Belly Dancing

[Kaylara]

-- Posted by Wildwood on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
Hi

I have just started belly dancing lessons
I just wanted to discuss the virtues of using dance as a
form of spiritual expression, worship, way of raising
energy for rituals etc. Part of paganism to me is
using everything to its best ability and this includes both
my left feet.
I'm also interested in trying to induce trances and
other spiritual states through the use of dance, has anyone
out there done this and how did it work for you ?

Belly dancing is an essentially female type of dancing
and apparently began in the harems when women were bored
and used dance to entertain each other. Does anyone else
have any interesting facts about it.

The best thing about belly dancing are the scarves you were
which tinkle when you move.

Thanks
Wildwood

-- Posted by Litha on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
When I was studying to be a Family Nurse Practioner I found that belly dancing did in fact originate with women to women contact and not as an optical entertainment. Apparently the upright gyrations ease and facilitate the act of childbirth. Learning to belly dance is one of those things on "the list" of the things I want to learn in this lifetime.
My personal belief is that this type of dance is an beautiful expression of women loving their own bodies and appreciating that little area of physical plumpness that comes with being a mature healthy adult woman.The Goddess asks that we dance and celebrate each month when the moon is full and I firmly believe one of our lessons in being incarnated into these bodies of ours is to enjoy and revel in the gift that the phsyical manifestation brings to us :cheesy:

-- Posted by eaglewolf on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
Not trying to get back to the optics of belly dancing, but it looks good too! :biggrin:

~ew

...just me being crazy...


-- Posted by mol on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
I would like to add my vote to the optics.

Sorry...had to be said.. :biggrin:

-- Posted by Litha on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
I must say part of the power of this site is mose definitely the God aspect in evidence. I have been involved in some lovely circles, non-Dianic but without male members and for me it is just not the same. She must be balanced with Her Consort.
The human form and it's grace and beauty are such a gift! My own SO is a champion body builder, his last show was in NYC and even when he is not preparing for a competition he is quite the hardbody.
So I say vive le eye candy!

-- Posted by Lynnaea on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
ooooh, Belly dancing is so much fun. My oldest daughter and I took lessons in the Community school, when we lived in Ft Lauderdale. That was many years and many pounds ago LOL. It is wonderful excercise, shapes the parts that women want shaped. I still have my finger cymbols somewhere....hmmmmm, perhaps I could find them...........

-- Posted by Mairwen on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
Are you doing tribal Goddess dancing or the "new" belly dance type "belly dancing"? There's a difference. A big one.

Just curious.

-- Posted by Mairwen on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

Belly dancing is an essentially female type of dancing and apparently began in the harems when women were bored and used dance to entertain each other.



Well, I guess if I'd read down far enough, I'd have answered my own question. LOL!

-- Posted by Ari on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969
Wildwood - my working partner and I both belly dance, and she has been taught both trance dancing and dances for healing. I'm sure she wouldn't mind you emailing her about it: (wyrd_woman@hotmail.com)

-- Posted by semele on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

Quote: from Ari on 12:01 am on Feb. 5, 2001
Wildwood - my working partner and I both belly dance, and she has been taught both trance dancing and dances for healing. I'm sure she wouldn't mind you emailing her about it: (wyrd_woman@hotmail.com)



Or even better invite her to join in here. i am sure she would have a lot to offer. i know I am personally interested in learning more.

by the way...welcome!
Semele

-- Posted by atlantis on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

Quote: from Wildwood on 8:38 am on Feb. 4, 2001
Hi

I have just started belly dancing lessons



cool i've always wanted to do belly dancing but at the mo i'm doing jazz dancing

[~*Ginger*~]

Here's link I just came across and thought some might like a look.
Belly Dance Home (http://www.bdancer.com/)

[Pesha]

I love to wiggle around and raise energies that way. Belly dancing is sadly out of my league, but it sounds like fun.

BB
DS.

[banondraig]

wow, what a great page! thanks, flora cove! i miss belly dancing, it's one of the things i haven't done in forever and want to get back to.

[Aine of the Fae]

I love bellydancing as a form of self-expression. In fact I've only ever bellydanced by myself. I've got a set of videos I'm learning from. I haven't gotten up the nerve to dance in front of my husband, but when I'm by myself it makes me feel free.

[13thChylde]

I have the videos for the Goddess Workout. I love to shake it, baby!!!

It's good for me, fun and it really embarasses my children! Gotta love that :lol:

[Hoot]

I have the videos for the Goddess Workout. I love to shake it, baby!!!

It's good for me, fun and it really embarasses my children! Gotta love that :lol:

:lol: :lol: :lol:

[Calyx]

I have the videos for the Goddess Workout. I love to shake it, baby!!!

