Archive for August, 2008
Dances of Tunisia
Dances of Tunisia: Written by Mellilah
The traditional dance of Tunisia is characterized by sharp, horizontal twisting movements of the hips with flowing upper bodies, danced almost entirely on demi-point (on the toes) with arms held in a “w” shape. This dance is seen at weddings and parties, and in the southern islands of Kerkennah and Djerba, the dance is often performed with a clay water pot balanced on the head.
These dancers wear a blouse, a “khamisa,” underneath a large rectangular wrap, a “melia,” fastened at the shoulder with two large pins, with a belt of woollen yard around their waists. Additionally, married women wear a “khul-khal,” a famous Tunisian ankle bracelet, to ward off snakes with its rattle-like noise. (Unmarried virgins are believed to have inherent protection from snake bites.)
The Tunisians have another dance called the Stambali, a true trance dance, which is performed in sanctuaries and in people’s homes as a therapeutic remedy. This dance accompanies the sacrifice of an animal and is performed in regard to Sidi Saad, their patron saint.
As I am not an expert on this subject, I recommend further research on this subject.
For more info about the author, visit www.mellilah.com
Brief History of Belly Dance
A Brief History of Belly Dance: Belly Dance Origins by Mellilah
Seen as an ancient dance form, belly dance evolved through various ancient dance traditions throughout North African and the Middle East.
Baladi means “country” or “folk” and refers to a particular style and costuming. Primarily in the US, baladi is also used to represent a specific rhythm, the masmoudi sagheer. Prior to the twentieth century, when performed, baladi was performed primarily for weddings, outdoor festivals, coffee houses and private residences. The baladi style was performed in small spaces and was improvisational, utilizing movements of the shoulders and hips. Traditional instruments accompanied Baladi dancers, including drums, wind or string instruments, and tambourines, and their costumes consisted of an optional headscarf, a floor length dress, and hip scarf.
Although today belly dance is practiced all over the globe, the Golden Era of belly dance rests in the mid-twentieth century in Egypt. In 1926, Badia Masabny, Lebanese dancer and actress, opened “Casino Badia,” a nightclub in Cairo that was modeled after the cabarets in Europe. Casino Badia featured Eastern as well as Western entertainment, which both European and Middle Eastern audiences found appealing. Similar nightclubs emerged in Beirut, Algiers and throughout Cairo. It is at this time, that the evolution of baladi to raqs sharki, the sophisticated art form that we know today, began.
Baladi was transformed into a refined art form, utilizing more sophisticated movements, veils, and encompassing a larger stage area, as well as embracing ballet inspired arms, posture, and foot placement, on the balls of the feet. Dancers wore bedlahs, two-pieced, sequined costumes, inspired by Hollywood, and for the first time, dancers reached celebrity status and gained prestige. Products of this period are famous dancers Tahia Carioca and Samia Gamal.
The translation of Arabic term “raqs sharki” is “dance of the East” or “oriental dance.” It has been said that French travelers referred to raqs sharki as danse du ventre (dance of the belly), as what they witnessed was bizarre to them. The terms belly dance or raqs sharki are widely used today.
For more info about the author, visit www.mellilah.com
Leila ~ You’re the best!
Leila is one of my favorite post modern Egyptian style dancers, and you have to admit that she’s drop-dead gorgeous. Besides this, you have to respect her tenacity. Originally from the Northwest, north of Seattle, she quickly became one of Seattle’s most loved and regularly booked dancers. Determined to make a name for herself, she moved out to Cairo in 1999, studied with the best Egyptian instructors, learned Arabic, and quickly moved on to dancing at the top 5-star hotels with her own band, becoming one of Cairo’s most sought after belly dancers, as well as a well known Egyptian actress and model.
Leila and I have similar body types, which is another attraction for me. I find that there are some definite benefits of learning from people who are of the same/similar body type as you (that is once you get to a certain level). Long arms take longer to move through space, and I have a lot of real estate to move around! I have found that petite dancers sometimes have a hard time relating to this. Moves that look good on a petite person aren’t going to look the same on me. Also, as we wear the same size, when she’s visiting Seattle, I can always count on picking up one of her hand-me-down costumes! : ) 
Leila’s dancing is elegant yet commanding, beautifully Egyptian, and mesmerizing to watch. See for yourself. Video Footage of Leila below:
Nile Group Festival Opening
Saidi at Nile Group Festival
Nile Group Festival
Nile Group Festival; Tabla solo & finale
Bint al Belad A sample of her first video
Leila w/ Singer
Cairo Belly Dancing
Raks al Assaya This clip was probably filmed
around 1999-2000.
