Middle Eastern dance is as mysterious
as its genesis. Historians date the dance from as far back
as 3000 B. C. Perceptions of what is commonly called belly
dance varies widely depending on your region of the globe,
and the style to which you’ve been exposed. In western
culture it may conjure up images of midriff-baring
exhibitionists dancing cabaret style. In the Orient, it may
bring to mind images of women dancing for women at afternoon
tea parties and other happy gatherings.
A common misconception is that belly dance was intended as
entertainment for our male counterparts. Quite the opposite
is true; in ancient times, the dance form was performed by
women for women, as a ceremonial rite in preparation for
childbirth. In modern times it’s more subliminal, a
celebration of the female spirit.
The female anatomy lends itself
trainable to the many complex movements that characterize
traditional Middle Eastern Dance: intricate patterns of
movement, where single parts of the body move
independently. It is truly an art, and when performed
gracefully and with skill, there’s no mistaking it
for anything other than remarkable.
Quintessential Middle Eastern dance requires an intimacy
with the music which summons it. “Listen to the
music, and dance to it!” Sounds easy enough. As we
know, music is more than noise or a succession of sounds;
particularly so in the case of this genre. Together, the
rhythms and melodies tell a story; sometimes a very long
story…a saga. The ability to really hear the music
with more than the ear, and interpret the emotions
conveyed in the lyrics takes genuine talent. This occasion
is rare, but when it happens, you recognize it for what it
is: awesome.
Naturally, over millenniums, mutations will occur,
sometimes resulting in subtle nuances—but at some
point it can cease to exist as “belly dancing.”
Leila aspires to give a glimpse of “Rah-iss Sharqi
(rah-iss share-kee)”, classic Middle Eastern Dance
with an essence of elegance and sophisticated style. |
