To keep your body in shape or to achieve a slim figure, everything more women make their choice in favor of oriental dances, namely belly dancing. What are the benefits and difficulties of belly dancing? What are the contraindications to belly dancing?
Let's take a closer look.
Why belly dancing attracts us
At first glance, belly dancing is an ideal solution in every sense; instructors of this colorful oriental movement claim that regular oriental dance classes will help you quickly regain shape, eliminate excess fat in the hips and abdomen, strengthen the pelvic muscles and tighten the buttocks, and relieve pain in back and improve posture. And if we add the erotic aspect of oriental dance to the list of advantages, then, it seems, there is no need to think any more.
Then why are European doctors sounding the alarm that oriental dance can be very dangerous?
How belly dancing helps you lose weight
Any representative of the fair sex knows that in order to be the happy owner of a slender, graceful figure, you must always spend more energy than what enters the body with nutrition.
Belly dance elements such as kicks, shakes, figure eights, rocking and steps can burn at least 400 kilocalories in one hour of practice. Despite their apparent simplicity, this is a decent load for the female body, because literally all parts of the body are involved in the dance: head, stomach, hips, buttocks, legs and arms. Correctly performed oriental dance movements cause the pulse to remain stably in the “energy burning” zone. So regular rehearsals 3-4 times a week are an excellent alternative to aerobic training in the name of losing weight.
But fitness trainers admit that belly dancing can not help shape a figure for everyone. If you have a trained body that is accustomed to constant stress, then to lose weight you will need to put in more effort than beginners. Alternatively, you can perform the dance elements with good amplitude, without interruption throughout the lesson, and with concentration on the quality of each movement. But if you don’t feel your muscles warm up, feel slightly tired, or don’t feel any strain at all, you’re unlikely to be able to lose weight. In this case, it is better to choose another fitness program.
The absolute benefits of belly dancing
What results can you get in return for the time and effort spent conquering belly dancing?
— The first surprise for you will be improved coordination of movements and strengthening of the vestibular apparatus. Your body will gain natural grace, flexibility and plasticity.
— In the process of performing some dance movements, there is an improvement in blood circulation, which is very useful for preventing congestion in the pelvic organs.
— After a month of stable belly dancing classes, the spinal column is strengthened and relief occurs even for those dancers who previously had spinal injuries.
— Belly dancing is an excellent prevention of diseases such as osteochondrosis and hypertension.
“A couple of months of exercise is enough to improve joint flexibility, not only in young girls, but also in older women.
— A special technique of arm movements in belly dancing, due to the tension of the spinal muscles, corrects defects in posture, reduces or eliminates stoop.
— The shoulder girdle and arms involved in the performance of oriental dance help many belly dance fans maintain an ideal breast shape for many years.
— This component of oriental dance, such as shaking, significantly reduces the appearance of cellulite and prevents new fat deposits in problem areas of the hips and buttocks.
— Rhythmic breathing, which is the basis for performing all dance elements, reduces stress levels and helps get rid of depression.
The role of belly dancing in preparing women for pregnancy and childbirth
Belly dancing plays a special role in preparing women for pregnancy and childbirth. In the first case, he trains important muscle groups that are usually not involved in everyday life, strengthens the back muscles, which bear the main load during childbearing, and prevents the development of varicose veins in most pregnant women.
In the second case, due to training the muscles of the perineum, strengthening the abdominal press and getting used to the load on the legs, the period of contractions and the birth itself are easy for women, and most women in labor manage to avoid perineal incisions and ruptures.
"Pitfalls" of oriental dance
It is important to understand and accept that belly dancing is not a panacea for all diseases, as many fans of this movement are convinced. There is a risk group for which belly dancing, like any other type of dance or sport, can cause significant harm and jeopardize health. Therefore, before plunging into the world of exotic oriental medicine, be sure to visit a doctor to check for temporary and absolute contraindications.
Temporary contraindications
— chronic diseases in the acute stage: stomach and duodenal ulcers, gastritis, bronchitis, cholecystitis and others;
- any purulent processes, regardless of the location;
- acute inflammatory processes: acute respiratory viral infections, acute respiratory infections, influenza, sore throat;
- postoperative period of any diseases (the duration of necessary abstinence is regulated by the doctor);
— pronounced displacement of the vertebral discs; at the rehabilitation stage, it is permissible to exercise not at full strength;
- phase of exacerbation of liver and gall bladder diseases;
- excessive blood loss and painful condition during critical days.
Absolute contraindications to belly dancing
- severe flat feet (due to the main position “on the balls of the feet”);
- undiagnosed problems with the spine, a hernia of more than eight millimeters;
- benign and malignant tumors;
- congenital heart disease, severe heart disease: angina at rest and exertion, previous heart attack, mitral valve prolapse;
- hypertension, aneurysms, blockades;
- obstructive bronchitis and pulmonary tuberculosis.
The decision whether to dance oriental dances or not is always yours. There are many benefits from belly dancing, but do not forget about the contraindications from doctors. Always do right choice listening to your body.
Smooth movements of the hips, wave-like vibrations of the abdomen, a mysterious smile, grace and plasticity of the dancer drive the audience crazy, immersing them in the bliss of sensuality of this exciting spectacle... And this has been going on for more than 11 thousand years... Belly dance - this is a way of expressing one’s admiration and praise of the maternal principle of women Central Asia. This is not even a dance, but a form of meditation, a ritual with a deep sacred meaning. In a similar way, women praised women in labor on the occasion of the birth of a child. The dance immediately interested representatives of other nations and gradually began to spread to other eastern countries and Mediterranean peoples. Due to the fact that different nations interpreted belly dancing in their own way, its meaning changed for each nation. Some put into it their concepts of astral perception of the world, others - healing properties. Some peoples used it to enrich their internal culture. The gypsies who lived in the east effectively incorporated belly dancing into their national dances, filling it with their extraordinarily beautiful and enchanting movements, overflowing with the passion inherent in the gypsy people. The only people who remained indifferent to belly dancing are an Islamic people whose faith did not allow them to focus their attention on such moments.
