Introduction

Oriental dance.…… After these words, a mysterious beautiful oriental beauty-sorceress appears to our mind's eye, performing a fabulous dance and bewitching everyone who sees her. It is impossible to take your eyes off her magical movements, sparkling embroidered outfit, expressive eyes.

Belly dance…… Have you ever wondered why oriental dances are so originally called? If you have seen a dancer at least once, dancing dance belly, you will never forget the magical impression made on you by this dance.

The origin of oriental dance can be compared with the origin of life on earth - a lot of legends, conflicting information and theories, and not a single proof that everything was exactly this way and not otherwise. Apparently, the development of dance was not considered so important event to document its history.

Oriental dance is a mystery ancient culture, a riddle, the answer to which does not lie on the surface. The secret of the human body. The secret of merging with music, in which there are completely different rhythms, tones and instruments. The mystery of our energy and how unleashing that energy works wonders.

The history of the origin of oriental dance

Arabic belly dance has many roots. Its origins can be traced in the frescoes of the ancient temples of Mesopotamia. The frescoes have preserved beautiful images dancing people. Similar frescoes, whose age dates back to about 1000 years before the birth of Christ, are also found in ancient Egyptian temples. It is generally accepted that these frescoes describe the ancient ritual dance dedicated to fertility and the birth of new life.

The priestesses who danced in the temples sometimes served as "sacred prostitutes" who, through their dance, spoke to the spirit of the Great Goddess. It is possible that some of the movements of their dance have been preserved in the belly dance performed by modern dancers. It is interesting to note that there were different castes of dancers. Gavazi (translated from the Egyptian dialect - strangers), who performed on the streets and, as a rule, did not differ in education. Avalim, who were dancers of a completely different level. Alme (singular from Avalim) - this was the name of the dancer who received a special dance and musical education. Avalim knew how to play various musical instruments, well versed in poetry, could perform poems and songs own composition like the geisha of medieval Japan. The dance styles of Ghawazi and Avalim were quite different. People who study the history of belly dancing believe that it originated as a ritual to prepare for childbirth. In those days, there were no hospitals, painkillers and other medicines to facilitate the process of childbirth, so you had to give birth as nature intended.

It is not surprising that women have turned into a ritual those movements that strengthen and tone the muscles and thereby facilitate childbirth. It is easy to see that many belly dance moves are centered in the abdomen or pelvis. As a combination of muscle tension and relaxation, they train the internal organs and tone the abdominal muscles. Wave-like movements actually involve those muscles of a woman that push the baby out during childbirth.

The mystery of bellydance is not only in the eyes of the dancer, the enchanting atmosphere and magical attraction, but also in its history.

No one can say for sure where exactly belly dancing originated and when it happened. Most researchers are inclined to believe that the birthplace of bellydance is in Egypt, someone believes that it is in Mesopotamia, or maybe its origins should be sought in India? In ancient Greek manuscripts, one can find descriptions of Nile dancers who used various types of shaking and vibrations in their movements. The frescoes of the ancient temples of Egypt and Mesopotamia, painted a thousand years BC, depict priestesses performing this bizarre dance - a sacred ritual dance dedicated to the goddess of fertility, the mother goddess. The peoples of different countries - and already in ancient times, a characteristic oriental dance was performed in North Africa, and in Greece, and in Rome, and in Babylon - called it differently: Anahita, Isis, Ishtar, Aphrodite. The "dance guides" between these countries were the gypsies. But not modern, familiar to us, "Roma", but "Sinti" - another linguistic group. In Egypt, they were called "ghawazi" - "foreigners", and they came to the Nile Valley from India. Traveling from region to region, they brought with them the culture of belly dance, supplementing it in each country with new movements. By the way, later in Spain - again with light hand gypsies - this intercultural mix has become the basis of flamenco, only the emphasis has shifted from the stomach and hips to the legs and arms.

