EGYPTIAN BELLY DANCE UNCOVERED

EGYPTIAN BELLY DANCE UNCOVERED

MELISSA BELLY DANCE NEWSLETTER

EGYPT EDITION JANUARY 2013!

Welcome to Melissa BellyDance's 2nd EVER NEW exciting newsletter, this time we uncover Egyptian belly dance and are full of belly dance and belly dancing goodies!

  • Belly dance news

  • Tips and advice on key belly dancing techniques - including video tutorials!

  • Spotlight on Egyptian belly dance

  • Do the Melissa belly dance challenge - the undulation/camel challenge

  • Interview with a student

  • Inspirational belly dance blog post - belly dance and endorphins the 'happy hormones'

  • FREE online class video links!

For this 2nd edition we interview one of my students Sureya, who shares her belly dance experiences with you all, we talk about belly dance and the all important natural feel good drug - Endorphins, get down to belly dance with some tips and advice on the 'omi' AKA 'interior hip circle', cover Egyptian belly dance in this editions Spotlight, take FREE taster classes with me, AND  put your stamina to the test in a belly dance challenge!

On that note – HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Belly Dance News!

New Jan 2013 courses

Online courses – all you need to know

Melissa's DVD'S

Mahira Girls Auditions

FREE Taster Workshops – London UK!

FREE online 1 hour bellydance class!

NEW JAN 2013 COURSES!

All courses commence week of the 14th January 2013!

https://melissabellydance.com/

Courses available: • Belly dance levels 1-4 • Urban tribal level 2 • Belly dance Hiphop (open to all) • Tahitian/ Polynesian Fusion (open to all) • Belly Balance Yoga (open to all) • Latin Fusion (open to all)

View the full course timetable here:

https://melissabellydance.com/timetable-and-courses/

The courses: Each course is 12 weeks long and also comes with 12 weeks access to the relevant online course so you can practice anytime any place anywhere! All courses conclude with an exciting and fun end of term show (with the exception of Belly Balance Yoga) at the famous Guanabara, Covent Garden, London! All students have the special opportunity to perform alongside other class mates and the Melissa BellyDance team!
BONUS NEWS: If you miss a class due to other commitments, holidays ect you may take a make up class of your choice so long as its within the 12 week course timeframe, you can also catch up online with the relevant online class, so no need to miss out on anything!!

 

ONLINE COURSES!

Unable to attend my courses?

Are you in another country ?

Now you can still take a course with Melissa BellyDance any place any time and anywhere in the world!!

Take an online course from anywhere in the world be that in the comfy of your own home or your hotel room!

The Online classes are also available to watch on your mobile phone so you can watch them on the go, even do a sneaky class in your lunch break!

ALL of Melissa's courses are available online:

Belly dance levels 1-4, Belly Dance HipHop, Belly Balance Yoga, Polynesian Fusion, Latin Fusion.

WHY MELISSA BELLYDANCE?

Melissa's classes are hugely popular and she's well known for her teaching techniques and methods. Melissa belly dance academy runs syllabus based courses that follow a specific structure and development phases to ensure students learn technically, safely , and effectively.

Melissa's teaching methods and approach uses a variety of learning styles to ensure that all students are able to understand and grasp the concepts, techniques and moves in a way that is accessible to them.
Each of the belly dance courses from level 1 to level 4 teach belly dance moves and techniques in a specific order to encourage muscle and brain connection, co ordination and development. Each course builds strength in key belly dance muscles assisting progress in the current techniques and preparing the mind and body for the next stage and level in the Melissa BellyDance format.
As you progress through the levels so will your body and your mind. Things that you never thought possible are now possible as you will have built and developed  new synapses pathways enabling a strong and safe belly dance technique.

Melissa's courses are action packed, incredibly addictive and a fun challenge creating physical and mental awareness in each student.

Belly dance will not only tone and sculpt your body and get you in touch with yourself and your feminine side, it will also encourage a healthy mind and body connection through training the brain and body alike.

HOW DO THE ONLINE COURSES/CLASSES WORK?