Storybelly dance
Initially, dancing was not common to everyone. They were of a ritual nature and were performed by shamans in their rituals. Ordinary people, participating in the actions, also had the right to make these movements. The abundance of customs and their accompaniment of many processes of everyday life has led to an increasing penetration of dance into everyday life. Appearance instrumental music transferred dance from the category of mysticism to the category of methods of entertainment or revealing positive emotions. They danced everywhere: after a successful hunt, to celebrate a victory, and to accompany a wedding ceremony. Negative emotions were often expressed through dancing. It was believed that in this way one could turn to God so that he would remove the heaviness from the dancer’s soul. Further development dance art took place under the influence of Islam, which passed into the territory of modern Turkey with Seljuk and Iranian culture. During the formation of the Ottoman Empire, belly dancing continued its development in Istanbul, where it acquired its final form. When Islam became the main faith in Turkey, the canons of which prohibit women from showing half-naked bodies unknown men, the dances formed a rather unusual branch - men's dances, performed only by men. Women's belly dancing has acquired some modesty in outfits, which eliminated a number of movements and made it more restrained. But no matter who performs the dance movements, each of them is based on an expression of desire and passion. Therefore, oriental dances are considered the most erotic, and even sexy. Modern Turkish dances have been greatly influenced by various European movements. This led to the emergence, along with traditional religious movements, of new sports and modern variations. Historical movements can now be observed in isolated settlements, rarely visited by foreigners and only on holidays and ceremonies. Tourists, as a rule, can only observe the basics of traditional dance, without the full palette of diversity. Now, as before, oriental dances in Turkey are very popular, which gradually crosses the borders of the state and conquers larger and larger territories. European culture begins to adopt some features of Eastern cultures, including dances.
The legend of the appearance of belly dancing
There is a legend associated with the appearance of belly dancing. A bee flew under the clothes of the young dancer, confusing her hot body, anointed with oils, with a fragrant flower. The girl, in order to get rid of the annoying insect, wriggling her whole body, began to vigorously twist her hips and make movements with her stomach... Researchers have established a connection between many dance movements and the movements of a woman in childbirth, which indicates its basic function childbearing support. In the East, where girls were married off very early, belly dancing was taught first. The specificity of the dance is the constant dynamics of relaxation and tension of certain muscles, which helps a woman synchronize her movements and labor pains, and relieve pain during childbirth, increase the plasticity of the pelvic floor and joint mobility. Oriental dance has many roots. It existed in pre-Islamic and pre-Christian times, and even before Judaism. Its origins can be traced to the frescoes of ancient temples in Mesopotamia (Western Asia), which contain images of dancing people. Ancient Egyptian temples also have similar frescoes. They are believed to describe an ancient ritual dance that was performed at ceremonial festivals celebrating the birth of children and the harvest. Gypsy tribes had a great influence on belly dancing. The gypsies traveled throughout India, the Middle East and Europe, settling temporarily in Spain. It is not difficult to trace the similarities between Indian and Middle Eastern folk dances. Middle Eastern dance is also the ancestor of modern flamenco. Islamic countries, where harem relationships traditionally existed, the emphasis in the dance shifted from worship of the mother to seduction. Belly dancing for numerous women in the harem served as a way to win the attention of the owner. There is evidence that 3.5 thousand years BC. The art of oriental dance, traveling with nomadic tribes, also came to the ancient Slavs. The Proto-Slavs changed the nature of the dance. It already has a slightly different ritual meaning: the wife, dancing this dance for her husband every year on their wedding anniversary, remained just as desirable, young and beautiful many years later. About 300 years before the advent of Christianity, the Slavic version of this dance began its journey back to Asia. Having been modified again in Turkey and the inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula, belly dance for almost 400 years retained its sacramental meaning of “dance for a single man,” but then some dancers began to perform it for money. So the ritual version of the dance began to lose its esoteric meaning, and over the next 350 years it became known in all countries of the East, in India, Ceylon, Japan, Afghanistan, as well as in Africa, Europe, and the Far Eastern lands. In the 80s of the 19th century, belly dancing became widespread in Europe. Dancers of that time, as a rule, performed in long dresses, with a scarf highlighting their hips. In the 50s of the 20th century, Islamic sentiments intensified in Egypt, which led to a harsher attitude towards belly dancing. Two new dance centers had already emerged in the Middle East - one of them was Bahrain, where there were no strict rules regarding belly dancing. Libya became the second dance center. At the same time, in Turkey, belly dancing developed more in a cabaret style; the dancers' costumes were more open and seductive than in other styles.
Historical roots of belly dance
Belly dancing is a hymn of praise to Woman, Sensuality, Motherhood. This is the dance of Life, filled with deep experiences that accompany the birth new soul. Having survived through millennia, Belly Dance is being revived in modern world together with the need of every woman to realize her true nature. The art of this dance, which has its roots in ancient times, reflects the ancient cults of fertility, abundance and love. It is with the rituals of worship of the Egyptian Isis, Greek Aphrodite, Babylonian-Assyrian Ishtar, who embody the image of the Great Mother Goddess, that the emergence of this ritual dance is associated. Belly dancing is the oldest dance on Earth. Therefore, it has many directions, styles, types. Many peoples of the world influenced and influence the development of this dance.
Ancient Egypt considered the birthplace of belly dancing. Geographical location Ancient Egypt was such that it was a rather isolated state, so for a long time the dance was formed only by the Egyptians and other peoples did not influence it.
