Khaalida's Middle Eastern Dance

What exactly is the ancient art of Bellydance?

By Khaalida 2003Most recognize the term “bellydance,” although it is also called Middle Eastern Dance, Oriental Dance, or Raks Sharki (Dance of the East). These titles describe dances which can be seen throughout North Africa and the Middle East. Bellydance is an eclectic dance with isolated movements from these different cultures and geographic regions. These movements are done almost exclusively by women.

Bellydance requires control of specific muscle groups in the body; shoulders, arms, chest, hip, and the abdomen. Movements that use these muscle groups are taught separately. This dance is extremely low impact. It is a flowing dance form using the body to express the emotions of life.

The origins of the bellydance are defined differently by many historians. Here is a list of many cultures that this eclectic bellydance has its deepest roots.

Morocco
Algeria
Tunesia
Libya
Egypt
Turkey
Israel
Saudi Arabia
Jordan
The United Arab Emirate States
Iraq
Syria
Iran
Greece
Crete

Why did these countries perform each their own dance?

Some countries performed this dance because they were folkloric, just as Americans have hip hop today. Some dances were religious in nature. People from these cultures danced their prayers the same ways people in our cultures sing and dance prayers today in the form of hymns in church.