  • The classes/videos run as a 12 week course which means you can take the full 12 week course online.
  • Once you have subscribed you can log in as many times as you like and watch the videos as many times as you like over the month long subscription.
  • It's just £30 per month – that's £1 a day!!
  • You'll have 24 hour access for the entire length of your subscription.
  • Each video is approx 1 hour long.
  • The courses are syllabus based which means you learn specific key moves in each course with the option to progress through the levels.
  • You can join at ANY time from anywhere in the world!
  • Every student also has online support from Melissa herself!

Belly dance essentially is a dance and art form using key muscles in a variety of ways creating a beautiful, exquisite and empowering dance of the female form.
Melissa belly dance courses are not just belly dance classes. They are an evolution, a journey into oneself and a journey of self discovery, at the same time they are a fun feminine rewarding workout!!

 

FREE TASTER WORKSHOPS LONDON UK TUESDAY 8TH JAN 2013!

I have a New Years treat for you all . The FREE taster classes are BACK! Feel free to spread the word and pass on to friends and family!

You may sign up to as many as you like ( subject to availability)

Date: Tues 8th Jan 2013

Location: Piccadilly Circus, London UK

What's available:

7.30-8.00pm : Belly dance beginners/Improvers

8.00/8.30pm: Belly dance Hiphop (open to all)

8.30-9.00pm: Latin fusion (open to all)

9.00-9.30: Tahitian/Polynesian fusion (open to all)


All will take place in Piccadilly circus, London, UK To register and recieve full details send me an email stating the classes you wish to attend. You will then recieve a confirmation email. Offer available subject to availability.

[email protected]

 

 

 

FREE 1 HOUR ONLINE BELLY DANCE CLASS!

. http://youtu.be/pvky4ppTJfs

Take a free 1 hour belly dance class with Melissa online!

Before you get started be sure to wear something comfortable that you can move in and have some water nearby! Your going to sweat!

 

 

 

 

 

TIPS AND ADVICE ON THE 'OMI':

The 'Omi' is a captivating move when its done right.

No idea what I'm talking about?? google it!

I also teach and break this move down in my belly dance hiphop fusion DVD.

It would be safe to say that an Omi is a smooth, soft contraction version of a hipbox/ hip square and that a hipbox/ hip square is a sharp contraction version of an Omi.

So essentially they are the same thing BUT they look very very different.

 

An Omi is an interior hip cirlce meaning it recruits the muscles of the hip internally to create a circular motion.

Not only is it impressive to look at, but you as the dancer are engaging various muscles which means that not only are you working your brain but you are also toning and strengthening your muscles why? Because you are engaging and contracting and releasing them!!

 

When I see people doing the Omi I notice a very common 'thing'. This 'thing' is that either they miss the lower ab contraction at the front or they don't pass through it deeply enough meaning that rather than it being a juicy internal looking movement the movement gets lost and can end up with people sticking their butt's out and or moving their hips far too much result? An untidy Omi and a bad lower back!

I also see people do the Omi far to big resulting in loss of control and definition of movement. The key is to kep it small and as muscular as possible.

Sometimes I see people doing the Omi without them really engaging or contracting the right muscles properly result? An Omi that's somewhere between a bigger exterior hip cirlce and a hip box, meaning it can look a bit 'jerky' or  not quite one or the other and the effect or movement is lost.

So here's the 'secret' to a good smooth Omi

  • stand with a good dance posture: soft knees, feet hip width apart, long tail bone (you butt's not sticking out), chest slightly lifted, shoulders back and down. You should be feeling grounded and tall!
  • The Omi. We are going to start off by doing a hipbox with sharp contractions, then we will simply remove the sharp contractions.
  • NOTE : for this to make more sense  view my hipbox video
    . http://youtu.be/J9rHWcYUEUA <p
  • So lets assume you've checked out the above video what you need to do now is 'join the dots' or 'sharp isolation points'  of the hipbox so that you are making a continous circular hip roll motion.
    • 1. Let's start clockwise starting at the left hip. Transfer the weight throughout the movement. So for example when you are in a soft 'upwards' contraction in the Left hip your weight is on the Left leg. ( A bit like a very small flat footed hip lift feeling)
    • 2. Roll the contraction into the lower abs ( for maximum effect you should look like you are in a pelvic tuck position) Your weight should now be equally distributed on BOTH legs.
    • 3. Roll the soft contraction through to the right (there's a slight upwards feeling like a very small flat footed hiplift) Your weight should now be on the right leg. For Maximum effect keep the soft lower abs contraction in the front to give you somewhere to go in move 4. ( as explained in my hipbox video)
    • 4. Roll the soft contraction through to your lower back. Be careful not to hyper extend your lower back – basically dont stick your butt out! Your weight should now be on both feet equally.

