Article by Douglas Etri
Did you know that belly dancing is actually a sacred dance of fertility? Characteristically distinguished as a dance that requires gyrating of the hips along with the fluid movement of the upper torso and hands, oriental women danced along the beat of belly dance instruments. The Western concept of a belly dance is a belly dancer in a sheer dress-barefoot and dancing with a belly exposed. The romanticism of the dance in the 18th and 19th century, as the oriental dance was introduced in the West brought about the modern concept that this dance is sensual and full of mesmerizing movements.
But in actuality, women in the East danced along the modern belly dance instruments to please the goddess of fertility. And it is surprising to note that even though the dance is popular, no scholars could actually point out its true history. Historians assume that the very first dance were danced by women right before the bride would enter a marital ceremony come the following day, in order to attract fertility. This also means that this dance was not for a man's eyes, but for women being in touch with their own womanhood.
The captivating movement along with the use of scarves, bells and even snakes may really be enchanting to the eyes. But never allow your mind to feel that the highlight of the whole thing is the dancer's exposed tummy. In truth, the core focus of the dance is the movement of the hips and their abdominal muscles. The sensual shaking and shimmy type moves would have to be in beat with the instruments. And if you are acute in hearing you may have observed that the drumbeats are quick as if a heartbeat, with an earthly tempo. Every pulse and cadence of the musician is translated on the dancer's hands and sensual movement, making a harmonized rhythm that is flattering to the eyes.
These days, belly dancing has also become among one of the highly considered body exercise for those who want to lose weight, because the rigorous dancing do not need any nerve-racking weight or equipment. Medical science also advices the dance for pregnant mother. Surprisingly, the abdominal stretching and hip movement loosen up the abdominal muscles, making childbirth smooth and easier, especially for first-time mothers.
Women could not be usually seen as musical players but the instruments for this dance can be easily learned. Belly dancing in Turkish language means "oryantal dansi," "exotic oriental dance" in English. This dance is widely popular along the West Asia area, Egypt, Turkey and even in the Mediterranean area. In some culture, belly dancing is in fact venerated as a higher form of dance, since the dance is a form of ceremonial passage from being single to complete womanhood.
Most often than not a belly dance would have to be accompanied by a doumbek, oud and saz. These belly dance instruments have both Turkish, Arabic and African origins, as tribes and ancient civilizations in West Asia and Eastern Europe have ancient traces of using these instruments in their rites and sacred ceremonies. If you are interested in learning more about belly dance, it would be exciting to learn how to play the instruments, not just learn how to dance it.
If you want to listen and feel the beat of ethnic musical instruments, you should try modern belly dance instruments. It has a distinct sound that creates music to hear. Or you may want to try Samba Instruments.
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