It's good for me, fun and it really embarasses my children! Gotta love that :lol:
Yep, embarrassing the kids is fun, isn't it? I dream up at least one new way to do it a week! :hehehehe:

[MoonChild78]

I just love to belly dance but for the most part I do ballet and pointe and I find that ballet in ritual is great! The movements to me are meditative. When everything is going bad, i look forward to class cuz i know it'll make me feel better. I've never tried belly dance though in ritual, I will have to try that someday!! :bouncybob :bouncybob :bouncybob :bouncybob :bouncybob :bouncybob, OMG!!! I was missing a whole side of smileys... I just love smiley's!!

[~*Ginger*~]

Your welcome banondraig.

I've only bellydanced with a partner, but I don't think it would be called belly dancing, compared to this ^ form of belly dancing. *giggles*

I'm checking this ^ out...

[BrenaSidhe]

Flora,
Wish you were up north, we'd have to go take real belly dance classes together!
I've been looking for someone to go take them with for over 2yrs now, just to chicken to go it alone...
I'll probly run out of patience in waiting and do it sooner or later, be the only chubby granny in the class!!! Heheheee!!!

There were some wymon at the last Mayday festival demonstrating the art of dance, it was really cool... Specially after they teamed up with the tantra and open shamanic drum circle, WOW!!!

[badkitty]

"Serpent of the Nile"- is a great book on belly dancing if anyone is looking for more information on it.

[Noressa]

Oh... Belly dancing is wonderful fun! I'm more of a "set dance" type person. English country dances, bransles, 18th century ballroom... The steps are the dance, and I get lost in those and feel so beautiful when I dance... Belly dance is different in that respect. There are no set steps. Sure, you can learn a routine... But you can always change it. It's a bit challenging for me in that respect, as I do much better when I know what the steps will be... But on the other hand, getting into the "different" freeform style of belly dance has been a good addition to what I already do. I'm currently dancing Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights at practice. :)

[~*Ginger*~]

"Serpent of the Nile"- is a great book on belly dancing if anyone is looking for more information on it.

thanks badkitty.

yeah, me to BrenSidhe.

[Silver_Undine]

I would love to learn how to belly dance, but I would be to shy to do it in front of people I know. :bigredblu

[Fairywolf]

I myself would love to learn how to bellydance. I want to buy some of the video's but alas no job no money :)

I love to dance (even though I don't do it well) and I think that would be a great way to do it. Not to mention it helps out with the abbs ;)

[Copperaven]

my question to those of you using videos is: do you feel like you are getting a good learning experience from them?

the cloest live class to us is over 50 miles, so I have been considering the video route

do you recommend one tape over any others?

thanks, Copperaven :broomride

[13thChylde]

I have the Goddess Workout by Dolphina. I think it's a good video, it's not really difficult nor extremely easy. The music's got a good beat, and I can dance to it fairly well. I also have her 2nd video, which is Warrior Goddess - Advanced Bellydancing. I've only attempted this one once! It is much more extreme than the first.

Ya know, all this talk is making me want to go dig them out of the box. My plan (haha) is to do the workouts in the morning, while my kids are out on winter break. That way when they go back to school in 2 weeks, I'll be used to getting up and working out and walking/feeding the pups and showering/getting dressed. Yeah, right.....like that's gonna happen! :lol:

[Copperaven]

lol Williow, at least it sounds like a good idea

I'll have to check into that video, just don't care to drive the 50 miles one way

thanks
Copperaven :broomride

[Romani Vixen]

I've been dancing for... 6 years or so. I love it!!!!

There is a dance called 'Zar'. It is a trance dance. and yes it works!!!

Videos can be good. But research the instructors before buying. There have been some put out that are just plain silly!!! FatChance Belly dance do good videos, and Am. Tribal is more grounded than cabaret.

If you don't have money, go to the library. Many cary them, and if they don't, you should be able to get them on inter library loan.

Serpent of the Nile, is good, but as I remember, the historical accruacy is questionable.

The Dance is not only a wonderful form of self expression, but is also very powerful when it comes to raising energy.

Even if you're shy... don't worry... get out there and dance!!! After a little bit, you will feel so wonderful! I live to dance personally, and get to all too rarely... I jump at every opportunity.

FalconSong

[Romani Vixen]

Saw this again....

how are the dance lessons going?

[Infinite Muse]

ooh, speaking of dancing, has anyone seen the "barefoot dancer" show? just looking for reviews if it helped with the belly dancing graces

[Romani Vixen]

I havn't heard of it.... what channel and time?

