Many cultures, countries and even the whole human society has seen many fads and tendencies for dancing over the years and even centuries. None, however, is as venerable and still to this day mystically fascinating as Arab Belly Dancing. Since the dawn of civilization has this art form been learned, practiced and admired. But what do we really know about it?
Origins of an Art Form
What we today call Arab Belly Dancing, has it came to be known in the late 19th Century for the French qualification Danse du ventre, is referred to in traditional Arabic Language as Raqs Sharqui (Eastern Dance) or Raqs Baladi (Folk Dance). A unique origin for the dance itself would be quasi-impossible to pin down as it is derived from many ritualistic and artistic forms of dancing observed and practiced in many antique civilizations. Parts of it can be traced to the Empire of Alexander the Great, some to ancient Egypt and others even in India.
Practiced began to spread over the western world near the end of the Ottoman Empire, as the 19th Century was bowing to the 20th, where middle-eastern dancers would be invited to exhibit their prowess in various world fairs and important social gatherings. Popularity then increased with famous dancers borrowing from such an art, like the mystique Mata Hari. Inevitably though, moral censorship was quickly applied to the sensuality of Arab Belly Dancing, which garnered restrictions and banishment in many parts of the world, some for a very long time.
A Unique Style and Look
Costumes as we see worn today for Arab Belly Dancing are not necessarily in tone with their original counterparts. The accoutrement most popular and today associated with Arab Belly Dancing, called Bedlah (meaning Suit in Arab), comes mostly from fantasies captured by Hollywood and the entertainment industry in the early 20th Century.
In any variation, the costume usually consists of a top or bra and hip belt, both fringed with beads or coins, completed by one or more skirts layered in different patterns. Practitioners of the western world often add a veil, worn the entire length of the dance, to add exotic qualities to audience's experience.
A Technical Tummy
Techniques used to perform Arab Belly Dancing will most usually be customized by the dancer, but always with the same basis consisting of performing circular motions isolated in one part of the body. Rolling belly muscles, striking the shoulder and hips and coordinating the body's movement and balance with a scarf or silk veil are the primary motions presented. Although less known and popular, Arab Belly Dancing is also practiced, in some form, by men who display the same type of movements but with different kinds of props, like swords and canes to turn the feat into a display of masculinity.
More Than Art
Arab Belly Dancing offers more than entertainment, as it is considered a very beneficial work out for whoever practices or simply learn it. The dance and its movements help improve muscle flexibility and increases cardio-vascular capacity. Not to mention the emotional expression involved that constitutes a surplus in the mental health department.
A good show, a fine sport, and a memorabilia of civilizations long gone or evolved. Arab Belly Dancing offers more than meets the eye, even if what does has much interest in itself.
Shimmy: Belly Dancing for Weight Loss Belly dancing is one of the best ways to lose weight, firm and tone your body. Dancing in general has never been more popular, as evidenced by the many dancing themed popular TV shows. Dancing With The Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, and the like have revived an interest in dancing. At the same time, weight loss makeover programs like The Biggest Loser, Bulging Brides, and Ten Years Younger also surged in popularity. Belly dancing combines the two: weight loss and dancing. Shimmy on Fit TV Not to be outdone by ballroom, hip hop, contemporary, swing, or jazz, the ancient art of belly dancing also has a television show of its own. Shimmy, which airs on the satellite and cable channel Fit TV, takes viewers through a half-hour belly dancing lesson, led by exotic beauties Shivaun, Adalat, Dominique, Gillian, Karen, Manon, and Simone. The dancers break steps down, starting very slowly until the dancer following along at home gains confidence in her abilities to learn the moves. Gradually the pace increases, and soon the home viewer is belly dancing in her own living room. Pace of the Show Every episode of Shimmy begins with a dancer-led warm-up that gets your muscles ready for the workout to come. Next comes a section devoted to instruction. Home viewers learn four to six movements that put the hips, thighs, glutes, and abs through a vigorous workout. Belly dancing has never been so much fun, as the home viewer learns a complete routine. A performance section follows the teaching. Viewers can dance along, using moves they just learned, or sit back and watch. The beautiful dancers in their flowing scarves and colorful costumes paint a vivid picture of this ancient dance. A no-holds-barred, freestyle session closes out every episode, with hips pumping, shoulders shimmying, and fingers flying. Calorie Burning Fun Belly dancing burns about 250 to 300 calories per hour, so dancing your way through an episode of Shimmy will consume 125 to 150 calories. After twenty-three belly dancing sessions, you will have danced enough to lose an entire pound. Building muscle in your core and midsection is key to reducing the buildup of troublesome belly fat"the most dangerous kind of fat there is. Belly dancing builds the core muscles that surround the spine. Regular belly dancing will whittle your waistline in record time. Check your local cable or satellite listings to see if you get Fit TV in your area, and find out when Shimmy is on. When the time comes, start shimmying and toning your way to fitness with belly dancing.
Charlie Reese has sinced written about articles on various topics from Psychic Readings, Wedding Gowns and Wedding Bells. Charlie Reese likes getting ballet instruction and belly dancing to beginners. He also likes getting a to those that want to get a clairvoy. Charlie Reese's top article generates over 673000 views. to your Favourites.