Westerners have a very skewed image of Arabic belly dancing. Because of its history on vaudeville stages and as a feature at burlesque shows, it developed a reputation of being risqu and extremely sexual in nature. However, nothing could be further from the truth
History of Arabic Belly Dancing
While no one is certain precisely when or where belly dancing originated, it is generally accepted that it was a dance used in religious worship and as a form of celebration. The dance is traditionally performed at weddings, birthdays and other joyous occasions.
Historically, it could not have been used as titillation because it was performed by women for other women only. If men wanted to see any sort of belly dancing, it was performed by other men. While this is no longer the case, generally speaking, Arabic belly dancing was a women's art form and the movements were passed down from mother to daughter.
Additionally, in the past, costuming for Arabic belly dancing was vastly different from what is seen today. The traditional costume involved layers of fabric and no bare skin. The movement was the important thing, as it was the movement of the body that caused the bouncing and flowing of the costume. It wasn't until later that the costumes became more revealing.
Belly Dancing Costumes
As has already been stated, costumes started out covering the entire body. Now, they don't, but are they truly as risqu as people claim them to be? It depends on where the costume comes from. In Egypt, there is still a taboo against dancers revealing their abdomen, so belly dancers there are required to wear costumes that keep them covered. As such, many dancers choose gowns over costumes with pieces. For those that use a bra and skirt, they also wear a skin-tone body suit so that they are within the rules of the law. Therefore, costumes in Egypt are not revealing at all.
In America, where belly dancing is a conglomeration of different styles, costumes are a mishmash of cultures. While bras are common, so are chopi tops and vests. For the lower half of the body, American dancers either wear layers of skirts or harem pants. Again, these costumes cover most of the body.
Turkey is home to the most adventuresome costumes. There bras and skirts are standard, and the skirts often have cutouts or are designed to show most of the leg. So are these the sexy Arabic belly dancing costumes? These are indeed the costumes that people refer to as risqu. However, upon closer examination, is it an accurate description? The costume consists of a bra and a skirt. This generally covers more than normal beachwear.
While in the middle east a bikini may indeed be considered scandalous, in the western world they generally are not. So why the bias against Arabic belly dancing and its costumes? It is a combination of two things. The first is ignorance of the history of belly dancing, and second could well be that belly dancing is empowering to women. It is time women took their strength back and embraced the feminine. Arabic belly dancing is rife with both, and as such, should be respected as the beautiful art form it is.
The Vintage Art of Arab Belly Dancing 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 audiences 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 bodys 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.
Charlie Reese has sinced written about articles on various topics from Psychic Readings, Wedding Gowns and Wedding Bells. Charlie Reese enjoys getting routine belly dancing lessons to his students. He also enjoys reading books on the and teaching people how to get. Charlie Reese's top article generates over 673000 views. to your Favourites.