Belly Dancing

Afaf B.
Tamara A.
Nassi D.

What is belly dancing?

Belly Dancing: There are
regional folkloric dances which
also emphasize hip and
abdominal movements.
However, belly dancing is the
most popular well known
international dance.
In Arabic, the dance is called
Raks Shari which means
Oriental Dance.

Movements of the
dance
Belly dancing is a
polyrhythmic dance:
Hip movement
Shoulder movement
Head & neck movement
Hair Flip
Chest movement
Example

Origins of the Dance

Family tradition

Religious
Birthing techniques
& fertility ritual
Social dance to
bring people
together
Form of art

Why People Dance

Today

Money
Fame
Exercise
Entertainment
Artistic expression

Costumes

Belly dancing costumes are

colorful and consist of various
pieces of clothing including
scarves, coins, and veils.
Bedleh (Pronounced "BED
luh"), is the most common
cabaret-style suite consisting
of a beaded skirt,
bodystocking, belt, and a bra.

Costumes Continued..

Another costume is the

beledi dress
(Pronounced "BELL uh
dee"), which consists of
a long, floor length dress
made of natural fibers.
With this costume, the
dancer usually uses a
stick as a prop.

Costumes Continued..

Finally, the gallabiya

(Pronounced gal uh BEE
yuh) is a full-length cotton
robe worn commonly by
both men and women
throughout the Middle
East and Africa and is
sometimes used as a
costume for belly dancers.

Music Instruments - Percussions

RIQQ OR
RIK

DUMBE
K

SAGAN (ARABIC)
OR ZILS (TURKISH)

Music instruments - String

strings

KANOUN

RABABA
OUD

Music Instruments - Wind

KAWALA

ZUMMAR

NEY

History

Originated in India over 5000 years ago

Migrated to the Middle East
Gypsy tribes also called Roma in

Europe, Ghawazee in Egypt, and Nawar

in India.
It descended from a religious dance that
was performed during fertility rituals by
temple priestesses.
As early as 1000 B.C., temple engravings
depicting dancers have been found in
Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece.
The Gypsies eventually reached Europe
where one of the most famous Gypsy
dance styles was born - Flamenco.
Many moves in modern Flamenco are
still very similar to bellydance.

Stereotypes
The label Muslim is synonymous with Arab, and vice versa
All Muslim men oppress their women by forcing them to wear the

veil, and the only way to get equality is for Western feminists to
liberatethem.
We come from backwards families that are determined to keep us
from studying and pursuing professional careers.
Muslim and Arab women lead elusive, but highly fascinating lives.

Were sold into marriage as teenage virgins to terrorists named

Abdullah or Mohammed.

Oppression

9/11 Attack
Paris Attack
Terrorism
Islamophobia
Racism

Frances Burka Ban

Introduced 2010
Makes it illegal for anyone to
cover their face in a public
place.
While it also covers hoods, the
ban has been criticized as
targeting Muslim women
There is about 5 million
Muslims living in France

Estimated 1,900 will be

affected by law

Effects on communities

Stereotypes lead to Islamophobia and discrimination

Even though middle eastern people are proud of
where they are from and their culture and heritage, it
still affects their community

Some people are afraid of wearing hijabs

Youth refusing to wear them
Discrimination against Muslims by other religious
groups within the Middle Eastern community

Contributions

Middle Eastern culture is rich and has

affected America in many ways some of
them being

Food
Music and Poetry

Clothing/Textiles

Contributions - Food

FELAFEL
HUMMUS

KABOB

Contributions - Music and Poetry

Popular western music with

Middle Eastern influence

Akon - Belly Dancer
Pussy Cat Dolls - Buttons
Busta Rhymes - Arab Money
Jay Z - Big Pimpin
The Rolling Stones - Paint it
Black
And much more
Poetry
First form of poetry is the Quran
and the Torah
Famous Middle Eastern Poets
here in America today
Rumi, Hafez, Kahlil Gibran
etc..

Contributions - clothing

Many fashion trends today have middle eastern motifs

and influences engraved them including many
bohemian styles today
Fabric prints such as paisley and other flower motifs
The silhouette used such as baggy clothing, clothes
that flow, long dresses and skirts
Usage of Kaftans
Embroidery and needle work
Turban

Conclusion
Middle Eastern culture overall is still very strong today
even here in America

Traditions are still similar but some have been

westernized by some families, such as co-ed parties.

Male and females dancing together

Belly dancing is very popular here in the United States

and it is usually assumed to be the dance of the Middle

East (it is not)

It is used here as a form of entertainment and exercise

Works Cited

http://www.aleenah.com/history.html

https://mic.com/articles/12530/5-things-you-weren-t-toldabout-oppressed-muslim-american-women#.otJLFCfKi

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/01/franceburqa-ban-upheld-human-rights-court

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/aJShOiEXhUE/maxresdefault.jpg

http://www.worldbellydance.com/middle-easterninstruments/