    Tips and safety:

    - When you get to the 'front' of your Omi (the pelvic tuck part) Keep the pelvic tuck at the front whilst ADDING on the glute contraction on the right. So you should now have 2 contractions. 1 in the lower abs and 1 in the right glute. By doing this you actually have somewhere to go on the next move. This avoids sticking the butt out.

    - Less is more! Smaller is safer, and also encourages deeper contractions, making you Omi super tight whilst strenghtening your muscles!

    - Always keep knees soft – NEVER lock them

    - Keep legs relaxed – if you tense up too much you'll find your knees will ache! Obviously not good!

    -  Keep heels on the floor

    - Remember to transfer your weight throughout the movement.

    - remember it's an isolation. Keep the rest of the body still, unless you are layering!

    Unsure? If your an online student you have the privilege of online support -  submit a video of yourself doing the move for me to analyse and I'll help you out!!

     

 

MELISSA'S DVD'S

 

. http://youtu.be/ACd9A-8Ougo

 

 

 

Buy Belly Dance Hiphop DVD:

https://melissabellydance.com/store/products/belly-dance-hiphop-fusion-dvd/

Buy Belly Dance Essentials DVD:

https://melissabellydance.com/store/products/melissas-belly-dance-essentials/

 

MAHIRA AUDITIONS!

Mahira Girls Auditions JAN 2013!

Looking for serious girls with dedication for exciting new projects with Melissa BellyDance.

WANNA JOIN OUR GANG??!

Email Melissa for details:

[email protected]

 

DO THE MELISSA BELLY DANCE CHALLENGE!

 

Right.

Belly Dance Challenge number 2 is based on undulations.

I thought it would be  nice to undulate our way into 2013 and beyond!

So here's the challenging part .

the entire time you should be doing undulations AKA Camels  AKA body rolls up to down non stop!

(up to down meaning start the camel in your chest finish in your hips)

OK first go and select some tracks that make you wanna dance! Nothing too fast or else it will be really hard trying to do the camels in time -  you'll just look a bit crazy!!

Next throw on something that makes you feel good, but something you can move easily in.

..Make sure you have enough space .

READY? STEADY? GO!!

  • Go ahead and press play on you favourite tune
  • start to camel - do 16 to get started
  • add on basic hip shimmie 4 counts of 8
  • switch to a shoulder shimmie 4 counts of 8 – keep those camels coming!!
  • switch to flat footed choo choo shimmie 4 counts of 8
  • switch to releve' ( tiptoe) choo choo shimmie 4 counts of 8 - still cameling??
  • time to catch your breath – just camels on their own x 16
  • come on to releve' (tiptoes) x2 camels , then bend knees ( lower level change) x2 camels. Repeat this 4 times ( keep heels off  the floor – balance!!!)
  • traveling choo choo shimmie fwd x4 camels then backwards x4 camels. Repeat this 4 times in releve' (tiptoes)
  • Well done! Catch your breath by doing x16 slow camels.

STILL GOING?? THEN DO IT AGAIN!

 

 

 

INTERVIEW WITH A STUDENT!

For the 2nd ever time I am interviewing one of my lucky students to share her experiences with you all! Allow me to introduce you to Sureya. Sureya has been my student for a few years now and as with Joey ( last editions interviewee) I've witnessed her grow from strength to strength in so many ways. She is also part of Mahira, the Melissa BellyDance dance company.

Here is what she has to say

 

What drew you to belly dancing?

Belly dance is part of my Turkish background, so I grew up seeing it on TV and at weddings etc. but I never really thought about taking classes until I was out with friends and a belly dancer got me up and I started doing moves I didn't think I could do! I also loved the reaction of the crowd to her dancing and really wanted to learn how she did so many interesting moves. As I became an adult I felt there was something missing that I hadn't accomplished so I started taking lessons around 3 years ago.