Leila as Actress
Leila often visits Seattle. Be sure to catch her workshops when she does! You won’t be disappointed.
For more info about the author, visit www.mellilah.com
I wish I had learned zills a long time ago!
I really, really wish I had learned the zills when I began dancing!! Unfortunately, when I learned to dance, most of my teachers didn’t use zills (finger cymbals) in their classes. Because it wasn’t used in class and I never took the initiative to teach myself, I danced for years without them, and now my zills are not up to par with my dancing. It’s taking a lot of discipline to make myself use them, but I know it will pay off in the end.
I think it’s never too early to begin learning zills and really want my students to learn early on. However, I’ve decided that I will begin teaching zills in my Level 2 classes due to the nature of my Level 1 classes and the various objectives people have for signing up for the class.
Where do you buy zills? Saroya is the best place for purchasing zills. If you click on “Students & Advanced Dancers” you’ll see cymbals that are mellow toned and lightweight for students at around $15 a set. (You can read about the history of zills here, too.) 
For more info about the author, visit www.mellilah.com
Styles of Belly Dance
Styles of Belly Dance (Middle Eastern Dance)
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“Belly dance” is a common term used to represent past and present styles of folkloric, cabaret, and contemporary dance, originating in the Middle East. The term is used so broadly that a more specific title is warranted in order to properly represent the dance. Of course there is subjectivity in placing belly dance into categories, as there are often commonalities rather than hard rules, but I believe that in attempting to organize the information we can better understand it.
Folkloric Dance (Raqs Baladi): Folkloric dances are the various regional dances of the people, performed by the general public at celebrations or by professional entertainers. Folkloric dances differ from country to country, as well as within a country. On the stages of past and present times, folkloric dances of the Middle East were, and are, performed in their original authentic forms as well as in a theatrical form for the stage. The theatrical forms of “Egyptian” folkloric dances were influenced by and introduced to the Egyptian theatre by Mahmoud Reda, who studied the authentic regional dances of the people throughout Egypt in the 1950s and then modified the dances and costuming for the theatre. Some examples of folkloric dances you may see performed include Saidi, Khaliji, Malaya Luff, Raqs Baladi, Ghawazee, Nubian, Hagala, Tunisian, and Turkish Rom.
Cabaret (Raqs Sharki): What we think of as “cabaret” or “raqs sharki,” often performed on a stage with fancy bedlahs, sequins and beads, evolved over time and was originally developed through combining the many styles of “raqs baladi” (the home style dance of the people from various regions), as well as influences from many cultures and/or dance styles, like ballet, the influences of Mohmoud Reda’s theatrical productions, and even Hollywood. Badia Masabni is credited as the original pioneer of the cabaret style. In the mid-twentieth century, she was the first to perform on a European-like nightclub in Cairo, fusing existing dance styles for the stage. Since then, cabaret has spread like wild fire all over the world and with advances in technology (internet, travel, etc…), the stylization of cabaret has branched off and evolved even further, making it even more difficult to define.
Contemporary: As the dance has reached almost every corner of the world, belly dancers have experimented with the art form by incorporating western influences to a greater degree and adding their own unique artistic “twist,” while keeping some aspects of folkloric and cabaret styles. “Belly Dance Theatre” may be another good name for this type of creative expression. An example of a contemporary style is Tribal Belly Dance, which became popular in the US and can now be seen performed in other nations, too. Improvisational, Tribal Fusion, and American Tribal are well known sub-categories of the tribal belly dance style.