But back to the East. Over time, the “religious matriarchy” was replaced by patriarchal religions, paganism was replaced by Christianity and Islam, and belly dance turned from a ritual act into secular entertainment. A number of researchers even reduce bellydance to the level of “harem fitness” - they say that the wives and concubines in the harem had nothing to do, and it was necessary to monitor the beauty of the body, so they were engaged in belly dancing to while away the day with a fun activity and keep the body in shape . But even in the harem, belly dance had an important sacred task - to prepare a woman for pregnancy and childbirth. The specific movements of the dance involve the internal muscles of the pelvis - the very ones that help the baby to exit the uterus - and thanks to this, childbirth is easier and painless. The role of bellydance is not limited to pure physiology - for example, in some Egyptian villages, women still gather in a large tent and dance around a woman in labor, on the one hand, to help her morally, and on the other, to meet the newborn with fun so that he lives a happy life.

The "harem period" of the history of belly dance is the most controversial and vague. The fact is that Islam forbids depicting people, forbids women to dance for someone other than other women or their husband, and for strangers to enter the female half of the house (“haram” in Arabic means “forbidden”). Therefore, there are neither drawings of that time depicting dancers, nor descriptions of their movements. The few things that give us an idea of ​​what happened outside the walls of the harem are either the memories of the wives of European diplomats, or the figment of the imagination of artists and writers who often did not even visit the East. Should they be trusted?

And in the Egyptian chronicles, the mention of the Ghawazi can only be found in the last two hundred years. This people did not strictly adhere to the canons of Islam, they danced in the streets with their heads uncovered - naturally, such behavior caused displeasure religious figures, and it was forbidden to write about the Ghawazi. The very first drawings on which you can see the costumes of that time - narrow fitted caftans and wide trousers - were made by European travelers in the middle of the nineteenth century. These costumes strongly resembled Turkish folk clothes - which is not surprising, because Egypt was part of Ottoman Empire from 1517 to 1805 - and the Turkish costume, in turn, borrowed a lot from Persian. With their “immoral” behavior, the Ghazi, who danced for money for the soldiers of the Turkish army, incurred the wrath of not only the faithful Arabs, but also the Turkish Pasha - and were exiled to the south of Egypt in Esna.

The rebirth of bellydance took place in the middle of the nineteenth century - an unprecedented interest in it flared up in Europe after the French conquered northern Africa. All sorts of oriental shows became popular - however, it must be admitted, often it was only a cheap imitation without the slightest hint of culture and the deep meaning of belly dance. The first show with real oriental dancers was shown in Paris in 1889, and in 1893 the American impresario Saul Bloom brought a troupe of folk dancers from Chicago to the World's Fair in Chicago. North Africa and coined the bright term "bellydance", literally - "belly dance". In the same year, Oscar Wilde's play Salome was banned in London for its "lewd dancing" - which only spurred interest in them.

But everything looked then, in comparison with antiquity and today, quite chaste - the dancers performed in long closed dresses, and only a tied scarf accentuated the hips. However, this was enough: the fatal female spy Mata Hari literally enslaved the hearts and will with her oriental dances the mighty of the world this. Bellydance was inspired by Isadora Duncan, Ruth St. Denis and Martha Graham.

Hollywood gave the current glamor to bellydance. It was in Hollywood films that dancers first appeared with an open stomach, in an embroidered bodice and with a belt at the waist. Egyptian dancers partially copied this image, lowering the belt from the waist to the hips, exposing the navel - this way the movements looked more impressive, and it was easier to see them. Cinematography also laid the foundations for the choreography in bellydance - before the dance from beginning to end was pure improvisation, and in group performances captured on film, it looked somewhat inconsistent.

In Egypt, the heyday of cinematography came in the forties of the last century, and directors, of course, sought to make films with the participation of famous dancers. These films generated a genuine interest in bellydance far beyond the Middle East. Women and even men Western countries wanted not only to watch colorful shows, but also to dance this bewitching mysterious dance. This interest has not subsided until now.

Victoria Pyatygina

Hearing the phrase "oriental dances", many imagine a dazzling beautiful women in bright outfits, shrouded in a soothing misty haze of lamps and incense. For many centuries, these hypnotizing movements have been the companions of passion, enclosed in modesty and simplicity, which is characteristic of all Eastern women.

Perhaps it is safe to say that oriental dances are the most feminine and sexy, despite the fact that most of the body of the dancer is covered with clothes. Charming girl, in the process of dancing, reveals its sexual energy, and loosens up. In the East, there is an opinion that in the process of performing a belly dance, 1 and 2 chakras open, which release all unspent energy outward, and a woman gets rid of gynecological diseases.