In Ancient Egypt, the art of dance was highly valued. There were many various types dances: ritual, harem, war dances and dances that were danced just for fun. The images of dancers and dancers that have survived to this day testify to how the dances were performed. In Ancient Egypt, the dance was quite varied, there were much more movements than in the “traditional” belly dance. The hands, as a rule, were “soft,” smooth, open, but there were also characteristic jerky, geometric movements with clenched fists. Over time, Ancient Egypt became more influenced by neighboring countries: Syria, Palestine, Nubia, Sudan, Ethiopia. In 1500 BC The Egyptians brought bayaderes from India to the court, who brought elegance, flexibility, and sophistication to Egyptian dance. After the period of the New Kingdom, Egyptian civilization began to fade away, increasingly subject to invasions from neighboring countries, and in 30 BC. e. Egypt became part of the Roman Empire.
Gypsies. The merit of the gypsies is that they were a kind of connecting link between different cultures. Wandering around the world, they left traces of their culture and absorbed the flavor of the culture of the country through which their path lay. The Gypsies left India around 420. AD and proceeded through the countries of the East to Europe, stopping in Andalusia, where they found people close to their liking. The flamenco style originated in Andalusia - a mixture of Arabic, gypsy, Jewish, Spanish and other dances. 
IN Ancient Greece
there were many religious ceremonies during which people danced. Dance was an obligatory part of the worship of such gods and goddesses as Dionysus, Bacchus, Artemis, Aphrodite, Demeter and many others. Greek dance characterized by energy, even frenzy, often accompanied by screams and rather loud musical accompaniment. Dance was considered a means of healing from various ailments of the body and spirit.
9th-10th centuries India associated with the heyday of temple architecture. At the temples there were always ritual dancers, who were considered very revered people, had houses in the best quarters of the city and did not pay land taxes. Each dancer had an excellent musical, choreographic and linguistic education. It was believed that the dancer was married to the temple deity, so she would never be a widow. For Indian dance the movements of the hands are very characteristic, each gesture has a certain meaning, therefore the dancer does not hold the cymbals in her hands during the dance, the cymbals are attached to various parts bodies. 
Türkiye. To understand the nature of Turkish dance, you need to look into history. The Turks settled on the Central Anatolian Plateau, then they began to conquer nearby lands and move further into Europe, Africa, and Asia. The Ottoman Empire was formed, which for a long time united representatives of various civilizations and peoples. Therefore, there were several thousand folk dances that were intertwined with each other, and it is impossible to say that there was a purely Turkish dance. In Turkey there were religious dances, folk dances and even very spectacular performances. Türkiye has made great contributions to the art of dance in the form of the invention of complex and interesting rhythms. Islamic bans on dance affected mainly dancers in large cities and towns, but had virtually no effect on folk dances in isolated villages, so even now in remote villages you can see the dance as it was many years ago.
Europe. Napoleon opened Egypt to Europe. In addition to many archaeological treasures, Europeans, along with Egyptian culture, also saw belly dancing.
USA. In 1893, Sol Bloom brought oriental dance to America. Since at that time there were rather strict morals and everything connected with the body was considered indecent, Sol Bloom managed to shock the audience with a perverted presentation of oriental dance, which he called belly dancing. Since then, the name, as well as the association of this dance with striptease, unfortunately, has stuck.
Styles and directions
Saidi. Saidi is a dance with a cane. It originated in an area of Egypt called Said, where there were shepherds and warriors who used bamboo canes as weapons. Women transformed these warlike movements into a beautiful, energetic dance.
Dance with a scarf. This is one of the most theatrical dances, requiring acting. The scarf is also a background to highlight the beauty of the body and movement. This is also what hides in order to be revealed later. It is very important for the dancer to feel the scarf not as part of the costume, but as part of her body.
Gulf dance (Khalij). This dance is performed by the peoples of the Gulf countries. Khaliji is an incredibly subtle, lyrical dance. Costumes for this dance reveal only part of the face and hands. The basic step of this dance imitates riding a camel.
Dance with cymbals
Cymbals are one of the most ancient musical instruments in the form of two pairs of wooden or metal plates. The dancer uses their sound as musical accompaniment to your dance.
Saber dance. This is a rather complex dance. They say that in ancient times, when accompanying their husbands to war, women carried a saber on their heads - this is how this dance originated. They also say that by dancing with a saber, a woman demonstrates her rebellion.
Belly dancing before the 19th century
Until the 19th century, oriental dance was performed in the family circle and at family holidays. Weddings, circumcisions, bar mitzvahs and other similar events would not be complete without this dance. Sometimes a professional dancer was hired. Since these were mainly family celebrations, outsiders and strangers rarely got to see this dance. Beginning in the mid-1800s, trade fairs became popular. Dancers from the Middle East began to perform in Europe. The first oriental dance show took place in Paris in 1889. The expression "Danse Du Ventre" ("belly dancing") was coined in 1893 by Sol Bloom, impresario of the Midway Plaisance and the "Cairo Street" exhibition at the Columbia Trade Fair and the Chicago World's Fair. He did this deliberately to excite the warped imagination of the Victorians of the time, who were willing to pay any price to see something "obscene" in their minds, so they could go home and pretend to be shocked. Mr. Bloom's calculations were correct, and he earned enough money to finance his future congressional elections, which he subsequently won. As a result, the name stuck, thus contributing to this interpretation. 
In the 1880s, Europeans began to embrace the fascination of the East. Writers such as Gustave Flaubert and artists such as Jean-Léon Gérôme traveled to the Middle East and North Africa for inspiration. Tourists visited the region to admire the exotic landscapes and people. The colonial armies of England and France occupied several countries in the region. From the 19th century through the first decades of the 20th century, professional dancers in Egypt were divided into Ghawazee and Awalim. Ghawazee were gypsies, usually performing on the streets or in courtyards, often with lower class people as their audience. The Awalim were more respected than the Ghawazee. They could not only dance, but also sing, play musical instruments and recite poetry, and they were often invited to the homes of the rich. Until the 30s. In the 20th century, dancers more often performed in homes or cafes. Then, in Cairo, a Lebanese girl named Badia Mansabny opened a nightclub, Casino badia, which was decorated in the style of European cabarets. The varied program featured oriental performances in the form of dancing, singing, musicians and comedians, also included various European acts, and even offered a concert for families in daytime. Officially performed in fairly small venues, Raks Sharki had to adapt to larger stages. European dance choreographers, working for Badia Mansabny, helped train Oriental dancers, adding elements from other dance schools, especially ballet. At the beginning of the 20th century, Cairo became a major city with a population of a third of a million people, of whom 20% were non-Egyptians. Most foreigners in Cairo were traders. The Baladi style has evolved along with the urbanization of the population. When villagers came to the city, they were exposed to influence different countries and the result was changes in dance style. Baladi style, influenced by the West, and dances of Greece, Turkey, North Africa, Persia, India, other Middle Eastern countries and perhaps through contact with Ghawazee evolved into a new dance known as Raks Sharqi. New dance became a mixture of styles and costume details, tailored to individual female performance. People often say "women's solo dance" to distinguish it from folk dances, usually group dances. A dance with a lot of hip movement is associated with Baladi, and the center of movement moves upward to the torso.
