About BDE
The dance form best known as ‘Belly Dance’ has evolved over the years, forming many different styles and names. Some call it Arabic dance, others Middle Eastern dance, Oriental dance, Raqs Sharki, Egyptian dance,… It is rumoured that the dance in its original form was closely associated with fertility rituals and Goddess worship. Modern times, Belly Dance has now became more of an entertainment related art form. With the changing times the dance style was introduced in the West, from this a burst of off shoot fusion dances started to develop , such as Gypsy, Flamenco Fusion, Tribal Belly Dance, Tribal Fusion, ATS (American Tribal Style), Indian Fusion, these styles are all now practice worldwide.
The dancer will tries to illustrate the music with the body using isolated movements of the hips, chest, arms, hands and head, these mimic the rhythm of the music, with experience the dancer will get to learn to layer the movements, so as well as holding a drum beat with the hips, the arms and hand are separately playing out the over melody of the music, it takes practice to get to these levels, but once achieved will look amazing! The dancer can also use a veil, finger-cymbals, cane, or a sword as props to expand the movements.
Costuming for Arabic Indian Tribal Fusion is very eclectic! not represent any particular set time, place or country, it is set apart from other styles of traditional belly dance. Using a combination of silks, sarees and cottons, clothing and jewellery are drawn from different regions and time periods are used to achieve the desired Indian/Arabic fusion look and can include: turbans and saree head veils; tassel and/or fringe, Banjara belts; choli tops; Sarees; coin bras; ethnic and/or antique jewellery, including ghunghroo (indian ankle bells); long braided or dread-locked hair; flowers; cowrie shells; bells…..your imagination is the only limit!
