A History of Belly Dance

The dancing we have come to know as 'belly dancing' arises from the French 'danse du ventre' meaning "dance of the stomach". This term was applied in the Victorian era but is somewhat inaccurate seeing as the dance incorporates every part of the body. Other terms include, raks sharqi which is Arabic for "dance of the east" and "oriental" or "eastern" dance.

Culturally, belly dancing has its origins in early Arab tribal religious cultures that existed around 6000 years ago. The dance was performed as an offering to the goddess of fertility. Pagan peoples of the day worshipped female gods and greatly honoured the divine feminine and the capacity of females to bring forth life. Today in the Middle East, various movements from belly dance are used to assist labour. The deliberate motions of muscle contractions and spasms are very similar to the body's natural movements during childbirth.

Geographically, it has its origins in Mesopotamia. It is thought that gypsies spread the dance through their travels to North Africa.The dance then moved east to India and west to Italy and Spain. Different cultural influences can be clearly seen in belly dance movements along with differing costume styles.

In the West, the Romantic movement of the 18th and 19th centuries popularised belly dancing. They came from the Middle East to perform at World's Fairs or Expos held in various countries thus spreading this form of dance. The terms "oriental" or "eastern" dance were first coined at this time.

Egyptian dancers were influenced by various outside cultural influences such as ballet troops from Russia and European colonials who brought marching bands.

Gypsies travelling from India would perform in the streets and theatres to support themselves. From India they moved to Afghanistan and Persia moving on to Turkey and then to Europe. Some when south to Egypt and North Africa.

This art form is now practised in many countries worldwide including American, Canada, UK and Ireland, Australia and Asia as well as the obvious Egypt and Turkey and surrounding regions. Westerners often consider Egypt to be the seat of belly dancing but contrary to popular belief, belly dancers in Egypt are not well regarded and it is not seen as a respectable profession. Dancers are restricted to certain acceptable movements, there is no floor work and it is not allowed on television. Most belly dancers in Egypt are foreigners who dance for tourists.

Historically in Egypt however, gypsy dancers known as the ghawanzee danced for the public with music and swords, candles, veils and sticks. Dancers where frowned upon by the authorities but tolerated as they taxed the dancers profits. However, public belly dancing was finally banned in Cairo in 1834 due to religious based complaints. The ban was lifted but the dance was only allowed in theatres and thus the Egyptian cabaret-style was born.

However, it has become so popular in the West that you will find classes in almost every town and city, from Birmingham, UK to Birmingham, Alabama, USA, as well as the Middle East.

Debbie Williams invites you to try a on-line belly dance class for free!! http://www.birminghambellydance.co.uk/drum_solo_number_2.htm

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Types of Ballroom Dancing

Generally, ballroom dancing (BD) is any form of social dancing by couples or set of partners mainly for recreation or entertainment during social gatherings. By this definition, almost all forms of sets or sequences may be listed under types of BD. However, especially with the emergence of dancesport, it became more specific and the category excluded other types which do not conform to the style standard.

Today, when one says BD, one would likely refer to the ten dances of International Style regulated by the World Dance Council (WDC) or the ten dances listed under the American Style BDs. These are used for both competitions and social dancing. So, it's good to learn both styles.

Specifically, International Style is the umbrella term for International Standard and International Latin dances which originated and developed in England. This style is often used in international competitions like the Olympic games. In the US and Canada, the American Style further categorized into American Smooth and American Rhythm listed new inclusions of dances (usually of Western influence). Dance competitions in America of course feature American Style.

American Smooth is an equivalent of the International Standard while American Rhythm corresponds to the International Latin. Usually, American Smooth and Rhythm are danced to the tune of the mid-20th century Western Music.

Thee techniques for both types listed under International and American Styles are basically the same, however, International Standard strictly adheres to closed positions as opposed to American style that allows closed, open and separate dance movements. Moreover, International Latin and American Rhythm are governed by different syllabi, thereby both styles have distinct patterns or styles. Furthermore, in both standard and smooth dances, the set of dance partners follow the line of moving or gliding counter-clockwise in a rectangular floor.

