Dispelling Myths about Middle Eastern Dancers (Bellydancers)
Myth # 1: Belly dancers are like strippers, their intent is to sexually entice men, and therefore not suitable for a family audience. ** WRONG!! **
Many experts say belly dancing is the oldest form of dance, having roots in all ancient cultures from the orient to India to the mid-East. Probably the greatest misconception about belly dancing is that it is intended to entertain men.
Throughout history, this ritualized expression has usually been performed for other women--generally during fertility rites or parties preparing a young woman for marriage. In most cases, the presence of men is not permitted.
Belly dancing is natural to a woman's bone and muscle structure with movements emanating from the torso rather than in the legs and feet. The dance often focuses upon isolating different parts of the body, moving them independently in sensuous patterns, weaving together the entire feminine form. Belly dancing is generally performed barefoot, thought by many to emphasize the intimate physical connection between the dancer, her expression, and Mother Earth.
In the Middle East, belly dance is not restricted to the costumed dancer performing solo in a nightclub or on a stage. In fact, they don’t even call it belly dancing; they call it raks sharki. Only a relative few individuals actually don a costume in their life. There are several reasons for this, but to keep it short……this is a dance of the people. Children grow up with raks sharki, and it is danced in informal, familial settings.
Myth #2: A bellydancer should be young and thin!
Beautiful and enticing bellydancers come in all shapes, sizes, all ages, and ethnicities.
The best bellydancers are in their mid 30s to 40s and older; their dance and life experience combines to add an edge and sophistication to their dance that only age can bring.
Myth # 3: Belly dance looks easy; anyone can do that!
Bellydance is an American word for an art form that requires discipline and practice. The different styles are as diverse as the countries and peoples of the Middle East. Not even a person who has danced for decades can say she is done learning.
Some of the different styles of bellydance include: Egyptian, Turkish, or American Westernized cabaret (Beladi), tribal (ATS), Gypsy, Guedra, Khaleegy, Ghawazee, Indian, etc!
Belly dance involves muscle control, concentration, flexibility, stamina, coordination and balance (especially when using props such as veil, sword, cane, zills, etc.) and most of all, stage presence.
