If there was ever a genre of dance that is misinterpreted, it is belly dancing.  Belly dancing often evokes images of middle-aged women flaunting their bodies to crowds of people looking for entertainment.  In actuality, this artform was birthed from a combination of the Egyptian ghawazi and Arabian Raqs Sharqi dances in Egyptian nightclubs during the 1920s.  The most notable of these nightclubs was the “Opera House,” owned by Badiaa Masabni in Egypt. Masabni is pegged as the “godmother of oriental dance” for her revolutionary ideas that ended up shaping what is now commonly known as belling dancing.  

Masabni helped transition the artform away from a focus exclusively on hip movements.  Instead of simply swaying hips back and forth in circular motions, Masabni suggested the use of arm movements above the head, which is now formally known as the usage of “snake arms.”  Additionally, Masabni introduced the usage of live music into her performances. Instead of using her “Opera House” as a typical cabaret, she was able to make her dances into shows. The live music, coupled with intricate body and arm movements allowed for her to create a more effective storyline with her movements.  Additionally, Masabni popularized the idea of taking up the whole stage with movements.  Dancers were expected to use the entire stage with their performances. Because of these innovative concepts, Masabni became a highly sought after choreographer and made belly dancing appealing to a broader range of audiences that included higher statuses.  

As time progressed, Masabni trained Samia Gamal, who became the most well-known dancers in the Middle East.  Gamal is noted for developing more of an improvisational feel to the structured movements of belly dancing. She also was highly trained in ballet, so she was able to infuse elements of that style into belly dancing.  Just as Gamal was reaching the height of her career, however, she fell in love with a highly esteemed actor. Shortly thereafter, she gave up her career to become a devoted wife and mother, leaving the fate of belly dancing up to other influential figures.

Additionaly, the costumes worn by people such as Gamal were, and still are, essential in creating a well-rounded belly dancing performance.  These costumes are referred to as “bedlahs.”  They consist of two pieces: a decorative bra and pants with a belt attached to the hips.  Over time, contemporary belly dancers have transitioned from traditional bedlahs with ornately decorated pants to the use of less traditional adorned skirts.  The irony of the roots of this genre is that Egyptian women were banned from showing their stomachs by ancient Egyptian law. Therefore, dancers were expected to cover their bare stomach with materials commonly made of stock.  

However, the invention of a highly stretchable material, known as lycra, is now commonly used to make modern-day belly dancing costumes.  This material not only covers the performer’s stomach area, but is also pliable enough to not inhibit the movements of the dancers.  As with any artform, belly dancing costumes will likely continue to evolve with the styles and trends of the era. However, the foundation provided by the original bedlahs will continue to provide this genre its distinctive look.

In Egypt, belly dancing and the coveted raqs sharqi dances are primarily performed at weddings and on boats that travel through the Nile River.  Outside the Egyptian borders, these dances are commonly performed at festivals and other cultural events. Additionally, many cultures have adopted belly dancing as a good source of exercise.  It is low-impact, and is not restricted by people of certain weights or heights. Belly dancing has been recognized as a fun way to lower blood pressure, promote weight loss, and improve body circulation.

Overall, belly dancing as we know it has a rich ancient history.  This global form of entertainment is a product of many influential figures and cultures.  As a result, the style of belly dancing is continuing to evolve day by day in order to encapture a broad range of audience members.  In addition, this art form continues to preserve many of its distinctive features, such as the usage of bedlahs, in order to preserve its deep-seated Middle Eastern roots.  In a world where life can get quite complicated, the principles of belly dancing can help make life seem much simpler: when in doubt, shake your hips out.