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Cabaret Styles in Greater Detail (Video Examples Included):
EGYPTIAN ORIENTAL
Egyptian Oriental, also known as Egyptian Cabaret or Egyptian Style Belly Dance is the dance style that is most true to the past and present dancers of Egypt, mainly Cairo. The style tends to be fluid without much isolation and is rich in emotion and music interpretation. The style can be further subdivided into three categories, Classical, Modern and Post Modern. As present Egyptian dancers begin teaching abroad and foreigners have begun performing in Cairo, you begin to see native Egyptian dancers using current Western stylizations. Therefore, the present day trends of Cairo are more difficult to pinpoint.
Samia Gamal Classical
Mona al Said Modern Eygptian
Sahra Saeeda Modern Egyptian
Randa Kamel Post Modern Egyptian
Leila Post Modern Egyptian
Sohaila Includes dialogue about the style.
AMERICAN RESTAURANT / AMERICAN CABARET
This is the most common form of belly dance seen in the US. Although the cabaret style began as fusion and dancers continue to fuse, in the US and other non-Arabic countries, dancers will more commonly and freely add jazz and dance elements from other dance styles. Additionally, drum solos seem to have more importance in the American style than in the Egyptian style, with the added theatrics of pops, locks, lots of layering and even kicks. Chest rotations, isolated chest lifts and drops, and more isolation of body parts is typical of American Cabaret. Dancers in America, as well as abroad, often label it as Egyptian Cabaret or Egyptian Style, but there is a significant, yet subtle, difference that is difficult to recognize and quite subjective. No one can better notice these subtleties than a native Middle Easterner who is familiar with the dance and music.
Video Example Bellydance Superstars
Video Example
RUSSIAN CABARET STYLE
In Russia, dancers tend to be classically trained in ballet, which leads to a uniquely Russian style.
Russian style
LEBANESE CABARET STYLE
I haven’t studied this style to be able to speak about it but here’s a clip of Amani, famous Lebanese dancer. I do know that Lebanese dancers are known for wearing heels.
Amani Jabril
There are other Cabaret Styles that are not noted here.
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Contemporary Styles in Greater Detail:
U.S. TRIBAL Belly Dance
This style can also be broken into three sub-categories, Improvisational, Tribal Fusion, and American Tribal
Unmata- Improvisational Tribal Style
Unmata- Improvisational Tribal Style
Fat Chance- American Tribal
Rachel Brice- Tribal Fusion
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Of course you will find many more styles belly dance, which I have not referenced here.
More Information:
For an historical video reference, visit Mellilah’s Favorite Dancers, which shows a progression of Egyptian dancers through time.
Hossam Ramzy Historical information on the stars of belly dance
How to Analyze Dance Styles by Meissoun A great article!
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For more info about the author, visit www.mellilah.com
Western Songs with Middle Eastern / Asian Beats
Below is a list of Western songs that use Middle Eastern or Asian Beats/Effects: (I just found this info Online and I’m not so sure how accurate it is.) Let me know your thoughts.
Me Against the Music (Rishi Rich Mix) – Britney Spears
Baby Boy, Beautiful Liar, and Naughty Girl – Beyonce
Danger and Stranger – Hillary Duff
In My Pocket – Mandy Moore
Desert Rose – Sting
Wait For You – Nelly Furtado
Isaac – Madonna
Outrageous – Britney Spears
Kiss Kiss – Holly Valance
Get Ur Freak On – Missy Elliott
Pump up the Volume – MARRS
Toxic – Britney Spears
Tattva – Kula Shaker
Whenever, Wherever- Shakira
Ever so Lonely – Monsoon
Buttons – PCD
Like This – Kelly Rowland
Songs by Shakira
For more info about the author, visit www.mellilah.com
Middle Eastern Music vs. Western Music
—Middle Eastern (M.E.) The complexity of the rhythm and the purity of the melodic line are most important in this type of music. In contrast, Western music has a harmonic framework and a beginning, middle and end. M.E. music has an ebb and flow, a continuous development and endless repetition with embellishments and variations.
—M.E. music uses quartertones, a pitch that is half way between a white and black key on a piano
—Western music uses chords (harmony) while M.E. music does not. There’s only one melodic line.
More reading about M.E. music:
Arabic Maqam World – Great site!
