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When you hear the word belly dance what do you think? There are many misconceptions about this oldest form of dance. It was actually created as a ritual to prepare women for childbirth in the ancient Middle East. Belly dancing was performed by women for women. It was not performed to entertain men.

Belly dance is known world wide. In Arabic it is referred to as Raks Sharki "oriental dance". In French it is referred to as Danse Du Ventre "belly dance" or "stomach dance".

When it came to "costumes" the women wore layers of clothes. The stomach was not showing. Today in Egypt it is illegal for dancers to appear in public with a bare stomach. However when I was in Cairo, Egypt I noticed the dancers did indeed bare their stomachs. Of course they were not performing on the streets of Cairo. One of the dancers performed during a dinner show on a Nile cruise. The other dancer performed at a restaurant within a hotel. There was a big difference between the Nile cruise dancer and hotel dancer. The Nile cruise dancer had a very simple, inexpensive costume while the hotel dancer had an ornate, expensive costume. The Nile cruise dancer had a few drummers and danced for a short period of time. The hotel dancer had a twenty piece orchestra along with a singer. She had several costume changes and performed a variety of dances. The hotel claimed their dancer was the best Egyptian belly dancer in Cairo. I agree she was incredible, her most impressive skill was she was able to use the dance moves to interpret every note the orchestra played.

Hollywood has transformed the image of the belly dancer. What they portray is a fantasy. Today's American belly dancers dance for family entertainment. You will see belly dancers at fairs, festivals, restaurants and night clubs. They use props like finger cymbals (zills), candles, veils, swords, canes and snakes. The costumes worn vary depending upon the style of belly dance. Tribal dancers wear more conservative costumes with layers of clothing. Cabaret dancers wear beaded bras and belts with floor length skirts. The dance is unique in that is uses isolations. Isolation of the torso, hips and shoulders. The dance is usually danced barefoot, however the Cabaret dancers may wear heels.

Belly dance is a widely growing dance. There are many videos, books and workshops if you would like to do some additional research.

Learn more about this author, Darlene Koza.
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