However, there is more to this scientific explanation. In fact, all the movements that make up oriental dances - rotational, circular, lunges up and down, literally "disperse the blood" and thereby prevent the occurrence of ailments associated with its stagnation.

History of oriental dances

According to history, oriental dances were brought to Europe by nomadic gypsies, and only then spread throughout Asia. That is why it is impossible to talk about modern directions Oriental dance as about one whole organism. In fact, this is a harmonious combination of elements of various cultures, which was created over many centuries, in order to appear today in its complete, ideal.

There is a legend that once, during a dancer's performance, a bee flew under her clothes and, frightened, the girl began to rotate her shoulders and stomach to drive away the insect, while not interrupting her performance. And, oddly enough, the audience was delighted with the movements that they managed to see.

However, its world fame oriental dances began to acquire only in the 20th century, when in Hollywood everyone without exception began to get involved in this art. One after another, various TV shows and film musicals were created, in which luxurious seductresses in bright, sparkling clothes, but with a bare stomach, took part, whose languid alluring glances entered the gentlemen into a stupor and did not allow them to look away.

And already in the 60s last century oriental dances finally ceased to be "harem", and they began to be taught in almost all dance studios in the world. And, of course, began to appear various styles, each of which was the result of the introduction of special cultural elements of different countries. Today, the most popular destinations are:

* Baladi;
* Saidi;
* Ghawazee.

All of them, despite great amount differences, include "work" with swords, sticks and scarves.

There is another, no less attractive and charming direction, which is called "Tribal" - it uses music, movements and costumes that are taken from different eras. That is why the dancer has the opportunity to choose a dress that will highlight her dignity in the most advantageous way, but so that it does not look aggressive and too defiant, because the first thing to remember is that oriental dance should attract not with frank sexuality, but with modesty and mystery. .

The benefits of oriental dances

Modern scientists confidently assert that oriental dances have the most positive effect on the female body. And all due to the fact that the performance of movements helps to increase blood circulation in the pelvic organs and help maintain health and stability in all parts of the spine. In addition, they serve as an excellent way to prevent complications that often occur during childbirth.

Also, it is worth noting that psychologists consider belly dancing one of the most effective practices aimed at bringing the soul and body into complete harmony.

1. There are more than fifty varieties of oriental dances, among which even special directions stand out - the Lebanese school, Egyptian, Turkish and others.

2. Do not confuse the "cabaret" stage style that is shown to us in Hollywood films with true folklore trends such as Beladi, Saidi, Khalidki, Dabka and Nubia. The stage style of belly dancing was formed in the process of merging two cultures - eastern and western, and this "synthetic" ensemble became popular all over the world due to its comparative simplicity of movements and understandable, even to non-professional dancers, technique.

3. Creators modern dance belly is considered to be three great women - Tahia Carioca, Badia Masabni, Samia Gamal. All of them starred in Hollywood films and, as part of their roles, often had to perform oriental dances.

4. A colossal contribution to the development of belly dance was made by Mahmoud Reda, a man who staged many beautiful dances al numbers. He also came up with several directions, the most famous of which was the Alexandrian dance, which is now known throughout the world. His troupe, at one time, included such stars as Farida Fahmi and Rakiya Hassan. Many people compare Redi's activities with the contribution that Igor Moiseev made to the development of Russian dances.

5. Belly dance can be performed not only by women, but also by representatives of the strong half of humanity. Since the time of the Ottoman Empire, there have been styles such as tanura and tanhib, which were created specifically for men.

6. The style of costumes for performing oriental dances is constantly changing. Contrary to popular belief, there are no specific laws, everything depends on fashion. The “standard” set, consisting of a wide skirt, bodice and belt, is gradually becoming a thing of the past. Nowadays, belly dancing is often performed in trousers, or short skirts, to which special "rattles" are attached, designed not only to create a certain sound during the dance, but also to highlight and emphasize the rhythm that the dancer adheres to.

Today, not only oriental girls are fond of "belly dancing". “Belly dance” is something unusual, mysterious, which is why girls of all countries and peoples strive to learn the art of this unusual dance. Girls who thoroughly study oriental dance and learn how to dance flawlessly will be able to easily give birth. This is one of the main reasons why girls enroll in the dance section for this particular type of dance.