[DreamDancer]

Romani Vixen, we meet again. ;) I've been dancing for about 6 years also. I perform with a troupe and also on my own, but I've been taking a break for the last three months. I'm not sure how long it will last, we'll see. I was doing cabaret style but saw a show recently with some tribal and it literally took my breath away. While watching it I was thinking how "earthy" it was, and how it felt like I was watching something sacred. I may seek out some tribal lessons when/if I go back. I aslo love the Zaar style you mentioned. Very trancy, especially if you get the head thing going. I was very surprised when I learned that- I expected it to make me dizzy but instead it put me into trance. (What I'm talking about is this sort of head swoop motion- the best way to explain it is think of having very long hair and flinging it around in a circle with your head).

I never did use it during ritual or anything, because I'm not much of a ritual person. But I do feel that it occupies a very special spot in my soul. Do you have any recommendations for tribal videos? Is Fat Chance Bellydance considered tribal?

[Xeen]

I"ve reaaally wanted to get into belly dancing for a few years now, however, I haven't got any books/vids on it. I know where to get them, alas, I need money... and somebody to do it with.

Maybe I'll kidnapp Sowelu... *grins*

[Dextra]

I love belly dancing, I've been doing it for a while now. Good workout and good for other things too. ;)

[Druchii]

I love belly dancing, I've been doing it for a while now. Good workout and good for other things too. ;)


SSSSHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! ARE YOU CARAZY WOMAN?!?!?!?! :foh: :lol:

[Faeawyn]

I must confess...that the combination of "belly dancing" as the topic, and "Druchii" as the last poster made me curious...so I had to come and check :lol:

[Dextra]

SSSSHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! ARE YOU CARAZY WOMAN?!?!?!?! :foh: :lol:

Where the hell is your mind at? I was talking about things like closing doors with my hip. :hehehehe:

[Druchii]

I must confess...that the combination of "belly dancing" as the topic, and "Druchii" as the last poster made me curious...so I had to come and check :lol:

It's gotta be like THAT huh? :lol: !! I will have you know that I look KILLER doing the dance of the 7 veils AND the funky chicken in those belly dancing outfits... I even shave my chest hair into the shape of a heart! :)

[Nighthawk]

Well, THIS is interesting.. He he he.. Druchi...you still crack me up

[Druchii]

Where the hell is your mind at? I was talking about things like closing doors with my hip. :hehehehe:

OH...! :foh: ......
...
heh.... :D
...well evidently my mind is in the poopy can.

[Dextra]

OH...! :foh: ......
...
heh.... :D
...well evidently my mind is in the poopy can.

Well....there ARE other good uses for it, but I'm shutting up now. :2G:

[Brynn]

I think we already figured that out.

[Nighthawk]

You guys are insane...

[Brynn]

:crazyman: :crazyman: :crazyman:

[Boogins]

Personally, I'd looooooooove to see Druchii bellydance, veils and all... :ahhhh:

[Brynn]

Hey, me too! Go Druchii, Go Druchii!

[CaitrionaMorgaine]

Middle Eastern Dance, as it is appropriately called, actually does include men. There are several very talented male dancers in countries outside the US. The dance was given a bad and sleazy reputation in the states because of the incorporation of it's movements in the more "adult" themed shows, ect.

But yes, I do enjoy the dance as a way of experiencing the Divine. I feel very much a creature of the Goddess as a shimmy, shake and twirl during dance.

Blessings, ~Rhiannon

[WolfMoon]

Is Fat Chance Bellydance considered tribal?

Yup-yup-yup, they are! Actually, they're tribal fusion, which is a really fun style.

I'm not overly fond of cabaret style, I'm more into tribal fusion. It's mixing all the different styles and costumes into a mix. Fat Chance does it, so does Gypsy Caravan.

I've been dancing for about six years now. I used to dance with a troupe, but now I dance solo at LARPs. Feeling the urge to get back into it too.

[Romani Vixen]

When I'm doing the Zar... I'm working with energy... as I move, I move energy. Start standing.... moving the arms, and slightly moving the head... as you pick up speed and energy the movement get's bigger and bigger. Eventually you're doing 1.5 circles then back... then you go to the knees... this is when it get's really interesting... I've been dancing at SCA events, and had to stop myself because I was about to go. I never got dizzy... but you have to have the hair down... works so much better. You do have to be careful and not get out of control... or you can tweak the kneck.