Varieties
There are more than 50 styles of oriental dance, the following areas are also distinguished:
- Egyptian school - a more chaste version of belly dancing in closed outfits with smoother movements.
- Arab school (Khalij) - hair dance, which got its name from the characteristic swings of flowing hair.
- the Turkish school is more sensual, the costumes are more revealing, dances on the table are accepted, communication with the audience during the dance is accepted.
Belly dancing is influenced by Arabic folk dance dabka ( group dance with bounces, similar to a Celtic jig).
Accessories . Some types of belly dance may use accessories:
- cane (saidi dance, related to the male war dance takhtib)
- tambourine (shamanic dance of Nubia)
- fire
- sabers
- sagat (metal disks)
Costume
The belly dance costume has a name - bedla. Its classic elements are a bodice, a belt and a wide skirt, often with a slit at the hip. The costume for the conservative public involves a covering veil for the stomach, arms and hair. Bloomers can sometimes be worn instead of a skirt. The entire costume is decorated with beads, rhinestones, monists or pearls. Decorations play a big role because they attract attention, captivate the eye and impart an oriental meditative flavor to the dance. The skirt can be wide (sun, half-sun) or straight, with one or several slits. The bodice and belt are embroidered with sequins, beads, etc. Fringe and pendants decorated with sequins and beads are sewn to these parts of the costume. And this is no coincidence, because in oriental dance the emphasis is on isolated movements of the hips and chest, therefore the costume is decorated in such a way as to emphasize the movements and strengthen them. The costume enhances the fabulous impression made on us in oriental dance. In a traditional belly dance costume, the belly is left open to show the belly dance itself, but another type of costume is a long dress, covered with a scarf tied around the hips (this is how the Egyptians danced). Dance shoes deserve special mention. Traditionally, belly dancing is performed barefoot, but today, when belly dancing has become a type of pop show, dancers wear high-heeled shoes. But for training it is better to use Czech shoes, soft dance shoes, and, even better, to train barefoot.
Belly dancing is one of the most ancient and mysterious forms of dance art. Its history is shrouded in mysteries and secrets. Eastern culture has always attracted people with its beauty and special charm.
Now there are many legends associated with the history of belly dancing and its performers. Everyone can imagine a flexible beauty moving harmoniously to rhythmic music. However, few people can confidently answer the question “where did belly dancing come from?” and whether we understand it correctly.
VERSIONS OF THE ORIGIN OF BELLY DANCE. HISTORICAL ROOTS.
Exists interesting legend, describing the appearance of belly dancing as an accident. Allegedly, one day a bee flew under the fluttering clothes of a street dancer. The insect was confused by the wonderful aroma of oils emanating from the girl. The dancer, without interrupting her performance, tried to get rid of the annoying bee, squirming while dancing. The girl did this very gracefully and plastically, so casual spectators took it for special kind dance and were truly delighted. The smart girl, noticing success and attention, continued to move in a new, unprecedented way, demonstrating beautiful lines body and hands. Many people liked this dance and began to spread.Of course, this is just a legend. The history of belly dancing lasted much longer than the performance of one beautiful girl. The roots of oriental dance go deep into history, and even now it is impossible to accurately determine the exact birthplace of belly dance.
It is generally accepted that the basis of belly dancing were ancient ritual dances that carried a sacred meaning. They praised the feminine principle, fertility goddesses and women in general. Belly dancing symbolized what in the society of that time was considered the divine destiny of every woman: the process of conceiving a child, bearing the fetus and the birth itself. However, gradually the dance began to lose its sacred meaning and acquired a more secular direction.
If we talk about the place where belly dancing originated, many researchers are inclined to Ancient Egypt. However, it is worth noting that many peoples contributed to the creation of this type of dance. Thus, the initially diverse and rich Egyptian dance was complemented by dancers from India. These were flexible and sophisticated bayaderes, with excellent choreographic preparation. Their hand movements were unique and carried special meaning. The Egyptians' close neighbors were also influenced: the Persians, Syrians, Palestinians and some African countries. Gypsy nomads also made their contribution. For many centuries, their own folk dances were combined with Indian, Arab, Jewish and Spanish traditions. In Greece, dance expressed emotions more energetically, brightly and sharply. In Turkey, in parallel with the growth of the territory, more and more folk dances appeared, which gradually mixed with each other. Thanks to this, a wide variety of movements, new unusual rhythms and forms arose.
DISTRIBUTION AND POPULARIZATION OF BELLY DANCE. INCORRECT NAME.
Napoleon opened Egypt to Europe. Sophisticated Europeans became interested in a new unknown culture. Interest was fueled by writers and artists who were the first to visit mysterious country who hastened to describe in all colors the beauties of the East, including the native beauties-dancers. The first travelers did not lag behind, talking about Eastern culture as something magical, exotic and erotic. Therefore, interest was high, and they were able to successfully take advantage of this.
