Arab belly dancing and the culture
There have been a variety of fads and trends involving dance that have moved through every culture and society in the world. However, there has never been a dance that has lasted and produced more fascination than the ancient art of Arab belly dancing. This form of dance has been around since civilization itself and still continues to be practiced to this very day. What do we really know about this dance phenomenon?
The Beginnings of The Art
The term Arab belly dancing only came to be in the late nineteenth century. In traditional Arabic culture it is referred to as Raqs Sharqui or eastern dance. It is also sometimes called Raqs Baladi or folk dance. Whatever it is called it is a form of dance that has been passed down through the generations for its ritualistic and artistic nature. It has been traced through the civilizations of Alexander the Great and also Ancient Egypt. It is also seen in the history of India.
During the end of the Ottoman Empire the practice of this dance moved through the western world. The Arabic dancers were called upon to show their unique and powerful dance at world fairs and gatherings all over the world. The dance became more and more popular as more people were able to watch it performed. It began to see a slowdown when moral issues questioned the erotic nature of the dance. It became banished in many parts of the Arab world for many years.
The Look And Style
We have all seen the costumes that exist today for belly dancing. They don’t really resemble the costumes that were originally used. These current costumes seem to have gotten their popularity from Hollywood movies.
Whatever the type the costume is usually a bra top with a hip belt. The skirt is generally a layered skirt that is of many colors and patterns. The Hollywood version has added the veil that we often see with belly dancers today. It is meant to add an exotic flavor to the dance.
The Amazing Belly
Most belly dancers develop a dance that is unique for them. But most of them consist of a rolling circular motion in the belly. This coordination of the hips, shoulders and rolling the stomach muscles is incredibly difficult. There are men who can perform the same belly movements, but they usually use swords to turn the dance into a more masculine version of the dance.
The Benefits of Belly Dancing
It is very entertaining to watch a belly dancer perform their exotic movements. But in today’s culture of exercise and keeping fit, belly dancing has been discovered to be a great form of exercise. The flexibility that is displayed and the intense cardiovascular movements provide the practitioner quite a workout.
Belly dancing has come a long way from the culture of African countries. It has evolved into an art form and a fun exercise for all who practice it.
| By Paul Easton Published: 8/22/2008 |
Why I Rarely Listen To American Music
Unlike us, the artists there have managed to keep old tradtional arabic sounds with the new arabic-pop-like sounds. So, you will hear arabic instruments mixed in with pop and dance beats and synths. The culture is just fascinating.
“It was important for us to use traditional instruments, but not to try and imitate a particular sound,” Scollo says. “Moorish elements have always been very typical for Sicilian music; it wasn’t hard to find a cross-over between them.
Wind and string instruments, such as the Kora or Flute are generally preferred to percussion, although percussion instruments such as the talking drum and djembe are also widely played. … Sikiri (from the Arabic word "Dhikr" which means remembrance of God — performed by the Qadiriyya Sufi orders of waYao or Yao people in East and Southern Africa (Tanzania, Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and South Africa). Man fef zuma — moral songs performed in Ethiopia.
Contrary to popular belief that belly dance is an Indian dance, belly dance is actually an Arabic dance. Contrary to another popular belief that belly dance is an erotic dance, it is not. In fact it is actually a traditional Arabic dance.
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It is widely believed that the percussion instruments are originated from 
Bongos are another kind of small hand drums originated from Cuba and are played in sitting position keeping the instrument between the legs. Timbales were originally iron vessels used in transporting sugarcanes. Steel or brass is used in modern timbales to produce powerful cutting tone which is suitable for any music styles like rock, Latin and fusion.