In order to comprehend oriental art, and achieve the highest results, it is worth learning about oriental dance in more detail, learning its history, the countries in which it originated, and finding out the reason why this oriental dance is called - where its origins lie ...

There is a legend according to which "Belly dance". According to this legend, a bee flew under the clothes of a young dancer, which was attracted by the aroma of fragrance emanating from the girl. In order to get rid of such an annoying insect, the girl began to squirm with her whole body, vigorously twist her hips and make movements with her stomach.

Oriental dance is not in vain called “belly dance”, because “belly” is life, and in translation it means “Dance of life”. Life, as a rule, is connected with the woman-mother and the earth. Belly dancing is really associated with the goddess of fertility, the mother goddess. In different nations, this goddess was called differently: Anahita, Isis, Ishtar, Aphrodite.

Dance, as a rule, shows a display of some activity, reflects the process of conception, gestation, birth. Researchers have indeed established a link between many of the dance movements and the movements of a woman during childbirth. In those days, in the East, where girls were married very early, "belly dance" taught first. Specificity " belly dance" consists in the constant dynamics of relaxation and tension of certain muscles. It is the “belly dance” that helps to relieve pain during childbirth, increase plasticity pelvic floor and joint mobility.

"Belly dance" helps not only in childbirth, but also serves as the art of seducing men, the art of winning their attention. This judgment was widespread even in Islamic countries, where harems existed.

"Belly dance" also has a ritual meaning. According to legend, if a wife dances for her husband every year on the wedding anniversary, it means that she remains just as young, attractive, desirable, even years later.

There is no single version of where oriental dance originated, and no one can say for sure where and how it began to exist. But one of the most common versions of the appearance of the dance is considered to be Asia, it was in Asia that this dance had a sacred meaning. In Asia, it was part of the ceremony of worshiping the feminine maternal principle, this ritual was held in honor of the birth of the unborn baby. "Belly dance" spread in the countries of the Near and Middle East, the Mediterranean, Greece, India, Rome, Europe. The Tibetan book of the dead contained a few words about the dance, in Tibet this oriental dance was used for the purpose of meditation, in Greece used as a means of healing the sick, which was accompanied by loud music and screams, in India received the greatest smoothness and softness of movements, and gypsies gave this dance passion.

In Europe "belly dance" any oriental dance is called, but this is an erroneous opinion, since there are a lot of oriental dances and each has its own characteristics, such as: movement, music, costumes.

In Europe, girls performed in long dresses, the hips of which were emphasized by an elegant scarf.

The second center for the development and dissemination of "belly dance" (the first was Bahrain, in which there were no strict restrictions on dance) is Libya. It was in this country that developed in style "cabaret", the costumes of this style were the most open and seductive.

There are some Bedouin tribes who still have the custom to dance an oriental dance in a large tent, around a woman in labor to help her give birth, and meet the baby with joy. For us, this is a very strange custom, but, nevertheless, it exists.

According to one version, Oriental dance came to us from India by the gypsies, around the 10th century.

There are more than 50 styles of oriental dance, in which such most popular destinations as: Egyptian, Lebanese and Turkish schools. Among the founders of belly dance, one can single out such world-famous stars as: Samia Gamal who starred in Hollywood, Badia Massabni, Tahia Carioca who has starred in over 100 films, Mahmoud Reda, who did a lot for oriental dance, he staged many beautiful dances and directions, incl. and the famous Alexandrian dance. His activities are compared with the active Russian founder of dance Igor Moiseev, these two people have done a lot for the foundation, development and staging of the dance.

Since the time of the Ottoman Empire, there has been an oriental dance, which was performed only by men, among the most popular oriental male styles there is - "takhtib".

The costume for the "belly dance" was constantly changing in accordance with fashion, previously the most classic version was - “bodice-belt - wide skirt”, at the moment a girl can afford to dance in a short skirt, without a belt with a hinge, but, for example, a dancer in Cairo can be arrested if she performs without a translucent mesh covering her stomach .

Today, belly dance in Russia exists in several directions:

1.direction includes oriental dance classes for the purpose of healing, maintaining good shape, in this direction, belly dance is not considered from the point of view of art, but this approach provides a good basic preparation for dancing.

