DANCE TO THE GREAT MOTHER

Belly dance (by whatever name it is called) is poetry of the body expressed in ancient meaningful gestures. It is a symphony of moving pictures and framed poses, a revelation of the human soul, and a sensuous feminine art. It is a celebration of womanhood, a dance by women for women's purposes! It is excellent for any age; it can be practiced in preparation for childbirth, to deepen the connection with the baby inside through a deep concentration on the miracle of new life. After childbirth, the dance can be practiced as a way to tone the abdominal muscles and to recall the depth of your female sensuality, a sense of self as an individual that is often lost to women postpartum. The term "belly dance" is, oddly enough, appropriate, as all life is centered around the belly, the archetype of the Great Mother and feminine creative principle is best expressed by this dance. (excerpts from Sacred Woman, Sacred Dance)

Isadora Duncan said:

"The dancer of the future will realize the mission of the woman's body and the holiness of all it's parts. She will dance the changing life of nature, showing how each part is transformed into the other. From all parts of her body shall shine radiant intelligence, bringing to the world the message of the thoughts and aspirations of thousands of women. She shall dance the freedom of women!"

TO MY SISTER IN DANCE

I will not point out your failures
I will not expound upon our differences
I will not show you disrespect
YOU ARE MY SISTER

I will saghareet at your shimmies
I will clap for your hip drops
I will return your smile
YOU ARE MY SISTER

I will let you dance first at the hafla
I will let you pick our song
I will give you the recognition you deserve
YOU ARE MY SISTER

I will sing with you
drum with you
dance with you
YOU ARE MY SISTER

Beth Jones

WHAT IS THE BELLY DANCE?

TAKE A CHANCE - BELLY DANCE

The Belly Dance is identified by swaying hips, undulating torso, and articulated isolations employed in a range of dynamic and emotional expressions. Characteristic movements in the dance include curving patterns, undulations, thrusts, lifts, and drops, and shaking or quaking body movements. The focus is on isolated movements of individual parts of the body with little notice given to the footsteps. Arms and hands move fluidly, like serpents or ribbons in the air. Unusual strength and control is demonstrated in the belly area.

Sometime known as MIDDLE EASTERN DANCE or RAQS SHARKI

TAKE A CHANCE - BELLY DANCE

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PRACTICING "KINDNESS"

When you go to class, do you compare yourself with other students? You may feel like you're behind some people, or ahead of others. It's natural to compare ourselves to those we see around us - we've been conditioned to do that by commercials & ads all our life.

Friendly competition can also be a useful self-motivational tool-but use it wisely! If you feel you have superior skills, be sure to practice patience and kindness while waiting for others to catch up. And always show respect for those who have surpassed your level, and acknowledge their accomplishments with geniune pleasure.

The "family model" is a wonderful social construct; think of your fellow dancers as sisters- some are "older" and more experienced, others are below us in knowledge and maturity. But treat them as kindly and as considerately as you would your own siblings-be happy for them when they succeed; compassionate when they fail.

(part of article) written by Anthea (Kawakib)
http://www.kawakib.com/

JUDY'S GYPSIES will be performing at the Abbott Terrace Nursing Home (44 Abbott Terrace) this coming Wed. night, Aug. 31st at 7:00pm. All of our beautiful ladies are asked to come & dance or just support your "sisters in dance"!! Practice will start at 5:00pm that night. We will be leaving the center between 6:15pm & 6:30pm

About Oriental Dance (aka Belly Dance)

In Arabic it is called "raqs sharqi" which translates literally to "Eastern Dance" or "Oriental Dance": raqs=dance, sharqi=Eastern, Oriental. Raqs Beledi, it's more common dance relation, means "of the country, folk or people" - raqs beledi refers to the dances done by ordinary people. Raqs sharqi refers to the stage presentations as performed by professionals. Raqs sharqi's basic movement vocabulary consists of intricate hip articulation, flowing arm movement and undulatory movements of the torso; often augmented by floor work, playing of finger cymbals or use of props, ie: veils, canes, swords, candelabras, snakes, etc. On stage it is usually performed mostly by a soloist. Often dancers will use the terms belly dance and Oriental dance to refer to both Raqs Sharqi and Raqs Beledi.

The true origins of this art form are hotley debated. What can be said for sure is that the elements of the dance were taken from many of the regions that met and melded in the Middle East, through trade, war and travel. A few influences particularly notable, Africa, Turkey, Greece, Persia, the Rrom people and the Arabic-speaking countries. Certain movements such as the belly roll and flutter are traceable to birthing rituals practiced by some Berber tribes in North Africa, some Bedouin tribes in Arabia and others.

More of the History to follow !