If people were to be given a chance to learn a dancing style, then chances are that a vast majority of them would opt for belly dance. Such is the popularity of this form of dancing that it has transcended continents and now it is popular in virtually every nook and corner of the world. According to historians this form of dancing originated from India and the Arabian countries. Done barefooted , many believe that traditionally it is performed in order to prepare a woman for marriage.

One of the striking things about belly dancing is that you will immediately notice is the costume. It is usually very colorful with liberal use of bold stripes and patterns. Adding more color to the costume is the use of jewelry. The belt of coins for example, is one such piece of jewelry that has become extremely popular nowadays. Flaming candles and swords are the other accessories that usually accompany a dancing performance. The costume for the dancing style is said to have originated in Egypt before spreading to other parts of the Middle East.

The costume also varies from country to country. For example, use of full beaded attire is seen in Egypt. This dress is now also becoming popular in certain parts of Europe and even in America. Similarly, the slight variation of this dress is the cabaret attire, which consist of a skirt and a hip belt, along with the traditional veil. Other accessories including shoes, arm coverings and neck bands are also known to vary ever so slightly in different parts of the world.

The first time when belly dance form became popular in the rest of the world is during the late 1800s when it was first seen in the United States of America. The popularity of this dancing form then gradually spread around the world and now shows are organized pretty much in every part of the world.

The form of dancing is characterized by the typical circular motion of the hips and the rib-cage. The main focus in belly dance though is on the pelvic area. While it is well known that women are the ones who perform this type of dance, there are instances when men also are known to participate in it.

The dancing techniques vary ever so slightly from place to place. For example, in the Turkish form of the dance, the use of fingers for symbolizing certain things are seen. Similarly in the Egyptian style ballet style is incorporated into this form of dancing. In the other parts of the world, the Egyptian style is still followed. There are also instances when certain dancers have created their own improvised versions of the form in some parts of the world.

The core movements involved in belly dancing remain more or less the same , whatever may be the style that is being followed. It consists of 12 basic steps that need to be mastered first. Once a dancer becomes proficient in these steps, then she can be well and truly said to have mastered the art of dancing.

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Category: Arts and Crafts
Keywords: Dance, belly, ballet, Egyptian, jewelry, hips, steps