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All About Belly Dance All About Ballroom Dances
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Learn more about the beautiful
Art of Belly Dance
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Origins of Oriental Dance
Oriental
Dance goes back to many countries. Inevitably throughout the years it
has gone through many changes and alterations. Before the 19th century
oriental dance could be traced in the Arabic tradition and culture and
was danced at the family celebrations, weddings and other occasions. It
was more or less a “family affair”. Sometimes, like nowadays, they would
hire a professional dancer to entertain and enchant the guests.
Belly dance is known in the Middle East as raks sharqi, literally, :dance of the East" or "oriental dance". The current western term may be derived from the French 'danse du ventre', so named because of the exposure of the midriff. Raks sharqi, the contemporary stage form derived from Egyptian baladi and influenced by early Hollywood glamour and western ballet training, is distinct from raks sha'abi or folk dances, which may nevertheless be featured in glitzed up yet authentic versions as part of an oriental stage show. Today belly dance is enjoyed worldwide and is taught in almost every country. While a small percentage of enthusiasts use belly dance as an income supplement, and smaller percentage derive their sole income from performance and/or teaching, the majority of enthusiasts pursue it for mere enjoyment as exercise, recreation and socialization. Many perform regularly as amateurs or semi-professionals: belly dance communities worldwide are notable for their energy and enthusiasm in putting on collaborative performances, workshops and other events. It is ironic that while traditionally Middle Eastern women have been discouraged from or censured for pursuing a career as a belly dancer, many Western women embrace it as a means of rediscovering themselves and nurturing a stronger personal identity and sense of empowerment.
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More popular Belly Dance styles Modern Egyptian, Turkish, Lebanese, Greek, Gypsy, Fusion, Tribal Fusion, American Tribal, American Cabaret.
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Health & Belly Dance The benefits of belly dance are both mental and physical. Dancing provides a good cardio-vascular workout and helps increase both flexibility and strength, focusing on the torso or "core muscles", although it also builds leg strength. Many belly dance styles emphasize muscular "isolations", teaching the ability to move various muscles or muscle groups independently. Veil work can also build arm, shoulder, and general upper-body strength, and playing the zils can build strength and independence of the fingers. Belly dance is suitable for all ages and body types, and can be as physical as the participant chooses. As with starting any new exercise routine, people would be wise to consult their doctor before starting a belly dance regimen. It's also important to talk with the belly dance instructor to find out the level of difficulty in the classes. The practice offers mental health benefits including an improved sense of well-being, better body image and self-esteem, and the generally positive outlook that comes with regular, enjoyable exercise. The benefits of belly dance can be enjoyed by women of all ages; men and children are participating in the dance as well, and reaping the same benefits.
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10 Benefits of our Belly Dance lessons 1. Is a low impact form of exercise. Belly dance is considered a low-impact exercise, meaning the risk of injury is minimal when movements are done correctly. A belly-dancer uses her quadriceps, hamstrings and gluteus to hold her steady as she performs hip movements or travels smoothly across the floor. However, even though she gets a great lower-body workout, the amount of impact to her knees and ankles is minimal. Middle-Eastern dance is considered non-impact; some tribal and folk dances are low-impact.
2. Helps in loosing weight. According to some researches, Belly dance can burn up to 300 calories per hour. This estimate will vary, of course, depending on the intensity of your dancing. Combined with a healthy diet that involves sensible eating, Belly dance can without a doubt be part of a sound weight loss program.
3. Back and joints pains are relieved. During the dance, the movements of hip drops, circles, figure eights, and shimmies put the joints and ligaments in the lower back and hip through a full range of gentle, repetitive motion. This movement helps increase the flow of synovial fluid (nature's lubricant) in these joints. When movements are done properly, the pelvis is tipped forward, or tucked somewhat; a neutral position that can help prevent lower back problems. Belly dance can help relieve stress to the back, counteracting the almost constant compression of the disks that occurs from sitting and a sedentary lifestyle. These toned muscles improve posture and help prevent back pain that can be caused by the unnatural curving forward of the spine that occurs when muscle groups are weak.
4. Helps in preparing for childbirth. The movements of Belly dance make an excellent prenatal exercise regimen that strengthens the muscles used during the childbirth process. The toned abdominal muscles and natural hip tucks, which are similar to the "pelvic rocking" taught during prenatal classes, teach the expectant mother how to move her pelvis. For women who desire natural childbirth, this form of exercise through dance, with its emphasis on muscle control not only facilitates natural childbirth, but also makes an excellent post-natal exercise that helps encourage abdominal tone.
