Belly dance is an art form from the Middle East.
It has many names: Raqs Sharqi as it is known in
Arabic and Oryantal Dansi in Turkish. To the
Europeans it translates as Oriental Dance hence
the Turkish term. No one knows the true origin of
belly dancing. There are ancient Greek and Indian
sculptures with similar positions of the Oriental dancer.
A woman in a standing position resembling a belly
dancer was found in Egyptian tombs dating from
5,000 B.C. It is one of the oldest dance forms known
to man. During the Ottoman Empire it spread all over
the Middle East.
Belly dancing was introduced to the
United States in 1893 at the “Streets of Cairo” exhibit
of the Chicago World Fair. A dance troupe of Algerian
villagers performed a specialty called dance “du ventre”,
“dance of the stomach” or “belly dance”. A Mr. Bloom
who had seen them perform in Paris, bought the rights
to the group and brought them to the fair. He described
the dance as “a masterpiece of rhythm and beauty”.
This served to stir up interest and crowds of people
came to see the dance. The main dancer, “Little Egypt”
also known as “Fatima” started the trend in the USA.
Today every Middle Eastern country has a different twist
of style and costumes.
What events are good for a Belly dancer?
Belly dancing is largely used for corporate events, birthday parties, weddings, retirement parties, anniversaries, Arabian Nights, Bar Mitzvahs, Charity Benefits, and especially Restaurants.
Costumes vary from mostly covered (dresses) to the typical belly dance costume (mid-drift open); or anything in between. If inquired, performances may also include a How to Belly Dance class, which is great fun for Bachelorette and other parties.
Belly dancers with senior citizens and children Parties.
Belly dance is great for all AGES!!! Seniors can appreciate the skill and enjoy the Change of atmosphere. Children love the costumes and sparkly accessories. Both love the music and rhythms of the Middle East.