Already in 1889, Paris saw the so-called “oriental dance” for the first time. A few years later, an impresario similar shows decided to attract as many public as possible by using a frank and provocative by the standards of the time name on the posters - “Danse Du Ventre” (“belly dance”). The expected effect was achieved. Many were willing to pay any money to see half-naked exotic dancers. The idea and style of dance immediately fell in love with Hollywood. This had a strong influence on the further spread of “belly dancing”. The popularity of the show with the participation of oriental dancers grew, and the name was tightly “grown” to the very style of their dance.
Later they tried to interpret this name in different ways, again giving the dance a deep meaning. For example, some adhere to the version that belly dancing implies the “dance of life” (life was called the belly several centuries ago). And life is associated specifically with woman, mother earth and fertility.
Also, "bellydance" could simply be a misinterpretation of the term "baladi". This meant “homeland” in the broadest sense of the word. It was an Egyptian folk dance style that was danced in villages on various occasions, most often in the home, among relatives.
At the moment there are more than 50 styles of oriental dance. Each of them is saturated to varying degrees with elements inherent in one or another folk dance, which many centuries ago formed the basis of “belly dancing”.
SCHEDULE OF ORIENTAL DANCE CLASSES
MONDAY
SUNDAY
COST OF GROUP CLASSES
TRIAL LESSON:
1
hour
600 rub.
200 rub.
2
hours
1,200 rub.
300 rub.
3
hours
1,800 rub.
400 rub.
SINGLE CLASSES:
1
hour
600 rub.
SUBSCRIPTIONS: *
1
hour a week
4-5 hours per month
2,000 rub.
1,900 rub.
438 rub./hour
2
hours a week
8-10 hours per month
4,000 rub.
3,200 rub.
369 rub./hour
Dance has always been like a conversation with the world, a dialogue, especially women's dance - belly dancing. Many myths mention that the connection with the unknown occurred through a Woman. And while dancing (communicating with the world), the Woman came into resonance with nature, felt the rhythm of Life and coordinated herself with it. This freed her from unnecessary tension, through this communication she found answers to her questions, was filled with joy, calmness and felt protected, felt under the cover of Mother Nature herself. A woman is the source of life, whose main purpose is to be happy and free. In the east, women embodied these postulates in oriental dance - belly dancing. Belly dancing, exotic and bewitching, can easily help you reconnect the nature of your physical, energetic and physical state and emphasize your naturalness...
Oriental dances are distinguished by extraordinary plasticity, mesmerizing movements of the hips and arms. The variety of oriental dance styles allows you to reveal any temperament, individuality and always be in a good mood.
During classes, all muscle groups are involved, from the cervical spine to the tips of the toes.
As a result, you gain flexibility and plasticity of the body, joint mobility, the muscles of the chest and waist are strengthened, posture improves, congestion in organs and tissues is relieved, adhesions are stretched, blood circulation and intestinal motor function are improved. Numerous “eights” with the pelvis, work of the abdominal muscles, “shaking” will become a unique massage of the internal organs of the abdomen and pelvis, as well as best assistant in the struggle for a thin waist, beautiful hips and smooth skin.
Types of oriental belly dancing
FOLKLORIC
Folklore dance is a dance born from the traditions of a country or region. Usually consists of movements that can be learned by a large number of people. According to tradition, folk dance is passed down from generation to generation in the environment in which it is danced. Folklore is the cultural heritage of all people, reflecting their customs, habits, music, costumes and history. Folklore dance, in turn, is divided into:
1. Performed by all people, expressing their feelings. It is not associated with theatre, but is very popular at national celebrations and weddings.
2.Performed by professionals of theatrical dance art.
Bellydance/belly dance.
Belly dancing is an Arabic national dance. Western name for a dance technique common in the Middle East and Arab countries. In Arabic it is known as Raqs Sharqi, in Turkish as Oryantal dans, that is, “oriental dance”. The uniqueness of oriental belly dance lies in its plasticity.
Belly dance
BellyDance is a combination of hip movements, abdominal muscles and shoulders. This dance combines the powerful life-affirming energy of body movements and the bewitching magic of the rhythm of oriental music. A significant role in this dance belongs to facial expressions, gestures, and artistry.
The history of belly dancing dates back to the distant past. Some experts believe that it was the Ancient East that became the birthplace of a beautiful dance called belly dance (translated from French as " beautiful dance") or belly dance. There is an assumption that this is either Egypt, or Mesopotamia, or India. The territory of the dance is vast: in ancient times, belly dance was danced in Egypt, Greece, Rome, Babylon and the Central Asian states. In 1500 BC, the Egyptians brought bayaderes from India to the court, who brought elegance, flexibility, and sophistication to the Egyptian dance. The gypsies also brought their own changes to the dance, in whose dance a lot of rhythms, passion and energy contributed invaluable. contributions of the ancient Greeks and Turks.
Today, belly dancing has conquered not only the East, but also the West. Western choreography introduced its elements into folk belly dance, but this did not spoil the dance at all, modifying and ennobling it.
According to one version, belly dancing arose due to a comical accident. A street dancer performed in one of the squares eastern city, and a bee flew under her skirt. The girl began to squirm, trying to get rid of the insect that was bothering her, and the audience liked her movements so much that next time they asked her to dance in the same way, with her belly. According to another version, belly dancing was a purely harem dance. In order to gain her husband's favor, the Sultan's wife had to be able to attract his attention and for this purpose she performed an erotic belly dance. It was not by chance that belly dance got its name - “belly” is life, which means it is the dance of life. The concept of "life" is associated with a woman - mother and with the earth. That is why belly dancing is directly related to the development of the cult of the Goddess of Fertility, the Mother Goddess. U different nations this goddess was called differently: Anahita, Isis, Ishtar, Aphrodite. This cult was widespread in many ancient states. For example, in Egypt, the Babylonian kingdom, and India. Rituals in honor of the gods were accompanied by music and dances, which not only glorified these gods, but also reflected their functions, and dance is the most expressive means for depicting any activity. If we talk about belly dancing, it reflects the process of conception, gestation and, finally, birth. That is why it is perceived so erotically. Subsequently, belly dancing became an entertaining element in everyday Eastern culture, eventually losing its religious significance.
