A compact history of raqs sharki for novice belly dancers, by Andria G 10/08

History: Middle Eastern raqs sharki (or belly dance) is a dance style with 'traditional roots ... modern expression'.  There are three main forms: Sha'abi (urban folk), baladi (folk) and Sharki (classical).  Raqs sharki means literally: 'Dances of the East' and is used to describe a variety of 'Orientals' or cabaret, belly dance styles.  It is also the specific name for this more modern style of Egyptian dance which has emerged since the 1920s when nightclubs were opened throughout the Middle East.  The style developed, moulded by western tourists' search for "authentic" entertainment, which they still required to fit their preconceptions (formed by watching Hollywood movies).  Costumes echoed the filmstars’, the dance style developed from country and folk dances.  

Movements: Raqs sharki, which is also sometimes known as 'Cabaret' adapted to fit its environment, incorporating new elements such as balletic arm movements.  Dancers began to dance in heels, in part to show that they were rich enough to own shoes!  This has changed some of the movements used, continued even when the dancer performs barefoot. Sharki is known as Egyptian cabaret and some traditional folk movements dropped from use because of restrictive laws; such as the use of floor work.  It is the style now ‘normally’ danced in hotels, restaurants and nightclubs.  The orchestral Egyptian music lends itself to expansive sweeping movements influenced by the ballet.  The dancer tends to contain movement within her personal space so the style can be refined & delicate, although the use of floorspace can make it more expansive.  The ‘taqsim’ solo is a feature, when an instrument takes a solo within the piece – which the dancer then interprets in movement.  This movement reflects the music, varying from powerful to contained, expressing the rhythm & feel of the melodies.

A ‘potted’ history, copyright A Goodliffe, 10/08

Raqs kiwi:
Belly dance is considered a 'live' language.  In Belisha there is currently a dialect known as Raqs Kiwi - we fuse NZ music with the Middle Eastern dance movements.  A new blend emerges.

Raqs Araby:
Is Middle Eastern dance, danse du ventre (dance of the breath), fusion, folkloric, Egyptian, Turkish, cabaret, tribal, Ghwazee, Saiidi, Khaleegy, tribaret, gothic, urban, dance orientale, Raqs Sharki, balady... The umbrella of belly dance covers them all, some are casual and relaxed, others require focus, strength and flexibility to learn.