Belly Dance StylesThere are as many belly dance styles as there are dancers. Check out some of the words used to describe a dancer:
Black and White? or Rainbow Definition
Trying to define "dance styles" is very complicated because bellydance is ripe with a multitude of cultural traditions and centuries of experience. Nothing is black and white or clear. There is a full spectrum of opinions and perspective. They are all worthy of contemplation.Otherwise, 'Definement' can lead to 'Confinement'. Once a definition is accepted, the new creative impulses that arise are rejected as poor style. It is more important to find common ground and stay friendly and supportive of each other. Part of our unfolding wisdom in dance comes from our ancestry and traditions. Hence, learning and honoring the historical aspects of our dance is vitally important. Without tending our 'roots', the tree of dance, and its fruits would wither and die. to all that has been, and all that will ever be. The Roots of Belly Dance StylesToday's bellydance is a distant echo of its ancient ancestor, yet there is a whispered voice that sings in our hips and hands as we express ourselves. That voice hushes all doubt: we are joined to our past through our humaness. Bellydance connects our modern ways to our 'primitive' heritage because it expresses our collective, human experience of Life.A kaliedoscope of belly dance styles have been found throughout the world, including all Arab-Islamic countries, Greece, Polynesia, Hawaii, South America, and even Europe and Asia. The common thread is the sensuous movement of the hips. Like all early dance, bellydance was a spiritual practice, used for ritual and ceremony. Today, it still hearkens to the Mystery of life and death.
For an overview of the Sacred Shapes of Bellydance, click here. The 'Evolution' of Dance StylesAs human civilization became more 'sophisticated', the former faiths and their communal ceremonies were suppressed. Thus, the female pelvic dance died out in many parts of the world.In some areas, however, bellydance transformed from a religious rite into a secular entertainment. Chief among these regions was the Arab-Islamic world, where it was taken up and refined by some artistic souls. With this transition, a distinction arose between the acceptable, decent dance styles, and the unacceptable, erotic styles. On the 'acceptable' side was dance as a social pastime, where woman danced to entertain each other in the privacy of home. Bellydance was reserved for the Harem. On the unacceptable side was professional dance. Anyone who performed for money, was distrusted for their rebellious, free and easy ways. However often these dance artists were welcomed into homes to enhance community festivities, dancing for strangers was not acceptable for 'respectable' women. Bellydance is intimately twined with the role of women in society and what is permitted or forbidden them. Despite the never-resolved issue of 'acceptability', bellydance continues to survive and thrive as both a social recreation and a fine art. To more fully explore the journey of bellydance through history, please get a copy of "Serpent of the Nile - Women and Dance in the Arab World" by Wendy Buonaventura. It is extensive and incredibly interesting. The Basic Categories of Belly Dance StylesA dancer's style will basically fall under 2 categories: fine art, and recreational.If a dancer studies, plans and practices to perform, this is fine art. Ideally, they are paid respectfully for their work. If the dance is 'just for fun', this is recreational. Fitness and social activities fall into this category. * Dance Styles of Bellydance*Whether you are doing recreational dance or fine art, there are 2 major styles of belly dance. In practice and performance, they are both purified and blended to mark the personal reflection and expression of a belly dancer.Both styles can be performed by soloists or in groups. Both styles can be experienced for recreation, and for the stage. Cabaret:
Also known as Classical Egyptian and Oriental, Cabaret style has its root in the restaurants and nightclubs of Cairo. It is characterized by articulate and contained movements of the hips. The music is generally orchestrated with multiple musicians. Whether she wears a bedla (bra and belt ensemble), or dress (beledi style or modern), the dancers costume is 'sparkly' with lots of beads and sequins. She can be barefoot, or in shoes.
Folkloric
There is no 'costume' required, but the fancy ones are richly textured and colorful, and embellished with everything from coins, mirrors and shells, to intricate embroidery and tassels. Most recently, a new-world flower has begun to grow in the fertile soil of belly dance, that defines itself as a new 'tribal' identity for 'folks' of planet Earth. It gathers and embodies many folkloric styles into one, unified expression of our global humanity: Tribal-Style Belly dance. It is emerging as a new folkloric style and its ripples are being felt everywhere.
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