In the UK, sequence dancing in pairs or formation is also regarded as one type of BD. Also in Europe, Mambo, Argentine Tango,ãEUREURLindy Hop, Swing Boogie or Nostalgic Boogie and Disco Fox are among the Latin Swing dances category. Nightclub Dances which include Salsa, Lindy Hop, West Coast Swing, Hustle, Nightclub Two Step and Merengue are also considered as BD.

Categories of ballroom dancing may also depend on the time and era. Long before, "balls" may feature these types of dances: Minuet, Quadrills, Polonaise, Pas de Gras, Mazurka. These dances are now considered as historical dances.

With time and with the removal and addition of new dances or revival of folk dances and historical dances, the category of BD changes. Presently, as a general guide, see the list below:

Types

I. World Dance Council- defined competition dances

A. International Standard
WaltzTangoVienesseFoxtrotQuickstep

B. International Latin
SambaChachachaRumbaPaso DobleJive

C. Formation Show Dance

II. American Style Competition (for US and Canada only)

A. American Smooth
WaltzTangoFoxtrotViennese Waltz

B. American Rhythm
ChachaRumbaEast CoastBoleroMumboSwing

Learning this form of activity is a wonderful pass-time activity - whether on your own, with a friend, or your partner.

Taking ballroom dancing lessons is a fantastic way to have fun, be active, and hang out with your partner. Ballroom dancing lessons are available to all even in the comfort of your own home.

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How To Find Dance Classes For Preschoolers

Today's children take part in a number of activities. From story time at the library, to soccer, to gymnastics, parents of preschoolers are often finding their kids fun things to do. If your little girl or boy is interested in dance classes, there are a few things to think about before you sign them up.

Do You Want Mommy (Or Daddy) And Me Or Kid Only Classes

Many schools that offer lessons have a number of them to choose from. If your child is very small, you'll likely be looking for a class that incorporates parents into each lesson. Parents will be expected to get up and dance with their child so this is not the class for moms and dads who want to sit back and watch.

Once a child is around three or four, it's more common for them to take the lesson with a group of children their ages and an instructor. In some studios, parents are invited to watch behind a one way mirror, but don't be concerned if you're asked to sit in a waiting area and are unable to watch. Many studios find that children are too easily distracted if they see their parents so it's quite normal for parents to be out of sight during classes. Many studios have a special class where moms and dads can see what their children have been learning, in addition to a recital at the end of the year.

What Kind Of Dance Lessons Are You Looking For

Are you simply looking for a ballet class or lessons that combine a ballet class with other forms of dance, such as tap? These combination lessons often prove to be an excellent introduction to this art form. A combination lesson lets the student, parents and teachers determine where a student might excel, and more importantly, lets the student try out all forms of classes before choosing the form that they might want to continue with, as they get older.

Look For A Dedicated School

Some schools offer only dance classes, such as a ballet class, tap, hip hop or jazz, while others might be held in a local community center that offers different types of lessons. A ballet class in a local community center can be fine at first, but if your child wants to progress in dance classes, you might run into being forced to leave and go to a dedicated school. Finding a dedicated school in the beginning can save you a lot of hassle and problems since your child won't need to get used to new teachers, new students and new classroom rules. A dedicated school may also have more time options for classes, something that is vitally necessary if you're a working parent.

Dance lessons are ideal for preschoolers. They provide a little bit of structure and introduce kids to important life skills like teamwork and dedication and can instill a sense of working hard to succeed. Lessons also help ease preschoolers into rules like paying attention and listening to a teacher, which are important skills as they move towards elementary school.

A Step Above Dance Academy offers dance classes in Batavia, IL. The school offers a number of different dance lessons in Batavia for students of all ages. If you're interested in learning more about a ballet class in Batavia or want to view a class schedule, visit http://www.astepaboveacademy.net/.

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