About Bellydance
The dance form we call belly dance translates from Arabic Raqs Sharqi, meaning ‘Oriental Dance’. It consists of movements that are executed throughout the body with a focus on the pelvic and hip area. It is, fundamentally an improvisational dance with its own unique dance vocabulary that is fluidly integrated with the music’s rhythm.
Belly dance is natural to a women’s bone and muscle structure. The movements centre on the torso rather than on feet and leg as is common in western dance. Parts of the body are isolated (hips, chest, shoulders, stomach etc.) to move independently in a completely feminine interpretation of the music.
The music is integral to the dance. A profound Raqs Sharqi dancer internalizes and visually communicate to the audience the emotions evoked by the lyrics and the music even if the dance is made up of simple movements.
Belly dance is natural to a women’s bone and muscle structure. The movements centre on the torso rather than on feet and leg as is common in western dance. Parts of the body are isolated (hips, chest, shoulders, stomach etc.) to move independently in a completely feminine interpretation of the music.
The music is integral to the dance. A profound Raqs Sharqi dancer internalizes and visually communicate to the audience the emotions evoked by the lyrics and the music even if the dance is made up of simple movements.