What is belly dancing? This is the ability to be a woman...
There is no doubt that oriental dances have the strongest energy. In the process of learning belly dancing, a woman will be able to learn a lot about herself, identify and solve hidden psychological problems. You will “straighten up”, open up, and stop slouching. Pain in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine will decrease. Headaches will disappear and joints will become stronger. Belly dancing helps develop excellent coordination and improves posture. Active hip work trains the abdominal muscles and strengthens the abdominal muscles. While dancing, a woman experiences unique pleasure from movements, joy of life, and love for the world around her. Belly dancing improves health and prolongs youth, changing a woman both externally and internally.
GHAWAZEE
The Gawaizi are a gypsy tribe that settled in Egypt. The first significant mention of Gawazi dates back to the 18th century. When the Gawaizi were expelled from Cairo in 1834, they settled in Southern Egypt. Their music, dance and cultural attributes are markedly different from what the Saidi people who historically inhabited this area are known for. Cymbals are used in the dance. (Style Naima Akef.)
BALADI
Baladi means “homeland” or “hometown” in Arabic. In Egyptian slang it sounds like Oriental Shaabi. The Belladi dance was performed in many villages throughout Egypt. It was usually danced in the house of a woman and for women. It was mostly hip movements. The hand movements were quite simple and unsystematic. We danced barefoot. Traditional clothing for dancing - a white golobeya with a scarf on the hips and a scarf on the head. Shaabi is a style that is very popular in Egypt, especially in the central part of old Cairo on Muhammad Ali Street, where many were born and now live famous artists. This is the style of such famous dancers as Nagwa Foad, Fifi Abdu, Zinat Olwy.
KHALIGI
Khaliji means “Gulf”, and in the dance world this word refers to music and dance style from the Persian Gulf/Arabian Peninsula region: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Oman. This group of dances is performed by women and the emphasis is placed on the beauty of the dancer's costume and hair. Movements include precise, rapid shoulder shakes, hand clapping in varying rhythms, and varying steps. Traditional clothing for this style is Abaya (fustan khalig).
NUBIA
Nubia, known in ancient times as the Kingdom of Kush, stretches south from Aswan to the capital of Sudan, Khartoum. The Nubians, darker-skinned than the Egyptians themselves, have their own language, culture and traditions. Aswan is the sunniest place in Egypt. It is located in the south of the country and was a border town in ancient times. Life here moves slowly. It's nice to take a walk along the embankment or by boat along the Nile, sit in a restaurant right by the water, and listen to ancient Nubian music. Nubian dance is a group dance. Colorful costumes, special unusual rhythm. Nubia people are very cheerful and always love to dance together. At weddings, hundreds of people gather and everyone dances together.
Nubia is the name of a city and region in southern Egypt. Nubia is located on the border with Sudan. Nubian dance is a group dance. It's mostly hip movement. Nice hand system. A special unusual rhythm, mostly fast (similar to the Khaliji rhythm). Dof (tambourine) and Khus (reed plate) are used as dance accessories. Nubian dance is very fun and unique. There are a lot of jumps and claps in it. The body position in Nubian dance is not found in other folk styles of Egypt: the center of gravity is strongly shifted forward, peculiar movements such as punching the chest upward, interesting movements hands.
SIWA
Siwa is one of the dance styles of Arab Bedouins. On the border with Libya and Africa, in the Sahara desert, among the mountains there is the Bedouin settlement of Siwa. Until recently, Siwa was the most inaccessible of Egypt's oases. It is also one of the most unusual oases. The people of Siwa have their own culture and customs; they speak a Berber language, which is different from Arabic. Most women wear traditional clothes and silver jewelry. Translated in Arabic, the name of the settlement “wahet siwa” sounds like “an oasis in the city.” Siwa is the name of the city and the people. In the dance, the main emphasis is on the movements of the hips. This dance style is practiced by a narrow circle of professionals. Traditional clothing for this style is a knee-length golobeya + trousers, a head scarf covering half of the face. Women love to use a lot of hand accessories (just like Gulf women).
ANDALUSIAN
Andalusia was the name given to the southern part of Spain, which was occupied by the Arabs for 800 years. This dance was formed there and acquired characteristic features flamenco. By the way, one of the versions of the origin of the word flamenco is from the Arabic “fallah man gu” - a singing peasant. This style of dance is performed to the accompaniment of beautiful, rhythmic yet soothing music, appropriately wearing a costume that emphasizes the ease of each movement.
DABKA
Dabka is a fiery folk dance from Lebanon, an indispensable element of folk festivals from antiquity to the present day. Dabka is predominantly a male dance (but there is also a female version). It is also performed in Syria, Palestine and Jordan, and is considered very popular in many Eastern countries.
He can often be seen among men at holidays. The dancers grab each other by the shoulders, make numerous jumps, and make stomps with their feet. Women also take part, but quite rarely. The movements are energetic, and the music itself is cheerful, listening to which you want to start dancing.
ALEXANDRIА (Eskandarani)
Alexandria Egypt's second largest city, Alexandria has more Mediterranean than eastern features. The spirit and culture of the city is different from the rest of the country, although it is only 225 km from Cairo. Translated into Arabic, Alexandria sounds like “Eskandarani”. Eskandarani's dance style is very fun, fiery and playful. The traditional clothing for this style is a dress and cape (Melaya). Melaya is part of the national clothing of the women of Alexandria.
