World belly dance day: Celebrating this timeless art form
What's the story
Get ready to sway your hips and immerse yourself in the mesmerizing world of belly dance! The world is celebrating world belly dance day today, a vibrant celebration that honors the rich history, cultural significance, and undeniable allure of this ancient dance form. Join us as we explore the fascinating history, intriguing facts, and captivating performances that make this day a truly enchanting event.
Origin
Belly dance has its roots in ancient Egypt
Belly dance is a centuries-old Middle Eastern dance form that is thought to have originated in ancient Egypt. The earliest known references to belly dance come from ancient Greek and Roman texts, with writers describing dancers using "undulating" movements, playing castanets, and sinking to the floor with "quivering thighs." The vivid depictions closely resemble the captivating movements we see in belly dance today.
Steps
Some of belly dancing's iconic movements
Belly dancing features some classic steps that are truly captivating. One of them is the shimmy, where the hips vibrate using the muscles in the lower back. Then there are undulations, which are smooth and flowing movements that create a rhythmic pulse in the chest, hips, and stomach. Lastly, we have hip hits, which are quick and sharp pulsations of the hips.
Fertility
Interestingly, belly dancing originated as a fertility ritual
Centuries ago, belly dance held a special role as the "dance of birthing" during fertility rituals performed by temple priestesses. It was believed that the rhythmic movements of belly dance could alleviate the discomfort of women during pregnancy. Interestingly, this dance form is considered highly natural for a woman's body, as it intricately connects to the essence of the womb.
Suitors
Belly dancing was a way for women to discover suitors
Back in the day, in some traditional Muslim households, after dinner, women would gather in a room and perform belly dance, which was called "Raks-sharki." It was a fun activity, but it also had another purpose. The women would share information about eligible men in their community. The gathering provided an opportunity for women to find eligible bachelors in the community.
Famous dancers
Notable belly dancers who captivated global audiences
Born in 1892, Badiaa Masabni, the founder of Egypt's 'Opera Casino,' played a pivotal role in shaping the "Raks-sharki" or Egyptian cabaret style, as we know it today. Shafiqa Al-Qibtiyya, born in Cairo in 1851, was a student of Shooq, Egypt's first Oriental dancer. Tahiya Karioka, born in 1915, was an iconic dancer, who graced the "golden age" of Egypt with her extraordinary talent.