Is your perception of belly dance different to what it was when you first started?

Totally! Before I started, belly dance was always seen as entertainment and fun but I had no idea how technically demanding it was and since I have started learning, I've discovered new styles such as Urban Tribal and other fusions and I had only ever been exposed to cabaret styles. This has also helped me to appreciate belly dance as a form of Art and expression rather than just entertainment. 

You've been a student of Melissa's for quite some time. Why would you say you chose her as your teacher and what do you enjoy about her classes?

Two summers ago I was searching for hip-hop dance classes online, however I came across belly dance hip hop workshops by chance and thought it was the right time for me to get back into belly dance as well as learning something new. The following month I enrolled with two of Melissa's classes and haven't stopped dancing since! I've carried on with Melissa's classes because she is such an enthusiastic teacher and she can always lift your spirits after a hard day. She is also one of the most amazing dancers we have in the UK so there is so much to learn from her classes and there is no limit to what you can learn with her as she knows probably every single move she even makes up her own moves! I like the fact that we learn something different each term as well as new technique and drills and there is such a large variety of classes to choose from.

Have you noticed any changes in yourself since belly dancing with Melissa?

Until I started belly dance, I had never had any dance training before. Physically, I'm a lot healthier and flexible plus it has done wonders for my coordination! I've also become more confident within myself and my body and have made many friends both within Mahira and classes. I can definitely say that I'm happier as a person.

 

Has belly dancing taught you anything? If so what?

Belly dance has taught me how to express myself, how to perform as a dancer- we have a show at the end of every term where we can perform choreography we have learned. I have also discovered muscles that I never knew I had and I'm sure I have many more to find. I've also learnt more about my culture and have engaged a lot with the music we dance to.

Whats the biggest challenge you've come across Learning to belly dance?

The biggest challenge for me has been floor work. When I started belly dance I had zero flexibility as I had never danced before. For example we have a move called the zipper where you kind of back bend whilst on your knees to the floor then come up. That move took me 3 months to understand and I never thought I could do it! Now its one of my favorites :).

Has belly dance helped you in any way? If so how?

Bellydance has done wonders for me physically in terms of posture and weight loss. I have a condition called dyspraxia which affects coordination however belly dance has really helped me to improve this. It has also made me become more confident as a person every time I perform and it has helped me to meet new people. 

How has belly dance enriched your life?

I think that belly dance has given me a purpose and has become more than just a hobby, its my number one passion in life! It also helped me deal with depression and it is often the thing that gets me through a bad day. I'm the type of person that loves to learn new things constantly and I know that there are so many aspects of belly dance that I have yet to learn and progress towards so it has given me motivation and something to aim for in life.

What are your top 3 favourite things about belly dance?

1. It has got to be DRUM SOLOs- my favorite thing in the world to dance to :).

2. Isolations- love all and any of these!

3. Dancing with a sword- non belly dancers go wow when they see it, it looks impressive.

 

 

BELLY DANCING AND ENDORPHINS BLOG

I was inspired to write this piece partly because of the stress and pressures  put on the women of today by the media and society to live up to the medias image of body beautiful,  partly because of some of the negative misconceptions of belly dance, partly because of how fitness and belly dance are united, and partly because somehow this all ties together with feeling good about yourself, accepting yourself and loving yourself.

So here it is, I hope you enjoy it!

 

  BELLY DANCE AND ENDORPHINS RELEASE

Ever notice a woman walking down the street and think ' damn she owns herself'!?

You noticed her because of her super composure, genuine confidence and maybe the gentle shasse of her hips and she seems completely unaware of her impact?

A female who knows who she is and loves herself is endearing.

And I'm not talking about an egotistical diva with narcissist syndrome.

I'm talking about a female who is comfortable in her own skin and loves herself and her flaws.

A female that never puts herself down or compares herself to the media body image of beautiful.

A female who knows who she is and where she's going.

A female that we admire because she's accepted herself.

 

We may ask ourselves:

How does she do that?!

What's the secret?!

 

First of all we need to feel good about ourselves.

How do we do that you ask?

