The
Oriental dance, or belly dance, has a long and colored history, evolving in various ways and in many different countries, and going by many different names. In France, it was named as “dance due ventre” or dance of the stomach, and “cifte telli” in Greece. Turkey called it “rakkase” and in the Middle East, it is called “danse orientale” or Oriental dance. Developed from the so-called folk dance, or dances of the people, it was traditionally performed by a barefoot dancer, usually a female, to the tune of traditional music in contrast to the modern belly dancers who now use Western-influenced music. The dance still flourishes in many countries, including Lebanon, Turkey, the United States and Europe but is reported as declining in nightclub performances in Egypt because of its political and religious climate.
The Oriental dance was first sampled as a new hobby, a new way to exercise, or as means of healing. As a form of exercise, it provides certain benefits like better blood circulation, reduced blood pressure, healthy joints, and more calories and fats burned. The various forms of the dance include the biyun medical qigong, bellyrina Oriental dance and yoga (BODY), Oriental belly dance, beginner belly dance, tribal style belly dance, Hawaiian hula hips, Oriental gypsy dance, raqs sharqi, and the danceyoga.
The biyun medical qigong is a fusion of belly dance and Argentinean tango based on the traditional Chinese medicine’s approach that the mind, body and nature interact to affect one another to promote a better physical and mental condition. This dance exercise also improves energy and provides a feeling of peace and comfort. The bellyrina Oriental dance and yoga combines the benefits of isometric exercises, yoga, and floor bar to condition the mind, body and spirit. The Oriental belly dance is a fitness toning dance tht strengthens the body. The beginner belly dance has isolation drill exercises that build physical stamina for the dancer. The tribal style belly dance defines the strength and beauty of the female form, using simple steps in repetitive manner. The Hawaiian hula hips dance tones and tightens one’s abs and hips, and enhances the physical curves of the dancer. Originating from Tibet, the Oriental gypsy dance was originally a street performance, combining recitation, opera, martial arts, acrobatics and the Chinese qigong, a system of deep-breathing exercises. The raqs sharqi, an
Egyptian style Oriental dance, absorbs various dancing techniques to develop a strong dance posture, and a sense of arrangement for solid muscular support. The danceyoga builds flexibility, improves balance and body control through stretching exercises and yoga positions.
Belly dancing or any related dance form is susceptible to accidental injuries but these can be avoided by following certain pointers, and getting prepared through regular exercises. To prepare the neck, which is very delicate, against any injury, one is required to perform neck exercises like forward and back, side to side, and head slides. Injuries from back bending can also be avoided by building leg muscle and abdominal strength, using knee pads, and refraining from banging one’s knees on the dance floor.
