Styles of dance
So.... you have been to your first Bellydance class ...... you now learn that there is more than one style!! Read on and learn more about the enthralling world of oriental dance..........
Oriental
Oriental music brings together rhythms, allowing the dancer to be able to show her education by 'correctly' interpreting the rhythm e.g. khaleegy, saidi, baladi.
When dancing to oriental music the arms can be more elaborate and the dancer often performs on the balls of the feet. Oriental music often has what is known as 'question and answers' between the orchestra and instrumental solo's. During the orchestral sections the dancer can use the full space available and for the instrumental solo will dance on the spot. This is done to try to portray the music that is being played and bring it to life, full orchestra equals lots of movement/space travelled, one instrument a more contained movement. When the instrumental solos are being played then the dancer usually tries to move the part of the body which signifies where the instrument is being held/played i.e. if the tabla is being played then the dancer uses her hips, if the violin or flute is being played then the dancer will use her arms/shoulders.
A dancer will often perform an opening number called a' Magency' which will incorporate short sections of oriental, baladi, saidi and perhaps khaleegy rhythms interspersed with oriental, it may also include a drum solo. After each section the original oriental piece will usually be played again. A veil with usually be used for the dancer's entrance.
Costuming for oriental is usually bedlah (bra/belt/skirt) - the fashion is now for the emphasis on beautiful fabrics with beading and sequins rather than the traditional bra and belt with lots of fringing. The traditional fringed costumes have lost their popularity in Egypt and in their place are the rhinestoned and beaded bedlahs with either long or short skirts. You can show plenty of leg but dancer's in Cairo will wear a body stocking as dancing with a bare midriff is still illegal in Egypt. Costumiers in Cairo renowned for their stunning costumes are Eman Zaki, Madame Amira of Pharoanics and great shops to purchase ready made costumes in the Khan el Khalili are Yasser and Mahmoud. Please contact me if you would like further information. In Istanbul the only place to buy your costume is from Bella who makes exquisite costumes - pricey but they last.
Baladi
Baladi or beledi is the dance of the urban working class - it means 'of the country' so baladi means 'dance from the country of egypt'. Baladi was developed early this century when the people migrated to the cities, bringing their music and dance with them. It varies from traditional 'heavy' baladi to modern Egyptian pop. There can also be instrumental solo's for the dancer to interpret. Often there are musical stops which the dancer can use to great effect. The rhythm for baladi is a 4/4 rhythm DDTDT and the accordion will always be played with baladi. The dance is lively and happy and the moves are earthy, grounded and with attitude. The dancer can interact with the audience or can clap her hands to get people to join in. Hands and arm gestures are not elaborate and remain close to the body tending to frame the heart and the hips or placed on the head.
The costuming for baladi tends to be covered - for example a dress or galabaya with a scarf tied around the hips. The modern baladi dress will be quite tight fitting, often with splits up the side and matching shorts underneath. One material called 'Asuit' can be used for dresses which has pieces of metal through it.
Saidi
Saidi is the dance from upper Egypt. The dance is earthy and grounded and lots of the moves mimic the dancing horses of Egypt. Lots of hipwork. You can easily identify saidi music not only with the 4/4 rhythm of DTDDT (there may often be 3 dums) but also by the musical instrument called the Mizmar (a wind instrument which sounds something like the bagpipes).
Costuming will be a galabaya or dress with a scarf around the hips. Modern costuming can vary from elaborate dresses with cut out sections and separate bras to trouser suits. The head might also be covered with a scarf. Saidi is often performed with a cane (stick).
Khaleegy
This dance originates from the Arabian gulf countries and was originally a woman's social dance - often performed in groups. The dance involves hair tossing, chest drops, lots of spins, very small shoulder shimmies with very little hipwork. The rhythm is 2/4.
Costuming consists of thobes which are large flowing robes with an embellished centre panel. These thobes are used as part of the dance - the huge sleeves are held up like a hood to frame head slides or used coquettishly like a veil.
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