Describes type of M.E. music, structure of the music, and instruments used
Zehara’s Site More in-depth description of structure
For more info about the author, visit www.mellilah.com
Mellilah’s Favorite Dancers – Video Clips
Here are some of my favorite dancers. The clips are placed in some historical order; so it’s also an historical reference, showing how Egyptian dance evolved and changed as it progressed through the 30s, 40s and 50s (Classical), into the 60s-80s (Modern) and the most current Egyptian style (Post Modern). Note there are also clips of American and other foreigners which do not all depict the Egyptian style as it is and has been represented in Cairo, specifically. Putting dancers into categories is somewhat subjective, and the semantics of doing so should be considered. Please note that I do my best to apply what I have learned from master instructors when categorizing dancers and do so for the purpose of studying and learning from these examples. There aren’t many black and white rules when defining the styles of belly dance, and I like to think of the similarities as “commonalities” or “tendencies” when referring to syles.
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LEGENDS (Classical & Modern Egyptian style):
Tahia CariocaConsidered the 1st Star of Raks Sharki in 40s; Classical style
Samia GamalConsidered the 2nd Star of Raks Sharki in 40s; Classical style
Naima Akef Star of 50s
Suheir Zaki Star of 60s & 70s
Nagwa Fouad Star of 70s
Mona Said Star of 70s
Fifi Abdo Star of 70s & 80s
Aida Nour Star of 70s & 80s.
CURRENT PERFORMERS:
Lucy Modern Egyptian style
Sahra Saeeda Originally from Los Angeles. Danced in a Cairo’s 5-star hotel from 1989 – 1995; Modern Egyptian style.
Randa Kamel, Post Modern Egyptian
Randa Kamel
Orit Masftir From Israel
Dina Cairo Superstar; Post Modern Egyptian style
Leila of Cairo Originally from Seattle, WA; Post Modern Egyptian style
Aziza Mor Said I just discovered this dancer; from Brazil
Hadia of Canada Modern Egyptian style
Evgenia Kopteva Russian style
Sohaila Located in SanDiego, CA; Modern Egyptian style
Daria Mitskevich Just added! I just discovered this amazing dancer.
For more info about the author, visit www.mellilah.com
Music for Beginning Belly Dancers
When purchasing music, there are a few things to consider:
You’ll want to find songs with a medium tempo. These are easiest for practicing. Even when practicing shimmies, I’ve found it’s way more productive to practice with medium tempo songs, building up to faster tempos. Discipline is the key. Think of your shimmy as a metronome, it should be even and steady with the tempo of the music.
For practicing drills, Egyptian pop is great because it’s more repetitive than Oriental. For beginners, Egyptian pop is also easier for improvisation.
You should find music that you enjoy, after all, that’s why we’re here, for fun. Hollywood Music Center This site allows you to listen to some of the tracks on each album, and they have a large selection to choose from.
Here are some of my personal recommendations for beginner/intermediate dancers, specifically for practice:
*Sunshine Arabia 2006 or one of the other volumes- Compilation of Egyptian pop and other; lots of medium tempo songs for practice
*Hakim – Any albums by this artist; Egyptian Pop; easy to dance to
*Bellydance Superstars,” Volumes 1-5 – Most people love these songs; You can buy directly from “Bellydance Superstars.”
*Sahara Groove – Variety of artists, medium tempo songs for practice
*The Orient Beats Back, One Thousand & One nights – Remixes by Said Mrad, fast songs with heavy beats, great for shimmy practice
*Tapestry of the Dance by John Bilezikjian and Var Daghdevirian- Turkish, Greek and Persian music; contains a full belly dance routine and other songs
*Kenza by Khaled – Moroccan rai music; easy to dance to
*Dellali by Cheb Mami –Moroccan rai music; easy to dance to
*Arabic Groove and Sahara Lounge by Putumayo World Music – Great listening music and practice songs
*House of Tarab -I can’t end without mentioning H.O.T., based in Seattle! They have two excellent CDs which will introduce you to some belly dance classics and provide you with a good range of various types of songs, including slow taqsims, drum solos, and more…
Also, read my article, “Egyptian Music All Serious Bellydancers Should Know”
For more info about the author, visit www.mellilah.com
Hello world!
Thanks for visiting my blog! I lost my entire blog the other day, but luckily, I saved a back-up of all of my articles so I could reload them! www.mellilah.com
