Belly dancing is often also referred to as Arabic dance, and the ancient art form is usually performed at social gatherings in the middle east.Belly dance is one of the most ancient dance forms in the world, which has its origins back in the Arab world, specifically Egypt. The key features of belly dancing are the torso and hip movements, a particular music type, and the body shape, which is an integral part of these dances.Belly dancing is a popular form of dance that originated in the Middle East. It is often considered sensual and erotic and is usually performed for entertainment purposes. However, there is more to belly dancing than meets the eye! Owing to globalization, belly dancing is now pretty common in the western world, with many people practicing it as a form of exercise. The constant hip and belly movements strengthen the stomach muscles and is an entertaining form of cardio. A belly dancer becomes very flexible and healthy due to the workout of the dance.As the art form has traveled to various countries, it has changed the costume worn, and the music played according to the country it is performed in. This article will discuss several remarkable facts about this fascinating dance form. We will explore its history, cultural significance, the purpose of this dance form, and the health benefits of belly dancing. So read on to learn more about this middle eastern dance form!Belly Dancing: HistoryToday, belly dancing is one of the most famous dance forms in the world, alongside the likes of ballet dancing. In the western world, it is regarded as a traditional dance form and a way of exotic entertainment, but in the Arab world, it did not originate as exotic entertainment. In the middle east, men, women, and children performed belly dancing for fun on joyous occasions. Let’s look back at the origins of this middle eastern dance form and how it has evolved over the years.It is believed that belly dancing in its earliest days was a fertility ritual performed by women for women.Did you know the caves of Addaura in Sicily contain around 17,000-year-old rock engravings, which seem like a fertility ritual dance?In the more recent years, belly dancing can be traced back to the 18 and 19 centuries when belly dancers were a troop of traveling dancers known as ghawazee.These women originally hailed from Egypt but were banished and traveled to Europe and the Middle East, increasing the dance form’s popularity.During these early days, the dance form was known as ‘Oriental’ dancing, and the term belly dancing originated by Europeans when they looked at women performing such stomach and hip movements as a part of the dance.Did you know European painters and authors are primarily credited for spreading this art form through their works?In Egyptian Arabic, the dance form is known as Raqs Sharqi, which is native to the country of Egypt.During the 18th century, some French explorers traveled to Egypt and came across women wearing local costumes and performing this unique dance form with their hips and belly.The French named it ‘dance du ventre,’ directly translated as ‘dance of the stomach.‘Belly dance was introduced to America during the 1890s at the Chicago World Fair for the first time by Sol Bloom.Belly dance was exotically performed in the fair, and in no time, it was an instant hit.Historians claim that in 1908, belly dance had spread to Coney island as well, and in a matter of time, it had spread to the metropolitan areas of America.By the 1960s and the 1970s, most US citizens were aware of belly dance, and it was a period when women were gaining power in society and looked to try new things.Interestingly, after introducing belly dancing to the United States, it was influenced by Latin dance forms, American marching bands, and even ballet dance.Did you know the Hollywood industry and other filmmakers played a pivotal role in sensualizing belly dance over the years? They hired belly dancers put them up on the stage, and displayed the traditional dance as a form of sensualized entertainment.The Purpose Of Belly DancingBelly dance was invented as a dance form to practice as a fertility ritual, but in the years that followed, the dance was an integral part of the Egyptian culture. Since then, belly dance has spread worldwide, beginning from the middle east and then Europe and America. The hips and abdomen movement undertaken in belly dancing is why it is nowadays primarily practiced all across the world as a workout.Primarily, belly dance is a form of entertainment, but lately, it has been extensively used for therapy and exercise.On some traditional middle eastern occasions, belly dancers can often perform, whether it is a wedding, a party, or another special occasion.Early in the day in several middle eastern countries, men and women performed belly dancing to earn a living as the audience enjoyed the dance movements and tossed coins at them.In western countries, belly dancing is exclusively performed as entertainment, and belly dancers can often be seen performing at a themed