Belly dance is one of the worlds oldest dances and originates in what is today considered the Arabic world. Although the movement language used in belly dance is consistent through out the Middle East variations of characteristic stylings are equated with specific regions. Most U.S. dancers do not dance any pure form of the dance but a fusion of stylings –American Style belly dance.
Belly dance (sometimes referred to as the original sacred women's dance) was originally practiced as a social activity among women -a favorite pastime promoting holistic wellbeing. The movements in belly dance mimic movements, cycles and patterns found in nature. It is thought that our earliest ancestors moved there bodies in ways that mimicked mother natures as a way of celebrating their spiritual and physical connection to her. There is an earthiness to belly dance that is distinctly different from the styles of dance westerners are accustom to seeing. In Dances such as ballet, jazz and modern dance the emphasis is on the limbs of the body and there is a distinct effort placed on escaping gravity. In belly dance, the dance is about the body rather that the limbs and our gravitational connection to the earth is celebrated. This is clearly visible in the look of the dance. Belly Dance is rooted in natural movement.
Belly dance has continued to evolve over a span of literally thousands of years and continues to be practiced as a favorite social activity among the women of today all over the world. The belly dance of today still reflects the reverence our ancestors had for mother earth and her creations. Below is a glimpse of some of the different styles of belly dance available to study in America today. All of the styles listed below are taught by Carrie Konyha.
CLASSES Beginners through Advanced level classes are held on a regular basis (see schedule). Dance students are presented with performance opportunities through our annual recital/dance party but performing is not a requirement of the class. We find that many students enjoy taking the class for the physical, mental & emotional fitness and benefits or just for the fun of it.
Styles of the Dance
EGYPTIAN CABARET
Controlled, elegant, refined and often includes some ballet. Muscular
control is emphasized and movements are small and internalized. “less is more”
seems to be the basic Philosophy. By law Egyptian dancers must cover there
stomachs so many American Egyptian style dancers also wear stomach covers to be
more “authentic”.
BELEDI
Is the music & dance of the Egyptian countryside. The music and dancing has
more of an earthy, folk quality to it that are sometimes performed with canes. A
Beledi dress is commonly worn for this style along with a triangular headscarf.
Tahtib is the men’s martial arts dance of Egypt, performed with the long canes
which were historically used in combat.
TURKISH CABARET
Seen as being almost at the opposite end of the spectrum. Dancers are often
flamboyant with large earthy moves. “Anything Goes” seems to be the philosophy
here. Leaps and lots of pelvic movements are common. Costuming is often more
skimpy than many other styles but dressing scantily is not a requirement of
Turkish dancers.
LEBANESE CABARET
Includes western stylings like Jazzy movements, kicks, head tosses , quirky
poses and lots of turns. Veil is more widely used and the Lebanese dancers often
wear high heels. Cane is also used but not allot of zills.
GREEK BELLY DANCE
Most like a mixture of Egyptian & Lebanese Cabaret with lots of Zill
playing. Greek music is distinctly different from Arabic music but usually
upbeat and very danceable.
GYPSY DANCE
Depending on the region, Gypsy dance can resemble Beledi or Turkish styles.
Gypsy dancing in general involves folkloric style hand gestures, lots of skirt
throws, kicks and spins. The costuming reflects the regions in which the gypsies
have traveled through and so elements of different countries are often worn.
Very full skirts are usually worn along with cholies or blousy shirts with
cropped vests.
AMERICAN
TRIBAL STYLE
An American take on belly dance that involves techniques for dancing with groups
of dancers in an improvised manor. The dancers learn queues that enable non
verbal communication while dancing which enables the dancers to dance in unison. Costuming is an eclectic blend of various
cultures and has a strong ethnic look. Music is usually organic, non synthesizes
music. Very popular style of dance in the US today.
Carrie performs regularly as a soloist at cultural music & art festivals, in theatrical productions, restaurants and special events across the country . Anyone interested in hiring Carrie as a soloist should contact her at carrie@gaiadance.net or call 928.282.1587 or 480.748.1671.
