Belly Dancing/belly dancing

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Expert: - 4/24/2011


Question
Why did belly dancing originally come from?

Answer
Hello! GREAT Question!
While there is precious little in the way of documented evidence, many believe that the origins of "Belly Dance" actually came to Egypt via the Romany travelers who witnessed the Temple dances of India!
There is also some thought that the dance mimics "goddess worship" and birthing rituals (preparation for labor), but this is mostly hearsay as well.
There have been depictions found on pyramid and tomb walls of court dancers in Egypt....but if you're looking the exact origin...you can simply rely on Egypt as being the birthplace of modern Belly Dance as we know it today.
Once *in* Egypt, the dance became the way that women entertained each other at home and men did to 'show off' and have fun (in the Middle East, women and men do not dance together). In modern times, the dance took on an American flair and was the source of entertainment in the movies of the 1940s on...it is now very common to find a Belly Dancer entertaining (mixed) audiences in the Middle East.
I hope this assists you with your question!
Gia
www.IDreamOfGia.com

Belly Dancing

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Gia al Qamar

Expertise

I am a fulltime, professional Belly Dance Performer & Instructor. I can answer questions about Middle Eastern dance. I can discuss topics such as technique and history, performing, music, props, costumes and more! I will not answer questions about the misconceptions about this dance of a sexual nature.

Experience

I am, literally, a life-long dancer, having studied dance in its many forms since the age of 3. My college degree was in theater arts from Rutgers University. I have studied with a myriad of well known belly dance master instructors (all listed on my website... www.IDreamOfGia.com )and I continue to study with teachers from around the world. I have extensive performance experience and teach group and private classes in Northern NJ and the NY Metro area.

Publications
"The Hip Circle" "Jareeda" "Bella Online"

Education/Credentials
I have studied with master teachers from all over the US and the Middle East, I have a degree in Theater Arts from Rutgers University and continue to study and increase my knowledge and ability through private sessions, workshops and master classes.

Awards and Honors
Voted NJ's Favorite Belly Dance Teacher by NJBellydanceing.org 2009 Oasis Honors "Cleopatra" Division 2008 Performing Arts Awards (various) Mustang Medalion (NJ)

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