restaurant or a multicultural festival.Did you know there are professional classes where children can learn this dance form? Some children from Egypt look to learn belly dancing to experience an indispensable part of their culture.Many dancers in particular and people who look to keep themselves fit but are bored of traditional workout sessions undertake belly dance as the hips and belly movement help them maintain their figure and physique.Did you know, in certain traditional Muslim households back in the day, women would gather around in a room post evening meal and perform belly dance which was then known as ‘Raks-shark.The time together helped the women know about eligible bachelors in the community for the young women.At the same time, the stomach movement during belly dancing helped the woman develop muscles that play a pivotal role during childbirth.The Health Benefits Of Belly DancingBelly dance isn’t the most strenuous activity of all, and it is a low-impact workout that people of any age group can practice to stay fit. Belly dance is beneficial for your physical health and your mental health. There have been numerous instances where belly dance has gone on to improve a man’s mental state or woman’s mental state and help in relaxing.The majority of the movement performed by a belly dancer involves the torso, and continuous practice leads to flexibility of the torso, which is beneficial for human health.A belly dancer undertakes continuous lengthening and strengthening of their spinal column and the abdominal muscles, benefiting the spine.Did you know belly dance focuses on strengthening several core feminine muscles such as the quads, oblique, and gluts?The movements of belly dancers help themselves in muscle toning.You might not have realized it yet, but while belly dancing, you primarily work the pelvic areas of your body along with your knees and spine.Did you know belly dancers often need to maintain specific postures and stances for considerable periods of time? Their knees, spine, and pelvis need to be perfectly positioned to maintain body balance.Professional dancers have also experienced the release of tension and stress from their bodies, while belly dancing as the correct body alignment plays a key role in relieving such stress.Eventually, your body will be much more flexible than before owing to your belly dancing practices which will significantly reduce the risk of injuries.Some people believe that the soothing music at the end of belly dancing helps provide a meditative experience and calm the mind.Socializing is one of the secondary benefits of belly dancing. When you join a belly dancing class, you tend to make new friends from varying aspects of life, making you more sociable.In the past, belly dancing has proven to be a beneficial way of increasing one’s confidence levels and being proud of their body.Moreover, belly dancing is beneficial for pregnant women and those trying to lose weight.Did you know you could burn as many as 300 calories if you perform belly dancing for around 30 minutes?The dance exercise has also proven beneficial for people who suffer from conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia.The Culture Where Belly Dancing Is Most ProminentBelly dance originated around a couple of centuries ago from the present day, and ever since, it has captivated people worldwide with its unique style. The dance form has been a favorite of painters and authors who have described it gracefully in many of their works. At the same time, the movie industry has been an integral part of the development and globalization of belly dancing.Currently, belly dance is famous worldwide, ranging from America to Europe to Australia.But, interestingly, in most of these continents, the dance form is more of a sensual form of entertainment rather than a cultural dance form. It is also seen as a form of exercise in some metropolitan cities.Moving towards the middle eastern countries, belly dance continues to be a part of the culture, especially in countries like Egypt and Turkey, where this dance form originated.In Egypt, belly dance is a delicate art form with precisely measured body movements.Did you know, at the turn of the 21st century, foreign-born dancers were not allowed to perform belly dancing in Cairo, fearing that it would smear the heritage and culture related to the art form?The ban was lifted in 2004, and ever since then, there have been renowned foreign belly dancing artists who have showcased their talent in Egypt, including the likes of Layla Taj.Some places had also banned belly dancing due to the sexuality which had become a part of it.You might have also noticed many belly dancers covering their faces with veils; the tradition started with Muslim women wearing veils and then dancing in obedience to Islam. Still, the face-covering veils have been known to signify worldliness and sexuality lately.
Belly dancing is often also referred to as Arabic dance, and the ancient art form is usually performed at social gatherings in the middle east.
