» About Belly Dancing

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!

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.