Comments on: Baladi Dance (Raqs Beledi) http://mellilah.com/blog/2008/09/16/the-baladi-style-of-middle-eastern-dance-raqs-beledi/ Essential information for belly dancers by Mellilah Thu, 23 Jun 2011 01:56:11 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Administrator http://mellilah.com/blog/2008/09/16/the-baladi-style-of-middle-eastern-dance-raqs-beledi/comment-page-1/#comment-6246 Administrator Wed, 08 Jun 2011 00:35:42 +0000 http://mellilah.com/blog/2008/09/16/the-baladi-style-of-middle-eastern-dance-raqs-beledi/#comment-6246 I think of "shaabi" as edgy, pop culture, which is somewhat different. Baladi is acceptable to all people but shaabi isn't always. At least that's what I've learned. ??? Perhaps I should say that the actual definition of baladi is "of the country," however, I also think "of the people" is appropriate. Below is a quote from Hadia of Canada who I highly respect: (You can read the actual article on her website.) "This comes from the root word Balad, which the dictionary translates as “the country”. Baladi literally means “of the country”, but a more accurate translation would be “of the people”. So, essentially anything that is from the country or from the people can be referred to as Baladi. In the context of dance, “Raks Baladi” refers to the urban, popular form of dance practiced by most Egyptian women, at henna evenings..." I think of “shaabi” as edgy, pop culture, which is somewhat different. Baladi is acceptable to all people but shaabi isn’t always. At least that’s what I’ve learned. ??? Perhaps I should say that the actual definition of baladi is “of the country,” however, I also think “of the people” is appropriate.

Below is a quote from Hadia of Canada who I highly respect: (You can read the actual article on her website.)
“This comes from the root word Balad, which the dictionary translates as “the country”. Baladi literally means “of the country”, but a more accurate translation would be “of the people”. So, essentially anything that is from the country or from the people can be referred to as Baladi. In the context of dance, “Raks Baladi” refers to the urban, popular form of dance practiced by most Egyptian women, at henna evenings…”

]]> By: Helena http://mellilah.com/blog/2008/09/16/the-baladi-style-of-middle-eastern-dance-raqs-beledi/comment-page-1/#comment-5957 Helena Tue, 03 May 2011 15:47:41 +0000 http://mellilah.com/blog/2008/09/16/the-baladi-style-of-middle-eastern-dance-raqs-beledi/#comment-5957 I think this definition confuses "baladi" and "shaabi"? Baladi means "of the countryside", "rural", "national". It can refer to many things as well as music/dance, for example "baladi" bread means a rustic loaf like a farmhouse loaf. Shaabi means "of the people", "popular". I think this definition confuses “baladi” and “shaabi”?
Baladi means “of the countryside”, “rural”, “national”. It can refer to many things as well as music/dance, for example “baladi” bread means a rustic loaf like a farmhouse loaf.
Shaabi means “of the people”, “popular”.

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