Many ways, but 1 fun, challenging and maybe not so obvious way that I strongly recommend .

Belly dance!

Belly dance is a form of exercise, and exercise releases Endorphins which is the bodies natural 'feel good drug' (AKA ' happy hormones') and when they're released, they make us feel better,happier, improve our mood, increase pleasure, reduce stress, and minimize pain.

 

Exercise is an essential part of good body function. But the good news is that exercise is your shortest route to a feeling of well-being and a physical glow. Everyone knows that exercise is good for you and that it is one of the best stress combatants available.

Not only does it keep the heart healthy and get oxygen into the system, but it helps deplete stress hormones and releases mood-enhancing chemicals which help us cope with stress better.

(http://www.stress.org.uk/Exercise.aspx)

 

Many Ladies first come to my classes with low self confidence, body hang ups and little body awareness.

by the end of the course these same ladies have a completely different body image, they are more in tune with themselves, they love their curves and they literally strut in and out of every class.

When I say that belly dance is fun but challenging, I'm not necessarily talking about learning new skills, muscle control and isolation's

Maybe one persons challenge is to overcome a confidence issue whilst another's challenge maybe to learn to appreciate herself.

The positive affects of belly dance that I witness in every class that I teach never fails to amaze me.

Through belly dance we can change the way we as women see ourselves and 1 by 1 and we can defy the media and love ourselves for who we are right here and right now.

 

 

What are endorphins?

Endorphins are defined as hormone-like substances that are produced in the brain and function as the body's natural painkillers. During exercise, these endorphins are released, and this can produce feelings of euphoria and a general state of well being.

They are also released during excitement, pain, love, and orgasm. Endorphins resemble the opiates in their ability to produce a natural state of well-being. Hence why endorphins are known as the bodies natural high.

It consists of two parts: endo- and -orphin; these are short forms of the words endogenous and morphine, intended to mean "a morphine-like substance originating from within the body."

The endorphins produced can be so powerful that they actually mask pain.

Physically active people recover from mild depression more quickly and physical activity is strongly correlated with good mental health as people age.

Runner's high

A publicized effect of endorphin production is the so-called "runner's high", which is said to occur when strenuous exercise takes a person over a threshold that activates endorphin production. Endorphins are released during long, continuous workouts, when the level of intensity is between moderate and high, and breathing is difficult. This also corresponds with the time that muscles use up their stored glycogen. Runner's high has also been known to create feelings of euphoria and happiness.

(Wikipedia)

Endorphins and belly dance:

Not only is belly dance a form of exercise that done at the right intensity releases these wonderful feel good hormones, it also has many other major benefits that as a female you simply cannot turn your back on!

Feeling good, learning to love yourself, discovering your femininity PLUS ALL the benefits of the gym - getting fit, toning up, loosing weight whilst dedicating time to yourself AND going on an incredible journey of self discovery is just some of the things you can come to expect from a belly dance class.

Belly dance teaches us to not only accept ourselves but also to love ourselves, put that with a potent mix of endorphins and the euphoric feeling will be one you'll want to have in your life permanently!

Before you know it -

YOU'LL be that female that others notice and admire for being beautifully you and loving it.

YOU'LL be the female that turns heads with your endearing confidence and composure.

YOU'LL be the female that looks in the mirror and smiles back at herself.

Because accepting yourself and loving yourself starts with feeling good about who you are.

 

 

 

Love yourself so other people can love you, believe in yourself so other people can believe in you, trust yourself so other people can trust you and be no thing but yourself.

Anonymous

 

 

EGYPTIAN BELLYDANCE

A note from Melissa:

When I began my research to write this blog I thought I knew a lot about belly dance. Wow. I learnt so much more from reading various articles/ blogs and reports whilst deciding what was going to make it into my blog.

The amount of information now available is incredible. And although its hard to know whether what you are reading is indeed factual with real evidence to back it up or whether it is opinion based or a romanticised idea it has been a fascinating learning experience non the less!

So where as I can't say for sure that all the information below is accurate I can do my part in sharing ideas and information on the beautiful and captivating world of belly dance, Whats true? What's false? What's a dream or an opinion? I invite you to read and you to decide!!