5. Improved posture and muscle toning. Our spinal column contains 33 vertebrae, they are stacked together in a column joined together by cartilage and ligaments, and almost every movement of the torso depends upon its flexibility and function. Muscle groups that attach to the ligaments and vertebrae create movement in the trunk and pelvis areas. Belly dance tones these muscles and maintains flexibility in a safe and effective manner. Small muscle groups deep in the back that are normally under-exercised are used and strengthened. The muscles surrounding the hip, the largest joint in the body, are used and exercised during hip drops, and figure eights, enhancing flexibility and suppleness. Improved hip flexibility can lead to improved balance when walking as well. Arms and shoulders are exercised when doing lifts, circles, or the rippling motions of snake arms, toning muscle. This toning effect is often evident early on, since holding the arms aloft is an important element of the dance, even for beginners.
6. Bone density increases. Because a woman is on her feet, moving during the dance, it is considered a weight-bearing exercise. Weight-bearing exercise can prevent osteoporosis and strengthen bones, and the overall toning can lead to an improved self-image, as the dancer becomes more balanced and poised.
7. Boosts self-esteem. The movements are artistic and feminine, creating a positive feeling of sensual expression and freedom. With sensuality being a desirable quality of belly dancing, the dancer feels safe to explore the soft, beautiful ways the body can move. In the act of dancing with sensuality, the dancer frees herself in physical and emotional ways.
8. Stress levels become lower. In this day and age of almost continuous stress, the subtle rhythms of Belly dance and the traditional movements are calming. The repetitive movements of the dance and the concentration needed to do them can help a mind filled with daily stress to "let go" for a while and relax. It's hard to worry about deadlines at work when you are thinking about getting that next drop just right, or while making sure that you are in time with the music. One effect of stress is that our bodies tense up, causing contractions or spasms in muscle groups, such as those in the neck, shoulders, or back. When a muscle is contracted, lactic acid builds up, causing the "soreness" or pain that occurs. Blood flow to the affected muscles decreases as well. Belly dance, on the other hand, gently stretches and uses these vulnerable muscle groups, and as they are utilized, blood flow increases and lactic acid is flushed away. Stressed muscles relax as they are gently exercised, relieving the "clenched" muscles often seen in our society. The body becomes supple and limber, and practitioners frequently report that pain diminishes in the back and neck areas.
9. Can help relieve PMS. Soothing belly dance movements such as rolling the hips, figure of eights and undulations can help to alleviate congestion in the pelvic area. Circulation to the pelvic area improves and at the same time, the feeling of relaxation alleviates stress.
10. Aids improve the digestion. It's true! Exercising the abdominal area, not just by rolling the belly, but also by swaying the torso, helps food move along the digestive system. Any form of exercise will have this effect to some degree, but Belly dance is especially good for this purpose.
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Many believe that men have no place in this art form, which is frequently and erroneously believed to be historically female. Most dancing is, in fact, done in a social context by both men and women. It is learned in childhood through informal observation and imitation of adults. Though professional dancers today are almost exclusively female, there is ample evidence that shows that this was not always the case. Male belly dancing does have roots in the era of the Ottoman Empire, when women were not allowed to perform publicly. Later in Turkey, public performances were done by young men and boys called Kochecks. These dancers were widely popular; in fact, the Sultan used to employ a troupe of these male dancers in addition to a troupe of female dancers, . It has long been assumed that these dancers were female impersonators, due to the fact that they performed in wide flamboyant skirts. A comparison with the female dancers however, shows that this was merely a costume worn for the dramatic effect caused by the swirling fabric. The female dancers did not wear specialized costumes at this time, but the ordinary dress of all women, which consisted of a pair of "harem pants", a long shirt, tight fitting vest covered by a flowing robe tied at the waist by a belt or shawl. Nevertheless, some of these male dancers did at times impersonate women. This was because they were not simply dancers but musicians and actors as well. As was the case in Shakespearean times, all dramatic roles were played by males since women were not allowed to entertain in public. The latest rage in Istanbul is male belly dancing. One of the most well known is Evrim Sultan, who performs almost every night, has been featured on television and has won several awards. Move over ladies, the nightclubs on the Bosporus are striking a blow for sexual equality for men in belly dance!
