~ Maya Angelou
Tracey as ' Amunet'
Performing Celebration Ritual Sword Dance - Best of the West 2007
A Brief History of Arabic Dance
Arabic dance is an amazing art form that has been around for thousands of years.
It's ancient origin is thought to be Northern Pakistan when gypsies migrated across the Middle East and North Africa, taking their dances with them and this was thousands of years ago!
Belly dance was passed down the generations from the mother, Grand mother or close female relatives to their daughters. It was their way for preparing young women for marriage, childbirth and motherhood. They used the dance to stay strong and supple through all stages in life. Time for dancing was a celebration, one of bonding and sharing precious knowledge.
There were also ritual dances and spiritual dances that come from these ancient times.
Many temple dances have been documented and some modern dancers go to great lengths to research them.
Some like the zar (trance dance) or whirling are quite controversial.
In some traditions a bride will dance for her groom or mother in law to show how physically strong she is and what her characteristics are like.
There is always a lot of dancing at Egyptian weddings.
If they book a professional dancer, she will usually wear a huge candelabra on her head in front of the wedding procession, (as fire is a symbol of cleansing and renewal). Some dancers make their living in Egypt just doing this at weddings.
There are dances unique to the men of Egypt one of which involves large sticks and this dance is more like a martial art drill. It shows off a man's ability to protect. It is very powerful to watch.
It comes from a fighting art called Tahtib.
The other dance performance made by the men is the al Tanoura, where they spin endlessly in bright coloured skirts. Both dances are amazingly skillful and a joy to watch. To see photos of these dances click here.
"Arabic Dance is for Everyone, Man, Woman & Child".
Traditionally Egyptian women very much enjoy dancing for one another and love to spur each other on, clapping and celebrating in joyous approval of each other.
Nowadays, thankfully this happens at MED (Middle Eastern Dance) events all around the world.
In the UK there is a vibrant Arabic dance scene and many Haflas (Middle Eastern dance parties) are held by dedicated followers of the dance. I have been very fortunate in my career that I have attended and danced at many of these events.
If you take up the dance it probably won't be long before you attend your first hafla! You may even perform and you can watch dancers of all levels perform.
The best way to know what is happening in the UK is to join MADN The Mosaic Arabic Dance Network.
To know more about the history of the dance Wendy Bonaventura's book, 'Serpent of the Nile' makes for interesting reading and fabulous pictures and paintings of dancers. You can find quite a good history of the dance online at Caroline Belly Dancer.
Physical & Emotional Benefits
The dance has some amazing healing qualities;
~ The physical benefits..
In strengthening our core muscles (deep stomach and back muscles) it improves our posture. This in turn opens the body out into proper alignment allowing joints better mobility and for energy centres to open.
"The dance has helped me retain my core body strength which helped me enormously after my amputation, with balance and using a prosthetic".
DANCE YOUR WAY TO BETTER, STONGER HEALTHIER BODY TODAY
Some facts:
- The dance burns about 300 calories an hour
- If you shimmy for over a minute your lymphatic system is stimulated to an average increase of 50% - Great for shifting viruses
- Increases mobility of the joints
- Improves posture
- Burns Fat
- Tones up thighs, buttocks and stomach - (much more effective than squats)
- Tones up the shoulders, back and ribcage.
NB ~ while these benefits are possible, results depend on how an individual works their body. AND it is absolutely vital that there is a proper warm up and stretching out afterwards.
~ and it is an emotional dance..
Emotionally, the dance is uplifting and it can be a real confidence builder. You may discover much more about yourself and connect with that personality and spirit.
The music is beautiful and you can find yourself just in the moment.
You may not wish to share your dance with others because it is so personal. This is why performing the dance in front of a public audience is not for everyone.
Whether you dance alone or with others, sometimes you can get very emotional. Perhaps it is body, soul and mind all coming together in the moment.
To find out more about the physical healing qualities of the dance visit World Belly dance , Atlanta Belly dance or Radhiya's MED and Shira.
It is impossible to write everything about the dance in one place and the knowledge is so vast that one could keep learning for an entire lifetime.
It is a dance for life.
It is a celebration of life, body and soul.
