Belly dancing is a traditional dance form of which Raks Sharki, literally “dance of the east”, is the most familiar to westerners. This beautiful dance was historically executed BY women and FOR women during fertility rites and childbirth.
Although belly dancing has its roots principally in Egypt, several folk dance forms come from other countries such as Turkey, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, to name only a few.
Over the past century, belly dancing has greatly evolved, thanks to dancers such as Nagwa Fouad, Suhair Zaki and Tahia Carioca who helped promote the dance and introduce it to the world. There are several different belly dance styles such as the classical style, cabaret style, the saidi and melaya, dances using the shamadan (candelabra) and sword that require a great deal of skill, and many more!
Belly dancing is profound yet festive, energizing yet sensual. It is open to everyone (yes, even men!!!). It allows you to re-centre yourself while keeping physically and psychologically fit. Many dancers from different styles and backgrounds learn how to belly dance to help improve their body isolation.
