The Oriental Dance

In the Middle East the belly dance was first performed as sort of a birthing aid.
Basically, the sisters of the women giving birth, would aid the new mother by undulating and rolling their bodies in natural,curvy snake -like movements to help with the delivery of the baby. It is a dance as second nature as breathing, and it got its start not as entertainment, but for childbirth.

Slowly Middle Eastern dance became more of an entertainment related art form. Middle Eastern dance form is esthetic and holistic as it is misunderstood. The Belly Dance is a spiritual connection between mind and body. Belly dancing is as majestic and regal as classical ballet.
But, differs because it offers it's practioner's a total experience, a sense of well-being, joy, freedom and most importantly, is a celebration of the femmine soul and inner spirit through movement.

Belly dancing is not at all a strip tease. The belly dancer does not remove her costume, the costume is very much a part of the dance routine. A belly dancer is proud of her costume, and it is crucial to wear the most elaborate and elegant dress to convey class and professionalism.

Read more about the history of bellydance. Here's the article "The Forbidden Dance" by Lucy Pappas:


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