2. direction includes dance-movement therapy with elements of oriental dance, this direction does not provide dance training, but only considers this species dance from the point of view of psychology, art, philosophy, energy, and also helps to reveal individuality.

Incredibly popular belly dance became after the show "Clone", fans of this series, as well as fans of the singer Shakira expressed a desire to try their hand at this difficult art.

Professional dancers from Russia and the CIS countries often go to work under a contract in Egypt and other countries, for example Tatyana Fedyaeva, achieved great popularity and won the hearts of the Arab public. In Egypt, she managed to get the title "actresses".

Today, “belly dancing is extraordinarily beautiful, attractive, unusual view art, which helps not only to maintain physical fitness, and thanks to which you can always be healthy, but also gives a woman beauty, originality, and also helps in childbirth. If you consider yourself a beautiful, elegant, unique girl, but you want to have a little mystery in you (because a woman should have a mystery), then you just need to learn this difficult, but such a wonderful art. Maybe belly dance just for you. Well, if that's the case, then dance studio is probably not that far from your home. And if it’s still far away, then this distance will become a trifle for you, because, as you know, dance calls, go towards your happiness and dance.

Anna Kondratieva

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Smooth movements of the hips, undulating vibrations of the abdomen, a mysterious smile, gracefulness and plasticity of the dancer drive the audience crazy, immerse them in the bliss of the sensuality of this exciting spectacle... And this has been going on for more than 11 thousand years... Belly dance - this is a way of expressing one's admiration and praising the maternal principle of women Central Asia. It is even more likely not a dance, but a form of meditation, a ritual with a deep sacred meaning. In a similar way women praised women in childbirth on the occasion of the birth of a child. The dance immediately interested representatives of other peoples and gradually began to spread to other eastern countries and the peoples of the Mediterranean. Due to different nations interpreted belly dance in their own way, its meaning changed for each nation. Some put their concepts of astral perception of the world into it, others - healing properties. Some peoples used it to enrich their internal culture. The gypsies who lived in the east effectively incorporated belly dancing into their national dances, filling it with his extraordinarily beautiful and charming movements, overflowing with the passion inherent in the gypsy people. The only people who remained indifferent to the belly dance is the Islamic people, to whom the faith of confession did not allow them to focus their attention on such moments.

Storybelly dance
Initially, dancing was not inherent in everyone. They had a ritual character and were performed by shamans in their rituals. Ordinary people, participating in actions, also had the right to make these movements. The abundance of customs and their accompaniment of many processes Everyday life led to the increasing penetration of dance into everyday life. The appearance of instrumental music has moved dance from the category of mysticism to the category of ways to entertain or reveal positive emotions. They danced everywhere: both after a successful hunt and to celebrate the victory and to accompany wedding ceremony. Often dances expressed and negative emotions. It was believed that in this way one could turn to God so that he would remove the burden from the soul of the dancer. Further development dance art took place under the influence of Islam, which passed to the territory of modern Turkey with the Seljuk and Iranian culture. During the formation of the Ottoman Empire, belly dance continued its development in Istanbul, where it acquired its final form. When Islam became the main faith in Turkey, the canons of which prohibit women from showing a half-naked body unfamiliar men, dances formed a rather unusual branch - male dances performed only by men. Women's belly dance acquired some modesty in outfits, which excluded a number of movements and made it more restrained. But regardless of who makes the dance movements, each of them is based on the expression of desire and passion. Therefore, it is oriental dances that are considered the most erotic, and even sexy. For modern Turkish dances a huge impact provided various European currents. This led to the emergence, along with traditional religious movements, of new sports and modern variations. Historical movements can now be observed in isolated settlements rarely visited by foreigners and only at holidays and ceremonies. Tourists, as a rule, can observe only the basics of traditional dance, without the whole palette of diversity. Now, as before, oriental dances in Turkey are very popular, which gradually crosses the borders of the state and is gaining more and more large territories. European culture is beginning to adopt some features oriental cultures including dancing.

