Contemporary Belly Dance is the product of evolution and influences from contact with different styles and cultures. From traditional folkloric styles to dark and moody tribal, belly dance is so full of diversity and variety. Most people find a style that suits and adapts to their own.
Origins of Belly Dance
The origins of belly dance are as mysterious and colourful as the dance itself. Many theories circulate on its beginnings, such as:
- Fertility rites.
- Birth rituals.
- Temple dancers.
- Gypsy dancers who influenced other dancers and in turn were influenced by local dancers on their journeys.
- Dance of moon goddess Isis.
- Harem dances to entice the Sultan.
It is very hard to trace the exact origins due to lack of written documentation and proof. On the other hand, it opens the door to much speculation and allows the imagination to soar and romanticise about the true beginnings of belly dance!
Contemporary Belly Dance
In modern times, belly dance caught the attention of the West with the performance of ‘Little Egypt’ at the Chicago World Fair in 1893. This fueled the imagination of Hollywood, where the ‘Hollywood’ idea and romanticized view of what a belly dancer ‘dressed like’ influenced Middle Eastern cabaret dancers (wearing of sequined bra and belt/skirt, showing the belly). The 20th C saw the emergence in the Middle East of Raqs Sharqi (loosely translated as Dance of the East). This style was popular for Cabaret performances and choreographies. Raqs Sharqi has influences of classical ballet and Latin American dance styles. It is also one of the styles considered cabaret mainstream in Egypt nowadays.
Although belly dance is considered a Middle Eastern dance form, the term encompasses many different styles and geographical influences. There are many styles within belly dance, depending on the geographical region and the influences of the local area . For example a Moroccan dancer might share some similar hip moves with a Turkish dancer but be completely different styles. The late 20th C has also seen the emergence in the West of new styles, such as:
- American Tribal Fusion
- Tribal Fusion
- American Cabaret Style
In addition, fusions with other dance disciplines have become popular, such as:
- belly-flamenco
- belly-tango
- belly-ballet
- belly-tahiti to name a few.
A dancer can also opt to use a prop to embellish her dance, such as:
- Isis wings
- Veil
- Sword
- Zills/Sagat
In contemporary times belly dance has spread and is popular in many parts of the globe. It is continually evolving, absorbing new dance influences and adapting, keeping belly dance a vibrant, adaptable and engaging world dance.
