Belly Dance

What is Belly Dance:
Hi today i am going to talk about belly dancing. Belly dancing is a western term for a traditional Middle Eastern dance form. Belly dance is not as popular as other dance. only few American people are committed to this work of art. In Arabic language it is know as raqs sharqi (رقص شرقي) literally "oriental dance") or sometimes raqs baladi (رقص بلدي; literally "national" or "folk" dance). The term "raqs sharqi" may have originated in Egypt. In Greece and the Balkans, belly dance is called tsiftetelli (τσιφτετέλι), çiftetelli in Turkish. The term "belly dance" is a creation of Orientalism, first used in English in 1899, and translating in French to "danse du ventre."

Costume:
The Costume Belly dance is called Bedlah in Arabic meaning(suit)and was made by dancers in Egypt in the 1930s, and spreading to other countries. The bedlah style include a fitted top or bra (usually with a fringe of beads or coins), a fitted hip belt (again with a fringe of beads or coins), and a skirt(s) (straight, layered, circular, or paneled). In the western world a "veil" - a 3-1/2 to 4-yard piece of fabric - may also be used to accentuate swirling arm movements throughout an entire dance or part of a dance. Most Egyptian dancers use the veil as an opening prop which they discard within the first few minutes of their routines. In Egypt, dancers wear full-beaded dresses for the folkloric and baladi routines. These dresses are designed according to the type of dance and the tradition behind each dance. Similar outfits are also worn by American and European dancers when performing folk dances. Western dancers, however, have more freedom and may choose according to taste and fantasy. Costuming often varies with the particular style of dance.

Techniques:
Most of the basic steps and techniques used in belly dancing involve circular motions isolated to a certain part of the body. For example, a circular movement "drawn" parallel to the floor by the hips alone, or by the shoulders alone. Accents such as "pop and lock," where a dancer either shimmies or makes a striking motion with their shoulders or hips, are common, as are feats of flexibility, rolling one's belly muscles, balancing various props like baskets, swords or canes, and dancing with chiffon or silk veils.

Website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belly_dance#Costume

Me:
I have been studying Belly dance for 2 years. I am just a beginner, but i know the way of the belly. Belly dance is a good exercise and help your obliques muscles. It is very fun and help you stale in shape. I will recommend people doing this dace as a hobby because it is really fun learning and also fun learn about other people tradition.