The legend of the origin of belly dance
There is a legend associated with the appearance of belly dance. A bee flew under the young dancer's clothes, confusing the heated body, anointed with oils, with a fragrant flower. The girl, in order to get rid of the annoying insect, wriggling her whole body, began to vigorously twist her hips and make movements with her stomach ... Researchers have established a connection between many dance movements and the movements of a woman in childbirth, which indicates its basic function of supporting childbirth. In the East, where girls were married very early, belly dancing was taught first. The specificity of the dance is the constant dynamics of relaxation and tension of certain muscles, which helps a woman synchronize her movements and labor pains, and alleviate pain during childbirth, increase the plasticity of the pelvic floor and joint mobility. Oriental dance has many roots. It existed even in the pre-Islamic and pre-Christian era, and even before Judaism. Its origins can be traced in the frescoes of the ancient temples of Mesopotamia ( Western Asia), which preserved images of dancing people. Ancient Egyptian temples have similar frescoes. They are believed to describe an ancient ritual dance that was performed at ceremonial festivities celebrating the birth of children and the harvest. Gypsy tribes had a great influence on belly dance. The Gypsies traveled through India, the Middle East and Europe, temporarily settling in Spain. It is not difficult to trace the similarities between Indian and Middle Eastern folk dances. Middle Eastern dance is also the progenitor contemporary flamenco. Islamic countries, where harem relationships traditionally existed, shifted the emphasis in dance from worship of the maternal principle to seduction. Belly dancing for numerous women in the harem served as a way to win the attention of the owner. There is evidence that 3.5 thousand years BC. the art of oriental dance, traveling with nomadic tribes, horrible to the ancient Slavs. The Proto-Slavs changed the nature of the dance. It already has a slightly different ritual meaning: the wife, dancing this dance for her husband every year on their wedding anniversary, remained just as desirable, young and beautiful after many years. About 300 years before the advent of Christianity, the Slavic version of this dance began its journey back to Asia. Once again modified in Turkey and among the inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula, belly dance for almost 400 kept its sacramental meaning of "dance for the only man", but then some dancers began to perform it for money. So the ritual version of the dance began to lose its esoteric meaning, and over the next 350 years it became known in all the countries of the East, in India, Ceylon, Japan, Afghanistan, as well as in Africa, Europe, and in the Far Eastern lands. In the 80s XIX years centuries, belly dance has become widespread in Europe. The dancers of that time, as a rule, performed in long dresses, the hips were emphasized by a scarf. In the 50s of the 20th century, Islamic sentiments intensified in Egypt, which led to a tougher attitude towards belly dancing. In the Middle East, two new dance centers managed to form - one of them was Bahrain, where there were no strict rules regarding belly dancing. Libya became the second dance center. At the same time, in Turkey, belly dance developed more in the cabaret style, the costumes of the dancers were more open and seductive than in other styles.

Historical roots of belly dance
Belly dance is a laudatory hymn to Woman, Sensuality, Motherhood. This is the dance of Life, filled with deep feelings that accompany the birth of a new soul. Having survived through the millennia, Belly Dance is reborn in modern world along with the need of every woman to realize her true nature. The art of this dance, which has its roots in the depths of centuries, reflects the ancient cults of fertility, abundance and love. It is with the rites of worship of the Egyptian Isis, the Greek Aphrodite, the Babylonian-Assyrian Ishtar, embodying the image of the Great Mother Goddess, that the emergence of this ritual dance is associated. Belly dance - ancient dance Earth. Therefore, it has many directions, styles, types. Many peoples of the world have influenced and still influence the development of this dance.
Ancient Egypt considered the birthplace of belly dance. The geographical position of Ancient Egypt was such that it was a rather isolated state, so for a long time the dance was formed only by the Egyptians and other peoples did not influence it.
In ancient Egypt, the art of dance was highly valued. It contained many various kinds dances: ritual, harem, war dances and dances that were danced just for fun. The images of dancers and dancers that have survived to our time testify to how the dances were performed. In ancient Egypt, the dance was quite diverse, there were much more movements than in the “traditional” belly dance. Hands were generally "soft", flowing, open, but there were also characteristic jerky, geometric movements with clenched fists. Over time, Ancient Egypt began to be more influenced by neighboring countries: Syria, Palestine, Nubia, Sudan, Ethiopia. In 1500 BC. The Egyptians brought bayadères from India to the court, who brought elegance, flexibility, and sophistication to the Egyptian dance. After the New Kingdom period Egyptian civilization began to fade, more and more exposed to invasions of neighboring countries, and in 30 BC. e. Egypt became part of the Roman Empire.
gypsies. The merit of the gypsies is that they were a kind of connecting link between different cultures. Wandering around the world, they left traces of their culture and absorbed the flavor of the culture of the country through which their path lay. The Gypsies left India around 420. AD and proceeded through the countries of the East to Europe, stopped in Andalusia, where they found people close to their liking. In Andalusia, the flamenco style was born - a mixture of Arabic, gypsy, Jewish, Spanish and other dances.