The information posted here is taken from various places listed throughout this blog.

I am truly grateful to these ladies and anyone else who shares their work and knowledge with us all to help educate us about the world of 'belly dance' which brings us all closer together.

 

FAMOUS EGYPTIAN DANCERS:

Below is a list of a few famous Egyptian belly dancers. Their names have been spelt in various ways whilst doing my research, and a few descriptions of the info related to each dancer has also varied so I can't be sure that all of the details below are correct. However the aim is to show you a few of the 'Golden Age' Iconic figures. You'll also see links to videos of them dancing. Enjoy!

Badiaa Masabni

Badiaa Masabni - she was the founder of the ‘Opera Casino’, in Egypt, and the inspiration behind raks sharki or Egyptian cabaret style, as we know it today. Badia Masabni was born in Lebanon around 1892/4 and moved to Egypt in the 1920’s, where she opened the ‘Opera Casino’. There, comedians, singers and dancers from different countries used to perform. Her target audience were upper classes and westerners, for whom she created a belly dance style that incorporated western elements, such as floor patterns that were unknown until then in Middle Eastern dance. Stars like Tahia Carioca, Samia Gamal, Naima Akef and many others started their careers in Badia’s ‘Opera Casino’. More on 'Opera Casino' below.

Tahiya Karioka

It is said that Tahiya was one of the dancers of the Golden Age of Egypt and was born between 1915 and 1923 in Ismaileya, Egypt. As a teenager she fled to Cairo, due to contrasts with her family, where she started her career as a dancer and was introduced to Badeia Masabny. Taheyya Karioka then started dancing in Badia’s troupe and she gradually became famous and starred in not less then 150 movies.

It is also said that Tahia was born in 1915 with the name Abla Muhammed Karim. The changed her name to Karioka after the brazilian samba dance she performed at the casino. She studied at the Ivanova Dancing School before working at the casino where she reputedly earned 20 LE (Egyptian pounds) a week at the age of 14 when she started cabaret dancing. King Farouk of Egypt was so impressed with her dancing he invited her to dance for his anniversary. She appeared in 120 films, first as a dancer. She stopped dancing at the age of 32 and carried on acting. Tahia was married a total of 14 times and died in 1999.

Watch a video of Tahiya Karioka /Tahia Carioca here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xM_E3ca7Rs8&feature=player_embedded

Samia Gamal

Real name Zainab Ibrahim Mahfuz - she changed her name to Samia Gamal when she started working at the Casino Badia. Samia was considered to be second to Tahia and it was thought that she made the dance more expressive and respectable. She wore high heeled shoes to dance in 'because she could afford them' and started the fashion for barefoot dancing on stage when her shoe strap broke! She appeared in Valley of the King's in 1954. This was the first film to include Egyptian music, dance and costume. Appearing in many films she had an on off romance with Faride el Atrache. Samia died on 1st December 1994 in Cairo at the age of 79 from a heart attack.

Watch a video of Samia Gamal here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJNHfmETiVk&feature=player_embedded

 

Naima Akef

Naima Akef – together with Tahiya Karioka and Samya Gamal, Naima Akef was one of the stars of the ‘Golden Age’ of Egyptian cinema. She started her career working for Badeia Masabny. Naima also starred in many movies and theatre productions and once won the first prize at a festival of the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow.

Watch a video of Naima Akef here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Gy1k9DGLdg&playnext=1&list=PL0D70D8D90DCD6C22&feature=results_video

Resources:

http://bellydanceperformers.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/bellydance-legends-and-divas.html

http://www.carolinebellydancer.co.uk/history_culture_bellydance.htm

HISTORY OF EGYPTIAN BELLY DANCE:

The exact origin of this dance form is actively debated among dance enthusiasts, especially given the limited academic research and actual facts available on the topic. Much of the research in this area has been done by dancers attempting to understand their dance's origins. Lots of myths , legends and misconceptions has led to an overall misunderstanding of the dance's true nature and has given rise to many conflicting theories about its origins.

