announcements, and festivals. All over the world, belly dancing courses are taught to teach freedom of movement, and to empower women to love their bodies and to have more confidence.

Traditional Entertainment
French explorers travelling in Egypt, in the 18th century, witnessed dancers performing an exotic dance that they decided to call the ‘dance du ventre’ (meaning the ‘dance of the stomach’). In 1893, promoter Sol Bloom, introduced belly dance to America, at the Chicago World’s Fair. In those days, it was considered to be daring if a woman revealed so much as an ankle. Belly dance was therefore initially seen as being risqué and shocking. Interest in the intriguing dance grew and quickly spread to other cities. The westernised form of belly dance grew in popularity following the Hollywood film industry’s involvement in publicising the dance as a form of entertainment. Egyptian dancers Tahia Carioca and Samia Gamal wore elaborate belly dance costumes in their movies, and became international stars.
Belly dance has been active in Turkey since the 1400s, when travelling tribes known as ‘chengis’ performed on the streets. Today, chengis still dance to entertain tourists, and perform a style of belly dance that is authentically Turkish. In traditional Muslim society, women often gathered to perform a dance in the evening. Known as Raks sharki (‘dance of the East’), this type of belly dance helped women to ready the stomach muscles for childbirth, and was also danced by young women to display their readiness for marriage. In present-day Egypt, it’s customary to hire a belly dancer to perform at a wedding, in order to bless the happy couple with a fertility ritual blessing.
In Egypt, belly dance performers used props like veils, canes and swords to entertain the public on the streets, and during festivals and religious celebrations. Before the 20th century, public dance was not something that was tolerated by the authorities, but it was accepted as part of cultural tradition. After this time, belly dancers performed at weddings, in nightclubs, and at other events. It was these Egyptian performers who popularised the skirt and beaded bra (‘bedlah’) that is widely accepted as being the traditional belly dance costume of today.

Modern Day Dance Interpretation
Belly dancing is now much more than entertainment. It has become a highly popular fitness. Belly dance lessons teach the basics of the traditional dance and encourage belly dancing beginners to express themselves through movement. Belly dance beginners courses provide a good foundation on which to continue learning more about this empowering form of dance. Belly dance strengthens and tones the abdominal muscles, the thighs, calves, hips, buttocks, back and arms. Advanced dance courses teach unique isolated movements from many different styles of belly dance, and also how to master your performance using traditional props.