SHAMADAN
In Egyptian slang the name of this style sounds like
"Avalem". The full name is “Raqs el Shamadam” - dance with a candelabra. It has been danced in Egypt for a long time. A large patterned candelabra with lit candles is carried on the head of a dancer at a wedding, illuminating the path to a happy family life for the newlyweds. The art of isolated movements of the hips, chest and the softness of the step is amazing when a girl dances with a candelabra - after all, it should be motionless! You just need to think through the costume very carefully so as not to set it on fire or ruin it with dripping wax. The traditional costume for this style is harem pants + top or long dress with a tight top and wide bottom. Initially, the Shamadan dance was exclusively ritual - a dancer with a lantern or candelabra on her head performed the dance, illuminating the path of the newlyweds to their new home. This was a kind of blessing and a wish for a happy married life. Over time, the dance with candelabra became a show, and at the wedding procession (Zeffa), the dancer was replaced by children with candles. But even now Shamadan is ordered for a wedding if it takes place in a club or restaurant - then the newlyweds symbolically walk in front of the guests, and a dancer with a candelabra illuminates their path.
The main thing is to correctly calculate the time and size of the candle. The candle should burn a little longer than the dance lasts. Therefore, it makes sense to check before the performance exact time dance and candle burning time. This is especially important for a wedding ceremony - according to Eastern beliefs, if a candle goes out before the newlyweds, this promises them misfortune in family life or the imminent death of one of the spouses.
When it comes to candelabra decorations, it all depends on your personal taste. Shiny pendants and glass hangings will add brightness and mystery to the dance, casting glare of light in different directions. Moreover, with the help of decorations you can make the candelabra more stable - for this, the bulk of the accessories should be placed closer to the base and center of the candelabra.
Recently, dancing with fire has been banned at competitions due to the danger of fire, so Shamadan is increasingly becoming an entertainment show in restaurants and clubs, and of course remains a ritual wedding dance for residents of Egypt and Arab countries.
FARAONIC DANCE
Seven thousand years ago, the ancient Egyptians already knew how to dance, and this is depicted on their frescoes and the walls of all ancient temples. “We still don’t know exactly how the ancient Egyptians danced, but we can suggest how they began a dance phrase and how they ended it, drawing inspiration and imagination from current Egyptian choreographers, we create movements and sequences based on what we saw on these ancient frescoes.” . (quote from the book “Dance in Egypt” by Mr. Nabil Mabrouk, a famous master choreographer and lecturer on the history of oriental dance).
Tabla
It is impossible to imagine the East without the Arabic drum called Tabla. The sound of this instrument can be heard wherever you are in the East: On the street, in the bazaar, in a cafe, on a ship, at any Arab wedding.....
Tabla - the most popular and famous Arabic instrument. This instrument is the heart of oriental music and dance. Extremely loved and adored in Russia. Maybe because the sound of this instrument resembles a heartbeat.... If we talk about its exact origin, it is unclear. In addition, they say that the tabla was created in India and is an Indian instrument, but in order to bypass all these disputes, it will be enough to say simply and correctly - the tabla is an instrument of the East. By the way, the most famous musician who played the tabla was Ravi Shankar.
As we have already said, the tabla is a drum, and if you have already visited, for example, Arab and other eastern countries, then you probably heard its sound everywhere - on the streets, in the bazaars, and on ships, and you can’t help but hear it at an Arab wedding. Residents of the East love to dance to the magical sounds of this drum, and this dance has exactly the same name as the instrument to which it is performed - the tabla.
Dance with a headscarf (scarf)
This is one of the most theatrical dances and requires acting skills. The scarf is also a background to highlight the beauty of the body and movement. This is also what hides in order to be revealed later.
It is very important for the dancer to feel the scarf not as part of the costume, but as part of her body.
There are many types and forms of scarves: Malaya, Gulf and others.
The scarf is so clearly associated with oriental dance that it seems as if it has always been there. However, historians cannot find ancient roots for this type of dance. The Egyptians say that the scarf may have even come from Russia. In the 1940s, Egypt's ruler Farukh invited Russian ballerina Ivanova to teach his daughters the art of ballet. Ivanova taught a famous Egyptian dancer named Samia Gamal how to make a beautiful appearance with a scarf and some movements with it, and the scarf took root in Egypt. Western dancers work with the scarf in great detail, wrapping themselves in it and revealing themselves seductively. The fairy tale is alive in the European consciousness: East, harem, bodies beautiful women hidden by expensive fabrics... The Egyptian women themselves use the scarf only to go on stage, and after 30-60 seconds they throw it aside. Western style seems tasteless to Eastern audiences and is too reminiscent of striptease. Russian girls work in a kind of intermediate manner.
Dance with CYMBAL (Sagat)
Cymbals are one of the most ancient musical instruments in the form of two pairs of wooden or metal plates. The dancer uses their sound as musical accompaniment to her dance.
Sagat (or dulcimer) require a good knowledge of traditional music and rhythmic patterns. Sagat are distant relatives of Spanish castanets, only made of metal. The performer manages not only to dance, but also to accompany herself with the ringing of sagatas. You can also add your own rhythm to the music by playing the tambourine or tambourine.
Dance with SABER
This is a rather complex dance. The contrast looks very interesting: feminine belly dancing and the formidable edged weapons of eastern warriors. However, girls do not make combat movements with a saber; they usually use it for beautiful balancing on the head, stomach or thigh.
People like to believe that once in ancient times, women who accompanied men on military campaigns entertained them at night in tents with a dance with weapons. Western researchers are bringing us down to earth again. They say that everything came from a painting by the 19th century French orientalist Jerome, which depicted a girl with a saber in a dancing pose. We, of course, will think as we want, but we must know that neither in Egypt, nor in Turkey, nor in Lebanon is the saber very popular among dancers. But there is a male dance with a saber, where they wave the saber, but never balance it either on the head or on other parts of the body.
Dance with FIRE
Continuation of the cult of fire. Candles or scented oil lamps can be used. As a rule, they dance with thick, bright candles. A lamp with a candle, reminiscent of Aladdin's lamp, also looks great in a dance.
Dance with the SNAKE
A less common dance is the snake dance. It’s quite difficult to dance with such an “attribute”. It takes a lot of skill, courage and experience to handle a snake.
