Belly Dancing
Group Dance:
Belly dancing can be done solo, but more often than not it is a group practice, panning from the early days of the Nomadic peoples and tribes dancing round their fires at night with friends and family, belly dancing is usually performed in a Group often referred to as a Troupe (meaning a group of theatrical performers) or Tribe (meaning a social group of people having a common interest) Groups will either learn and perform a set routine, or will follow instructions improvised by a lead dancer. This can create some beautiful and amazing dance work, with many people simultaneously mirroring a single movement, and the addition of amazing and elaborate costumes, the flow and swirl of colours can literally take you breath away!
Belly Dance Elements teaches group routines as part of a regular class.
Hafla’s:
The spirit of community and friendship that is found within belly dance does not just stop at group dancing. Hafla’s (Meaning Celebration or Party) are often arranged by a local belly dance group, in which they arrange a Show/Party where all the local, and some not so local belly dance groups either book to perform in the show or just to attend and have some fun! It is also great to bring friend and family too. There is usually a Bazaar (Seller of belly dance merchandise) and food is sometime available. Hafla’s usually finish the evening off with the whole area being cleared so everyone can get up and dance the remainder of the evening away!
Please see the Event section for up and coming Hafla’s hosted by Belly Dance Elements or Associates.