For example there is the tale of Salome and the dance of the 7 veils, there is the various versions of the goddess Ishtar, the biblical version, the play version by Oscar Wilde and the various Hollywood movies depicting Salomé and her 7 veils. Then theirs the valuable bit of info as shared by the Famous belly dancer Morocco:

'In the 1940's (nearly half a century after Oscar Wilde hatched his notion of the "dance of the seven veils"), Samia Gamal whisked on stage carrying a large piece of fabric. This was the first known occurrence of a "real" Oriental dance artist using a length of fabric as a dance prop. She did it because she was taking dance lessons from Anna Ivanova (a famous Russian ballerina), and Ivanova had instructed her to use the fabric as a way of improving her arm carriage'.

Resource: ( Dance of the 7 veils – Shira, http://www.shira.net/sevenveils.htm)

Many dancers subscribe to one or another of a number of theories regarding the origins of the form. Some of these theories are that the dance form:

  • descended from dances in early Egypt
  • descended from a religious dance Temple Priestesses once practised
  • had been a part of traditional birthing practices in the region(s) of origin
  • had spread from the migrations of the Romani people (also called 'Gypsies') and related groups, with origins in India.

I will be covering more on these beliefs another day!

During the Ottoman rule in the reign of Haroun al Rashid, the dance evolved greatly. The almeh/awalim (the learned women) were held in very high regard both artistically and morally. These female intellectuals were the only people allowed to go into the harem without requiring permission in order to teach and advise the ladies in the harem how to dance. They also taught them tasteful conduct, graceful demeanour and fine manners. The learned women were able to sing, recite poetry, play musical instruments and dance, even at mixed gatherings, thus they were held in high regard for their artistic and moral standards. The awalim left Cairo during Napoleon's occupation as they refused to entertain his soldiers.

Equally as important, although not so well regarded, were the ghawazee (meaning invaders or outsiders). They sang, told jokes and interacted with the audience but were often linked to prostitution. The ghawazee did a side to side shimmy to a very fast 4/4 beat. Any coins thrown at them were stitched into a bodice, belt or head covering which they wore when they danced, which has developed into the hip scarf as we know it today. They wore heavier, more complicated outfits which did not allow as much freedom of movement.

During the 19th century 400 ghawazee were captured and beheaded before having their bodies bundled into sacks and thrown into the Nile. They fraternised with the French and Napoleons generals blamed them for creating unrest and causing great disturbance. They were told to keep away from the barracks or they would be severely punished. When they did not do this they were banished from Cairo by Mohammed Ali in 1934 and sent then to Esna, Aswan and Kena. Female impersonators called Essne Khawals took their place. Any women who defied the ban were liable to 50 lashes for a first offence and hard labour for any further infringement.

The travellers to Cairo would make their way 500 miles down the Nile to Esna and Aswan to see these infamous ghawazee dancers whose fame preceded them. One of the most well known of these dancers was called Kutchuk Hanem.

When the ghawazee lived in Cairo they contributed over 1/10th of all taxes collected in Cairo. When they were banished taxes were increased. They returned in 1866 when the ban was lifted.

The orientalists, a group of artists, writers and explorers who visited the Middle East during the 18th and 19th century, depicted the dancers they saw on their travels, with two of them being Flaubert and Nerval. The images they brought back depicted fantasies of the dance and portrayed images of nudity and eroticism. They told tales of opulent harems and dancing girls. These blatant images of sensuality were instrumental in colouring the hungry western minds with exotic and curious delight.

The Famous Story of 'Little Egypt' and the 1893 Chicago World Trade Fair:

The story has it that belly dance first came to America in 1893 when a dancer known as "Little Egypt" performed at the Chicago World's Fair. Fascinated by the dance and the music, Americans became very interested in the exotic dances and rhythms of the orient.

When the French first saw the dance they called it 'danse de ventre' - dance of the stomach. The Americans translated it to belly dance. More detail on the Little Egypt story at a later date!

YOUTUBE CLIP OF 'LITTLE EGYPT':

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FUktaHZWiI

This is 'supposed' to be vintage footage of 'Little Egypt' the belly dancer famously known for performing at the 1893 Chicago World Trade Fair.

I can not confirm this, and should also mention that there is great mystery surrounding the 'Little Egypt' story and many believe that it is a myth.

I will be writing a blog on this later watch this space!