A snake can keep a girl company in a dance. To see what this looks like, look no further than the movie From Dusk Till Dawn, where Salma Hayek dances with an albino python. Of course, this was again invented by the West, who is greedy for small effects. Perhaps when we too have so many dancers that they will have to compete for jobs even by such means, snakes will also become somewhat widespread.
SAIDI ORIENTAL
There are many nationalities living in Egypt, but the hottest and dangerous people Egypt is the Saidi People. They live along the Nile from the city of ASYUN to the city of ASWAN, in the southern part of Egypt. Men in this area of Egypt are very fond of beautiful mustaches. They specially grow and groom them, because a large and long mustache is a sign of prosperity and wealth, especially if the mustache is accompanied by weapons, gold and 4 wives.………… There is a saying that goes like this: The most handsome (cool) man in his own right Eagle can plant a mustache.
Saidi - this word refers to everything related to the Said region in Egypt. Saidi style can be danced with or without a cane.
Asaya: Asaya is the Arabic term for cane. This dance came from Southern Egypt from a region called Said or Upper Egypt. Traditionally, men in this area carried long bamboo sticks with them, which they used as weapons. Gradually, a special male dance took shape - Takhtib, in which stick fighting was imitated. Women adopted the style of dancing with a cane, but made the dance lighter and more playful, and created a separate style - raks el asaya (dance with a cane)
The magic of bewitching movements, becoming, grace, languid bliss and passion, all this is an oriental dance that has triumphantly conquered many European countries. This also happened because todaybellydance is available to almost all women visiting modern fitness clubs. Nowadays, both housewives and business women understand that liberated plasticity, gait, posture, finally, are simply good mood most important in our life. And it is oriental dancing that helps you understand your body and feel feminine and desirable.
A little history
The birthplace of belly dancing - ancient egypt. According to legend, belly dancing originated and was performed only in the temple of the goddess of love and fertility, Isis. Later, the dance began to be perceived not as a sacred ritual, but as a spectacle that delights the eye. According to historians, when Napoleon conquered Egypt, the local nobility presented four hundred dancers as a gift, who had to entertain the French soldiers. Perhaps it was then that the tradition of giving Arabic dance as a gift arose.
Subsequently, belly dancing absorbed elements of gypsy and Spanish dances, hand movements became more expressive, and the dance itself became more dynamic and complex. Rethinking the sacred meaning of dance, its followers believed that performing the movements brings happiness and good luck. There are several styles of belly dance: Egyptian, Lebanese, Turkish, but modern teachers prefer to combine various styles to make each lesson varied and accessible even for beginners.
Features of the technology
Belly dancing includes three parts: taksim, the actual dance and shaking. Taksim is the slow part of the dance. The dancer moves her body, practically remaining in one place. The dance itself is performed to faster music and consists of many arabesques and waves. Shaking is a small, quick movement that creates the effect of vibration in the abdomen or buttocks, although this occurs due to the movement of the knees. When performing shaking, it is necessary to maintain a constant rhythm.
The peculiarities of teaching dance in a fitness club are that the principles of constructing ligaments and explaining movements are taken from aerobics, only the lesson is based on the technique of classical belly dancing. The class goes on non-stop. People do not stop for a second for an hour, not forgetting that dance is primarily an aerobic exercise. And in order not to get confused and get into the right rhythm, connections and explanations are built from simple to complex. Then even beginners don’t feel like “strangers at this celebration of life,” and can repeat everything.
Of course, liberation in belly dancing is the most difficult thing. But, overcoming our “ossification,” gently working on ourselves without violence, with love for our own nature, dissolving in the mood of the dance, we gradually change internally. It all starts with accepting yourself and, first of all, the characteristics of your figure and appearance. And it is this conscious attitude that forms the basis of female charm and attractiveness.
About figure formation
There is no need to be under any illusions: by doing only bellydance, you will not automatically lose weight and create a perfect figure. Yes, dancing is the most natural of activities, but at the same time the load is quite the same. We cannot use in dancing all the muscle groups necessary for a balanced, harmonious load on the entire body. For example, in oriental dance, the back surface of the thigh, the gluteal muscle practically does not work, the triceps, that is, the back of the arm, is not loaded... Therefore, if you want to have a harmonious figure, the muscles additionally need to be pumped up. In addition, it is absolutely not necessary to be thin: you must have a body, the main thing is that when dancing, muscles “play” and not fat. But this is achieved with practice.
Padvantages
Mastering the basic dance moves is not that difficult. The effect from them is guaranteed. While practicing oriental dancing at the club, women claim that after each workout they feel the full versatility of the load on the body. Let's list the most obvious advantages such a load.
Effect:
After just a month of training, the condition of the spine significantly improves; women “straighten up,” open up, and stop slouching.
Cause:
During exercise, you not only have to maintain your posture willy-nilly, but also make smooth bends and “waves,” which has a beneficial effect on the spine. In addition, the flexibility of the joints noticeably develops, and this is the key to youth.
Effect:
Belly dancing classes have a beneficial effect on your complexion.
Cause:
The point here is to improve the functioning of the intestines, which function much more productively after exercise than without it.
Effect:
Belly dancing awakens femininity and has positive influence on reproductive function. Many people say that belly dancing helps them cope with ovarian dysfunction.
Cause:
During the dance, blood circulation increases, especially in the pelvic organs. Toxins leave the body, and, as a result, inflammation of the appendages goes away. 6-12 months of belly dancing will relieve menstrual pain, which is why many women have to take pills. Besides, belly dancing is physical activity on those muscle groups that are not involved in our everyday life, but are necessary for a woman for her main function given to her by nature - bearing and giving birth to a healthy child.
And of course, let’s not forget about the feeling of self, the joy that the dance itself brings. Performed to the accompaniment of pleasant oriental music, it requires even rhythmic breathing, which helps reduce stress levels, because rhythmic breathing affects the pleasure centers and releases endorphins, which improve mood. And of course, through dance you can learn to express your sensuality. It’s not without reason that professional dancers say that the main thing in belly dancing is not strict adherence to the canons, but improvisation, emotions and mood.