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The term “Belly Dance/Bellydance” is Western Term coined by Sol Bloom in the Chicago World Fair in 1893. In Arabic it is called Raqs Sharki, which translates Oriental Dance. It is speculated that this dances origins is most likely in North Africa, India, The Ottoman Empire or elsewhere but no one knows for sure since it is not indicated in any written history. There are many different styles that are within the spectrum of ‘Belly Dance’. And although the term ‘Belly Dance’ is not the original name, the dance style in this text will be referred to by this name since it is identified in the West as such.

 

In the class students will focus on the styles practiced traditionally in Egypt and America. This will include folkloric styles which are more earthy and classical styles which make use of more graceful dance vocabulary.

 

Although the name indicates one part of the body, the belly; it does not accurately depict the language of movement associated with this dance as it has little to do with the belly at all. Belly Dance engages the entire body, from the head to the toes and everything in between. Yet, a great deal of emphasis is centered around the hips and torso which acts as a visual instrument that highlights the beats of the dombek drum, this is especially so during drum solos. Traveling steps and graceful play with the arms and hands illustrate the drama and emotional aspects found within the melody and rhythms.

 

Students will be taught to recognize and understand how to dance to the major rhythmic patterns of Belly Dance. A Portion of each class will be devoted to warm up & cool down.  At the end of the class a choreographed routine will be taught from the technique used in that class.