The Dance
Egyptian & Middle Eastern Dance
More commonly referred to today as “belly-dance”, Egyptian and Middle Eastern Dance has a rich and widespread history.
Originating in community dance performed by country and peasant folk in
the ancient world, the dance was spread throughout the Middle East, India,
North Africa and Europe by the wanderings of the Gypsy people. Predominantly
a women's celebratory dance for women, it was performed as a ritual and
spiritual dance and reputedly as a fertility dance, in readiness for
motherhood.
The beautiful flowing and rolling pelvic movements were said to be danced to strengthen muscle control and mitigate the pain which accompanied childbirth.
Sometimes referred to as the Goddess Dance, it is the enchanting combination of grace and poise combined with passion and wisdom that bestows upon this dance, the signature of innate femininity.
Over the centuries, many different versions of the dance have evolved, and as such, Indian, Nubian, Turkish, Spanish & Flamenco, to name but a few, all share common roots. Each serves to enrich our appreciation of the dance.
" When people want to celebrate, they dance "Curt Sachs