IN Ancient Greece there were many religious ceremonies during which people danced. Dance was an obligatory part of the worship of such gods and goddesses as Dionysus, Bacchus, Artemis, Aphrodite, Demeter and many others. Greek dance was characterized by energy, even fury, often accompanied by screams, rather loud musical accompaniment. Dance was considered a means of healing from various ailments of the body and spirit.
IX-X centuries in India associated with the heyday of temple architecture. At the temples, ritual dancers necessarily existed, who were considered very revered people, had houses in the best quarters of the city and did not pay taxes on land. Each dancer had an excellent musical, choreographic and linguistic education. It was believed that the dancer was married to a temple deity, so she would never be a widow. For Indian dance hand movements are very characteristic, each gesture has a certain meaning, so the dancer does not hold the cymbals in her hands during the dance, the cymbals are attached to various parts of the body.
Türkiye. To understand the nature of Turkish dance, one has to look into history. The Turks settled on the Central Anatolian Plateau, then they began to conquer nearby lands, move further into Europe, Africa, and Asia. The Ottoman Empire was formed, which for a long time united representatives of various civilizations and peoples. Therefore, there were several thousand folk dances that intertwined with each other, and it is impossible to say that there was a purely Turkish dance. In Turkey there were religious dances, folk dances and even very spectacular performances were staged. Türkiye has made a great contribution to the art of dance in the form of the invention of complex and interesting rhythms. Islam's bans on dance affected mainly dancers in large cities, settlements, but practically did not affect folk dances in isolated villages, so even now in remote villages you can see the dance as it was many years ago.
Europe. Napoleon opened Egypt to Europe. In addition to many archaeological values, Europeans, along with Egyptian culture, generally saw a belly dance.
USA. In 1893 Saul Bloom brought oriental dance to America. Since at that time there were quite tough morals and everything that was connected with the body was considered indecent, then Saul Bloom managed to shock the audience with a perverse presentation of oriental dance, which he called belly dance. Since then, the name, as well as the association of this dance with striptease, unfortunately, has stuck.

Styles and directions
Saidi. Saidi is a cane dance. It originated in an area of ​​Egypt called Said, where shepherds and warriors lived, who used bamboo canes as weapons. Women, on the other hand, reborn these militant movements into a beautiful energetic dance.
Dance with a headscarf. This is one of the most theatrical dances, requiring acting skills. A scarf is also a background to emphasize the beauty of the body and movement. This is what hides, then to open. It is very important for the dancer to feel the scarf not as part of the costume, but as part of her body.
Gulf dance (khaliji). This dance is performed by the peoples of the Persian Gulf countries. Khaliji is an incredibly subtle, lyrical dance. Costumes for this dance open only part of the face and hands. The basic step of this dance imitates a camel ride.
Dance with cymbals
Cymbals are one of the most ancient musical instruments in the form of two pairs of wooden or metal plates. The dancer uses their sound as musical accompaniment to your dance.
Saber dance. This is a rather difficult dance. It is said that in ancient times, when seeing off their husbands to war, women carried a saber on their heads - this is how this dance originated. And they say that dancing with a saber, a woman demonstrates her defiance.