Fat Chance some of the original American Tribal. Their leader trained with... Jamilla Salampour (sp?) who created it. http://www.fcbd.com/




Romani Vixen, we meet again. ;) I've been dancing for about 6 years also. I perform with a troupe and also on my own, but I've been taking a break for the last three months. I'm not sure how long it will last, we'll see. I was doing cabaret style but saw a show recently with some tribal and it literally took my breath away. While watching it I was thinking how "earthy" it was, and how it felt like I was watching something sacred. I may seek out some tribal lessons when/if I go back. I aslo love the Zaar style you mentioned. Very trancy, especially if you get the head thing going. I was very surprised when I learned that- I expected it to make me dizzy but instead it put me into trance. (What I'm talking about is this sort of head swoop motion- the best way to explain it is think of having very long hair and flinging it around in a circle with your head).

I never did use it during ritual or anything, because I'm not much of a ritual person. But I do feel that it occupies a very special spot in my soul. Do you have any recommendations for tribal videos? Is Fat Chance Bellydance considered tribal?

[Romani Vixen]

I"ve reaaally wanted to get into belly dancing for a few years now, however, I haven't got any books/vids on it. I know where to get them, alas, I need money... and somebody to do it with.

Maybe I'll kidnapp Sowelu... *grins*
You can come up to PDX and I'll dance with ya! :)

You can get videos from the library... if nothing else on ILL. I know that we have a few up here... so you can get em. And you don't have to have anyone to dance with... it's fun that way though!

[Romani Vixen]

Well....there ARE other good uses for it, but I'm shutting up now. :2G:
I once spoke to one woman who was in labor, full on labor, and started doing belly rolls!!! Kid popped out fast! :)

[Romani Vixen]

The negative rep of ME dance, actually started when it first reached America. The 1893 World's Fair in Chicago. yes... Victorian ideals saw it as terribly sinful! And it went down hill from there.

[DreamDancer]

Wow! Talk about natural childbirth! ;)

Your description of your work with Zar is really interesting, I can see it in my mind's eye. What's your favorite music to work with? I haven't found a lot. Unfortunately, I just cut off all my hair. :( (I loved it long, but it wasn't very flattering) I hope it still works even with a little bob cut!

[djmixon]

If you want to learn how to Belly Dance, find yourself an SCA group. . .there are lots of women willing to wear far less than they should and shake far more than they ought. . .they can teach you how to make the jiggle wiggle like it is supposed to. . .

and probably for free. . .

and if you are any good (heck even if you aren't) there will be plenty of men and mead to help your self esteem along the way. . .

[Romani Vixen]

Wow! Talk about natural childbirth! ;)

Your description of your work with Zar is really interesting, I can see it in my mind's eye. What's your favorite music to work with? I haven't found a lot. Unfortunately, I just cut off all my hair. :( (I loved it long, but it wasn't very flattering) I hope it still works even with a little bob cut!
The actual rhythm used is called Ayyuub. Just a quick note... you can do this with a drum, table.. whatever. though it's most appropriate with a Doumbek or Tabla. Just for ease... here's an excelent site with all sorts of ME rhythms, including Ayyuub: http://www.khafif.com/rhy/rhythm.html

Keep in mind that it starts slow... quite slow... and gradually gets lightning fast!

I've seen people do it with short hair... I don't know how that effects energy (I'm trying to see how long my hair will grow... lol). You probably won't have as much feeling. Try it though!!

[Romani Vixen]

If you want to learn how to Belly Dance, find yourself an SCA group. . .there are lots of women willing to wear far less than they should and shake far more than they ought. . .they can teach you how to make the jiggle wiggle like it is supposed to. . .

and probably for free. . .

and if you are any good (heck even if you aren't) there will be plenty of men and mead to help your self esteem along the way. . .
I actually found the dance in the SCA... though I'm far from a Belly Bunny... depending on where you are, there are people who know what they're doing, both with regards to dancing and history. I have an Osmanli (Turkish) persona... so I'm covered... but still look loverly! :tongueout

[fireswimmer]

I am trying to learn with tapes at the moment. I am using it as part of my work out rtoutine. I am definitely not good...... that is an understastement. I love dance as an expression of my spirituality. I do trance dancing at drumming circles as well as the basic move around the circle and feel the energy.

Fireswimmer

[WolfMoon]

The negative rep of ME dance, actually started when it first reached America. The 1893 World's Fair in Chicago. yes... Victorian ideals saw it as terribly sinful! And it went down hill from there.

Ahhh, Little Egypt!

[Fydelia]

I've always wanted to try it, so I just recently bought a video cassete about it. It'd be a nice way to get some exercise. :P

[Mysticism Deity]

I learned how to do the belly roll when I was a kid while taking a bath haha. and been able to do it since course its a little harder when your tummy is on the flat side.

But I use to go over to this ladies house to help her with her maryKay stuff. she had 3 jobs and one was being a professtional belly dancer. So she taught me some things. its so much fun.