In the meantime if you'd like to know more there is a book on the whole thing:

looking for little Egypt' by Donna Carlton

 

EGYPTIAN BELLY DANCE AND THE CASINO BADIA

The first Egyptian Cabaret was casino Badia, or 'Opera Casino' (the official name), and was opened in Cairo in 1925 by Badia Masabni, a dancer and actress born in 1892 in the Lebanon (which at that time was still part of Syria). This held great importance for the development of the dance, as it is where oriental style dancing evolved.

The casino stood where the Cairo Sheraton stands today and gained such notoriety that they named the bridge beside it 'Kubri Badia'.

 

At one time Samia Gamal and Tahia Carioca both danced there along with a highly trained troupe of dancers. Although Badia did not dance at this time she would always be seen on stage in full costume, playing finger cymbals. The dancers would come forward one at a time to do a solo turn.

Raks baladi was previously performed stationary and in small spaces. For the first time oriental dance was performed on a stage and Badia adapted the dance to utilize stage space and refined the movements to include not only hip work but also chest and arm movements, bringing to life oriental dance. These oriental dancers had a varied repertoire, graceful arm movements and performed to oriental music with classical middle eastern instruments.

The Casino Badia was instrumental in bringing oriental dance to a wider audience offering 3 performances a day with a 6.00pm performance for ladies only. Every 15 days there was a new show which was choreographed for the first time. The troupe was trained by American choreographer Isaac Dickson.

Another major change at this time was costuming. Up until this time dancers wore a long dress with a scarf accentuating their hips. The beaded two piece bedlah made its appearance due to influences of Hollywood movies and European cabarets. Props were also introduced.

The casino started to fade after the revolution in 1952 when places like this were destroyed. It has been said that Churchill's son and the Duke of Gloucester both frequented the casino.

The Golden Age of Cinema bought into the public eye some amazing talent in singing, composing and dancing, with some of these talents being Tahia Karioka, Samia Gamal, Naema Akef, Farid el Atrache, Modammed Abdul Wahed, and Om Koulsoum.

Resource:

( Caroline bellydancer: http://www.carolinebellydancer.co.uk/history_culture_bellydance.htm)

EXAMPLE OF A FEW EGYPTIAN MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS:

THE OUD

The Tabla

EGYPTIAN BELLY DANCE

Egyptian-style belly dance is based on the work of belly dance legends Samia Gamal, Tahiya Karioka, Naima Akef,

and other dancers who rose to fame during the golden years of the Egyptian film industry.

"Film dance" is an often used synonim for this dance style.

Later dancers who based their styles partially on the dances of these artists are Sohair Zaki, Fifi Abdou, and Nagwa Fouad.

All rose to fame between 1960 and 1980, are still popular today, and have nearly risen to the same level of stardom and influence on the style.

Though the basic movements of Raqs Sharqi have remained the same, the dance form continues to evolve.

Mahmoud Reda is noted for incorporating elements of ballet into Raqs Sharqi and his influence can be seen in modern Egyptian dancers who stand on relevé as they turn or travel through their dance space in a circle or figure eight.

In Egypt, three main forms of the traditional dance are associated with belly dance: Baladi/Beledi, Sha'abi and Sharqi.

 

 

Classical Egyptian Belly Dance:

This description is taken from a translation by a lady called 'moon' answering another ladies question on the characteristics of various styles of bellydance on 'belly dance furum.net':

"Film dance" is an often used synonim for this dance style. The classical Egyptian style is influenced by dance styles from the West: elements from ballet like an increased usage of space,

arabesques, larger arm movements and especially a strongly improved posture which made it possible to do more refined isolations with the body.

The energy of the classical dancer is higher and less earthy than that of the baladi dancer.

The baladi dancer represents the "country woman", while the classical dancer represents the princess or movie star.

That's why this dance is called Raqs el Hawanim (dance of the ladies) by the Egyptians.

The lightliness, wide arm movements, fine hand movements and often small isolations give the classical style an elegant appearance.

 

And that wraps up the 2nd edition of Belly Dance Uncovered with me, Melissa Belly Dance!

 

Thanks for reading!

Melissa BellyDance

xx

 

 
Summer Courses 2013