Belly dance until the 19th century
Until the 19th century, oriental dance was performed in the family circle and at family holidays. Weddings, circumcisions, bar mitzvahs and other similar events could not do without this dance. Sometimes a professional dancer was hired. Since these were mostly family festivities, strangers and strangers rarely got to see this dance. Beginning in the mid-1800s, trade fairs became popular. Dancers from the Middle East began performing in Europe. The first oriental dance show was held in Paris in 1889. The expression "Danse Du Ventre" ("belly dance") was coined in 1893 by Saul Bloom, impresario of Midway Plaisance and the "Street in Cairo" exhibition at the Columbian Trade Fair and Chicago World's Fair. He did this deliberately to excite the twisted imagination of the Victorians of the time, who were willing to pay any price to see something "obscene" in their minds, and then they could go home and pretend to be shocked. Mr. Bloom's calculations were correct, and he earned enough funds to finance his future congressional elections, which he subsequently won. As a result, the name stuck, thus contributing to this interpretation.
In the 1880s, Europeans began to take in the charm of the East. Writers such as Gustave Flaubert and artists such as Jean-Leon Gerome traveled to the Middle East and North Africa for inspiration. Tourists visited this region to gawk at the exotic landscapes and people. The colonial armies of England and France occupied several countries in the region. From the 19th century and into the first decades of the 20th century, professional dancers in Egypt are divided into Ghawazee and Awalim. Ghawazee were gypsies who usually performed in the streets or courtyards, often with lower-class audiences. The Awalim were more respected than the Ghawazee. They could not only dance, but also sing, play musical instruments and read poetry, they were often invited to the homes of the rich. Until the 30s. 20th century, dancers were more likely to perform in homes or cafes. Then, in Cairo, a Lebanese girl named Badia Mansabny opened night club Casino badia, which was decorated in the style of European cabarets. The varied program featured oriental performances in the form of dancing, singing, musicians and comedians, including various European acts, and even a daytime family concert. Officially performed in rather small venues, Raks Sharki had to adapt to larger stages. European dance choreographers working for Badia Mansabny helped train Oriental dancers, adding elements from other dance schools especially from ballet. At the beginning of the 20th century, Cairo became a major city with a third of a million inhabitants, of which 20% were non-Egyptians. Most of the foreigners in Cairo were merchants. The Baladi style has evolved along with the urbanization of the population. When villager came to the city, they were exposed to the influence of different countries and the result was a change in the style of dance. The Baladi style, influenced by the West and the dances of Greece, Turkey, North Africa, Persia, India, other countries of the Middle East and perhaps through contact with Ghawazee, developed into a new dance known as Raks Sharqi. The new dance was a mixture of styles and costume details, adapted for an individual female performance. People often say "women's solo dance", distinguishing it from folk dances, usually group dances. A dance with a lot of hip movement is associated with Baladi, and the center of movement moves up to the torso.

Varieties
There are more than 50 styles of oriental dance, there are also directions:
- Egyptian school - a more chaste version of belly dance in closed outfits with smoother movements.
- Arabic school (khaliji) - hair dance, which got its name from the characteristic waves of loose hair.
- the Turkish school is more sensual, costumes are more frank, dances are accepted on the table, communication during the dance with the audience.
Arabic influenced belly dance folk dance dabka (collective dance with jumps, similar to the Celtic jig).
Accessories . In some types of belly dance, accessories may be used:
- cane (saidi dance, related to the male military dance takhtib)
- tambourine (nubia shamanic dance)
- fire
- sabers
- sagats (metal discs)

Costume
The belly dance costume has a name - bedla. Its classic elements are the bodice, belt and wide skirt, often with a slit at the hip. The costume for the conservative public includes a covering veil for the abdomen, arms and hair. Instead of a skirt, harem pants can sometimes be worn. The whole costume is decorated with beads, rhinestones, monists or pearls. Decorations play a big role, as they attract attention, captivate the eye and give the dance a flavor of oriental meditativeness. The skirt can be wide (sun, semi-sun) or straight, with one or more cuts. The bodice and belt are embroidered with sequins, beads, etc. Fringes, pendants decorated with sequins and beads are sewn to these parts of the costume. And this is not accidental, because in oriental dance the emphasis is on isolated movements of the hips and chest, therefore the costume is decorated in such a way as to emphasize the movements, to strengthen them. The costume enhances the fabulous impression made on us in oriental dance. In the traditional belly dance costume, the belly is left open to show the actual belly dance, but there is another type of costume - this is a long dress, closed with a scarf tied around the hips (this is how the Egyptians danced). Dance shoes deserve special mention. Traditionally, belly dancing is danced barefoot, but today, when belly dancing has become a kind of variety show, dancers wear high heels. But for training it is better to use Czechs, soft dance shoes, and, even better - to train barefoot.