Belly Dancing is an ancient dance form that has earned its present name when it came into fusion with the Western Culture. Long back in Arabia, the dance form was called Raqs Sharqi and also known as Ghawazi in Egypt. However, the pure form of the dance has gradually evolved and has blended with the western dancing form today.
Belly dance was believed to have been practiced for toning the abdominal muscles and for shaping the body contour to achieve a perfect form. Belly dancing exhibits a hypnotic enticement to its spectators. It also spells out the culture and tradition of the countries where it originated.
History of Belly Dance
Belly dancing was some sort of traditional and social form of expression. It came in vogue with the expansion of the Arabian empire. Gradually, the dance form got diversified with the blending of the Western and the Arabian-Egyptian cultures.
The Ghawazi belly dance that came over from Egypt got amalgamated with the rhythmic and luxurious Raqs Sharqi of the Middle East. This was the belly dance of twentieth century Arabia. The Ghawazee, as they were called in Egypt were a troop of dancers who moved on from one place to another and they were travelling dancers. People would often call them gypsies for their nomadic ways of life, their unsettled ways of living and their ethnic jewellery and long robes that covered them all over.
These dancers lived till the 1830s but soon they moved on to Europe and the Middle East. Belly dancing also came to be known as Oriental Dancing then. The dance form thussoon started getting more and more popular and were not limited to the streets alone. The elite class like the singers, painters and the poets were intrigued by this gorgeous dance form. Thus, the Belly dancing shows began. The Raqs Sharqi belly dancing was thus born.
Belly Dancing in Dubai and other Middle East Countries
Dubai, the land of skyscrapers and luxuriant living is also known for its vibrant entertainment and enthralling night life. In spite of the presence of top-notch modern amenities for life and living, the demand for ethnic art form of belly dancing continues to grow here. It is a sensual form of dancing that enthrals as well as entices locals and tourists. The dance, in its gorgeous form coupled with the hypnotic surroundings of the desert is sure to add a spark and light up all hearts. The effect of the captivating show at the Desert Safari is mesmerizing.
Where to Watch Belly Dance in UAE
The spectacle of Belly dancing is the most enticing part of a desert safari. The point is to make the tourists acquainted with the rich Emirati culture and heritage. The desert safaris are planned with all sorts of entertainment and cultural programs where among all other events, Belly dancing is the showstopper. Belly dance is an event to cherish forever. Desert Safari in Dubai commences with the first beat of the drum, the swaying motion of the belly dancers and the Arabian music to spice it all up. The viewers are transpired to a magical world in a jiffy.
You can book a Dubai evening desert Safari that includes Belly dancing and be a part of the wonderful extravaganza.
Different attractions of Belly Dancing
- Costumes – Belly dancers wear exotic costumes in satins and silks that are ornate with sequins, beads and stones. This adds to the look and feel and speaks volumes about the Arabian culture.
- Music –The dancers sway to the rhythm and music of instruments like the Qanun, the Oud and the Tabla. The soulful melody of the Arabian tunes fills up the air, transpiring the spectators to an era of bygone days.
- Dance – The Raqs Sharqi with its graceful hand movements and footwork tells the enrapt viewers stories of love and passion and life itself. The long gowns sway as the dancers twirl gracefully in them, a typical movement of belly dancing.
What you should know about Belly dancing on a desert safari
- You have to choose a proper desert safari which is inclusive of the belly dance in its package. Get ready for a captivating show in the evening.
- Dress appropriately as per the local culture. Wear something comfortable for you need to sit on the floor.
- You may join the troop in some events. If you are cordial enough to join, you will cherish the moments.
- You have to have the mindset for experiencing Belly dance. It is not only a dance form but a celebration of life that you are going to experience.
- You must know Belly dance is a way of celebrating life and womanhood.
- The dance enhances muscle tone and peps up self-esteem.
Types of Belly Dancing
1. Traditional Belly Dance
The traditional form of Belly Dancy is steeped in the culture of the Middle East telling tales of bygone days resonating with the rhythms of the Tabla and the Oud.
The dance displays sharp movements and against the desert backdrop it connects the spectators to times immemorial with a vision not only pleasing to the eyes but as a resonance for the soul.
2. LED Belly Dance
The movements of this Belly dance resonate with the very new LED technology. This is a fusion of the age-old dance form enmeshed with the ultra-modernity. The costumes are adorned with LED lighting thus creating an illusion with lights and a great show. The music is a mix and match of the traditional and the modern. The LED light create an enchanting effect on the viewers as the desert is steeped in darkness. It is quite a luminous as well as musical and rhythmic spectacle.
3. Fire Dance
This is a unique form of Belly dancing where props like hoops, poi and fans are used. The dancers have partners and the movement of the bodies resonate with the swaying movement of the fire that they hold. The high-strung music with intense dance movements create a sort of drama and magic together against the very cold and dark backdrop of the desert. The visitors are awed and flummoxed at the blazing performance. The spectacle is absolutely safe and there is no harm involved while dancing with fire.
Conclusion
Watching the Belly dance is an experience of a lifetime. It is not only a dance but a representation of the ethnic culture and tradition that a tourist carries back home in his heart. It is a well-loved tale, a story of life, a celebration that is unmatched. A Belly Dance at the Desert Safari is a combo of traditional as well as modernized belly dancing with a western touch to it, that has kept evolving over the years. It is a wonderful trip to many unknown tales of passion and love, hitherto untold.
