Raqs al Sharqi � Women�s Ancient Tradition of Belly Danceby Shelby Pizzarro
Egyptian Moon
Folklore has veiled the true source of the Dance. Nomadic travelers, Pyramid wall paintings, ancient childbirth ritual, and the sacred dance of Goddess worship are some of the theories ascribed to its birth. Most dancers accept as true an ancient blending of elements from Turkey, India, Persia, North Africa, and the Middle East.
Professional entertainers hired for weddings and celebrations of every type are not the only performers of Raqs al Sharqi. It is a social dance enjoyed by women, young and old, the movements passed down from one generation to the next.
Fundamental Raqs al Sharqi includes the Shimmy, Figure of Eight, Hip Drops and Lifts, Circles, Spirals, Undulations, Head Glides, and Graceful Arms. The steps are common to all of the countries of origin. The style, however, is seasoned with the flavors of the cultures in which it is found.
The Dance has been labeled with a variety of names including: Raqs al Sharqi (Dance of the East), Raks Beledi (Country Dance), Oriental Dance, Danse Orientale, Arabic Dance, Middle Eastern Dance, Egyptian Dance, Mideastern Oriental, Egyptian Oriental, Raks Arabi, and Danse du Ventre. The term Belly Dance originated with Sol Bloom, amusement concessions manager of the 1893 Chicago World�s Fair Midway Plaisance. Presenting the Dance and Little Egypt to Victorian audiences, Bloom�s corruption of the French Danse du Ventre (Dance of the Stomach) has had a lingering existence, the term still in use today.
Veil work is not a traditional part of Raqs al Sharqi. Influenced by Hollywood, Egyptian nightclub owner and entrepreneur Badia Masabni introduced floating veils during the 1930s. Also established at this time were the two-piece beaded and coined bra and hip belt sets. Worn over diaphanous skirts this image is synonymous with the dance.
Raqs al Sharqi, the solo female interpretive dance, uses sinuous, natural movements to open the door of the soul giving a glance at a woman�s heart. A genuine form of self-expression, the Dance combines the elegant undulations of the upper body with serpentine arm movements and hip articulation. It is a lyrical dance, designed to accentuate the magnificence of the female figure.
The physical and psychological benefits of the Dance are many. It is an excellent means of improving flexibility, reducing stress, keeping in shape, and introducing a feeling of well-being. The non-impact steps are fluid, natural, with little movement about the floor and within gravity; therefore, no prior dance experience is necessary. Benign isolation movements tone the entire body from head to toe. As there is little stress on the joints, the Dance compliments a woman�s body regardless of age or fitness level. Technique aids in establishing the foundation of good posture, core stability, improved coordination, and supple joints.
The Dance provides many women with the opportunity to reach within and release their innermost inhibitions. As a meditative practice, dancers often find the movements empowering in addition to being highly therapeutic. In this context, they refer to their art as mystical as well as sacred.
Dance is walking in time to music. Raqs al Sharqi is no exception. Based on the theory of isolation, one part of the body moves while the rest of the body holds still. The layering of movements and music to form patterns within choreography is interrelated. The dancer is the visual expression of each instrument. When performing to live music, the dancer and musicians communicate their visions to each other. Movements weave, reflecting the mood of the music, to create a visual tapestry of sight and sound beguiling the audience.
What separates a good dancer from an exceptional one?
It is being able to discover this wellspring. It is being able to draw from it, never dancing too much or too little. It is moving instinctively, like breathing, allowing the music to guide you. It is communicating the joy of this Dance to all who are watching, whether they number in the thousands or are just a few close friends. It is opening your heart, dancing from your soul, and captivating your audience with a glimpse of your distinctive vision as a woman and dancer.
It is releasing the mystery possessed by every woman who has ever participated in this Dance. Each woman brings a quality that is unique to her�a mosaic of passion and emotion gathered over the years through her varied experiences. You are the mystery and heart of Raqs al Sharqi. Only you can share the hidden, secret part of yourself�the joy, the sorrow, the love, the passion, the sensuality, and the dignity that makes you distinctly feminine.
Should you join a Middle Eastern Dance class? Only if you wish to open you heart and have fun!
Dancer and Artist Shelby Pizzarro been primarily influenced by Samia Gamal, Lucy, and Josephine Wise of the Josephine Wise Academy of Arabic Dance, London, England. She refers to her dance style as Egyptian. Although now based in the United States, the Middle East and England are countries in which she has also resided. She has had the pleasure of dancing in the United States, England, and as principle dancer at a private Hafla in Cairo, Egypt. Her work as a commercial illustrator has been influenced by her love of the Middle East and Dance. Further information about belly dancing is available at: �Egyptian Dance! The Heart of Belly Dance� � www.egyptiandance.ws You can email the author at hathor2bastet@webtv.net