When you think about belly dancing, what comes to mind? Have you ever seen a belly dancer in action? Talk about a thrilling experience! You’ve seen thousands of years of tradition come together in a dance fit for people of all ages and body types.
Belly dancing is an ancient dance adapted for modern times. Belly dancing classes allow people to explore the art form without judgment. Men, women, and children often make up belly dancing troupes that dance in public. The act of sharing belly dancing with others is fulfilling.
Belly Dancing Background
Belly dancing is among the oldest social dances in North Africa and the Middle East. It’s enjoyed at family and community events. Middle Easterners introduced the dance to Americans publicly at the 1893 Chicago World Fair. An exhibit called “The Streets of Cairo” showed dancers from Syria, Turkey, and Algeria as well as those that made up the Egyptian Theater. Sol Bloom, the promoter of the fair, coined the term “bellydance” to draw interest in his advertising campaign.
Facts About Belly Dancing
Here are some facts about belly dancing that many people don’t know:
Belly dancing was only seen at carnivals and vaudeville shows in the past. People misunderstood the intention behind the dance. It is meant to bring people together in celebration. In the past, Islamic societies segregated men from women. Men and women belly danced in the company of the same sex, not the opposite sex as some people assume.
Belly dancing is an expressive dance with noted health benefits. A person burns up to 350 calories in a 60 minute belly dancing class. The heart-pumping cardio workout is good for the heart and helps people manage their weight. Adding belly dancing to a fitness regimen challenges to body and the mind to try something different. It also helps reduce the risk of a number of heart-related and obesity-related diseases.
Belly dance continues to evolve. Modern forms of the dance incorporate elements of ballet, modern, jazz, Latin, Flamenco, and Indian dance. No two belly dancing styles are exactly alike. That’s what makes belly dance remarkable. It’s versatile and exciting.
There are a number of belly dance styles to choose from. They include Egyptian, Turkish, Lebanese, Gypsy, and American Tribal.
Some famous belly dancers include Badiaa Masabni, Naima Akef, and Shafiqa Al-Qibtiyya. Every generation produces its own group of talented belly dancers.
Belly dancing troupes of all sizes come to us with requests for custom embroidered and woven patches. They wear these items on jackets and attach them to bags for others to see. The act of sharing the patches draws interest in belly dancing and helps book classes. People interested in trying the expressive dance can find a school or gym that offers instruction in their community.