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If you want to know more about the belly dance stars of Turkey, I suggest “Oriental Belly Dance” by Kemal Ozdemir. Beautifully illustrated, Ozdemirís book describes the history of Turkish dance and focuses on cabaret belly dance since the Turkish Republic in 1923. At that time, women were liberated in many aspects of life, and belly dancers enjoyed a freedom they never before had. Dancers found more opportunity to perform in a way that allowed them to aggressively display their feminine beauty and emphasize sexual appeal. Turkish belly dancing has existed for at least the last 500 years. It has developed a unique style, which allows the dancer to fully use her dance space, moving beyond the stage and into the audience. The Turkish dancer spends great energy, stepping with a liveliness that exhilarates the onlooker. She also requires extreme flexibility in order to incorporate practically gymnastic stances. Ozdemir suggests that this extreme expenditure of energy is why Turkish belly dance routines are shorter than Egyptian style routines. He also states that the demands on agility is the reason why Turkish dancers are famous at an early age, while Egyptian dancers don’t hit the age of artistic maturity until their sixties. In the book entitled “The Belly Dancer in you” written by retired Turkish dancer Ozel Turkbas, the author encourages the dancer to maintain her self-respect and treats the dance as something beautiful and spiritual. Ozel claims that Turkish dancers were responsible for introducing the belly moves to belly dance. She admits that the dance has been exploited by those who “could show ‘for a good price’ women dancing in a manner forbidden to the God-fearing”. This exploitation occurs everywhere, including Turkey. Striptease and belly dance are often intermingled. Because of all that, some people can think that artistry can be easily overshadowed by sexuality. It is difficult for more audiences (both Western and Middle Eastern) to appreciate the art form if they are too distracted thinking about sexiness. Certainly, the emphasis on sexuality is not to be denied when one wears a Turkish style costume. They are usually designed around a beaded bra and panty set. The bra is beautiful but skimpy and risqué. Sometimes the bra is exchanged for decorative ‘pasties’ or simple metallic powder. The contemporary dance belt is worn high, like a French-cut bikini and with it the skirt covers the buttocks yet exposes a complete length of thigh. Some dancers may even remove their skirts while performing. Short veils or capes are often used, and a performer would not be considered a good dancer if she did not play zils (finger cymbals). Turkish dancers need not cover their navels, as do the dancers in Egypt. During the first years of the Turkish Republic, one dancer became quite famous. This was Emine Adalet Pee. She was born in 1909 and started dancing at age 14. She married a German and eventually went to Germany to further her dance career. She danced before royalty and statesmen, performing on stages in America, Egypt and England. Nergis Mogol followed. Born in 1923, Nergis was three years old when she first appeared on stage. She became famous throughout Turkey, Iraq, Lebanon and Kuwait. Nergis was considered responsible for tutoring the next generation of famous dancers. In the 1950ís, the famous dancers included Nimet Alp, Melike Cermai and Saliha Tekneci. Ayse Nana shook Istanbul in the end of the 50’s by adding striptease to her dance. Sema Yildiz and Inci Birol were legendary throughout the Middle East and were the stars of the 60’s and 70’s. Sema retired in 1991 with many accolades. Other dancers who hit Turkish fame during this time were Ozcan Tekgul, Leyla Sayar, Birsen Ayda and Zennube. They starred in movies and had songs dedicated to them. Necla Ates became famous in the U.S. She played in movies and on Broadway and was called the master of the “fire dance”. Ozel Turkbas was featured in 14 Turkish films before she moved to the U.S. In the 70’s, while belly dance was a huge fad, Ozel produced books and music, teaching Americans how to belly dance. In the 80’s, two of the most beloved artists were Nesrin Topkapi and Princess Banu. Nesrin was the first dancer to perform a show on Turkish TV at a time when belly dancing was banned. She started to teach and was popular with German students who visited Turkey. In the 90’s, Nesrin established a school of oriental dance in Germany. Princess Banu has performed all over the globe and is recognized as the best interpreter of the Egyptian school of dancing. She is a classy dancer with great hips. Of the popular talent today, there are soloists Sibel Baris and Burcin Orhon. Sibel’s style is extremely seductive. Burcin Orhon is one of the biggest stars of contemporary belly dance. She is the daughter of a famous Turkish composer. In her youth, Burcin studied ballet and tried out for the national ballet troupe of Turkey. She did not pass the try-outs and sought other means to dance professionally. When she tried oriental dance, she found success. Her ballet training is very prevalent in her dance, trading hip shimmies for highly extended kicks and very wide plies. A trio of dancers known as Mezdeke has also made it big. They are known to never perform without their face veils and are internationally recognized for their CDs, which contain a pop mix of Arabic (not just Turkish) music. Turkish belly dancers today struggle against the morals of a Moslem country. As artists they dare to see how far they can take sensuality into sexuality. Only the most lovely, most agile, most gifted dancers can successfully follow their lead. This article has only introduced some of the top Turkish talent of the past 75 years. The number of skilled artisans is respectfully high. Has the magic of Turkish style belly dance bewitched you yet?
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Belly Dance in pop culture Music videos that include dancers who are called "belly dancers" often upset professional dancers who do not consider these "jiggle-shows" proper dance, considering their often poor technique and overtly sexy moves. Professional belly dancers often prefer to call these pieces "belly dance inspired". R&B singer Aaliyah used the belly dance as her signature move, which she called the belly roll, and it was featured in many of her music videos. Belly dancing has recently been made widely popular by Shakira, whose dancing combines belly dance Latino and modern dance styles. Her part-Lebanese ethnic background highly influences her belly dance style. Other singers who have performed belly dance in their music videos include Beyonce, Rihana, Nelly Furtado, Christina Aguilera, and Jessica Simpson.
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