What is the belly dance?

The Belly Dance is identified by swaying hips, undulating torso, and articulated isolations employed in a range of dynamic and emotional expressions. Characteristic movements in the dance include curving patterns, undulations, thrusts, lifts, locks, and drops, and shaking or quaking body movements. The focus is on isolated movements of individual parts of the body with little notice given to the footsteps. Arms and hands move fluidly, like serpents or ribbons in the air. Unusual strength and control is demonstrated in the belly area.

Costumes typically consist of a bra and hip-belt set worn over a floor length skirt. The skirt may be circular or straight. Instead of the skirt and bra, a dancer may wear a gown called a baladi dress topped with a hip-belt or a hip-scarf. Dancers may also use a length of fabric (such as silk or chiffon) during one part of the dance sequence, and she may also play finger cymbals. Costuming changes from place to place and from time to time, but the one constant is that the designs intend to emphasize and amplify the grace, power and independent control of the feminine form.

Constant themes of bellydancing:

    The Dance that Celebrates Life, Birth and Creativity!
    The Dance that Celebrates Women!
    The Dance that Celebrates Beauty!
    The Dance that Celebrates the Body!


Belly dancing is also known as, or is associated with these terms:

• Middle Eastern Dance

This umbrella term includes belly dance, among other forms. Some people consider it a more prestigious title than belly dancing. While this term acknowledges the culture that historically has had the strongest association with belly dance, it fails to recognize the many other cultures which form and influence the world of belly dancing today.

Famous Quotes:

No movement is owned, it is only rediscovered — Ruth St. Denis

There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into actions, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and be lost. It is not your business to determine how good it is, nor how valuable, or how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours, clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You have to keep open and aware to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. — Martha Graham