Expert: Gia al Qamar - 9/11/2011

Question
Dear expert dancer:


I would like to know what are the distinct differences between these kinds of belly dance? are there really any specific differences? , such as body movement,arm movement,belly rolls, ? are there differences that are especially relevant to each culture? Please help I am working on a project and have no experience in this dance I am classically trained . Thank you for your help.  What are the dance rhythms to these dances? as well ? How do we know if these movements are originated from those countries ? Thanks again.. I am desperate.

Answer
Hi Ginger,
I am happy to share some information that I have regarding the question of stylistic differences in belly dance across geographical boundaries...however...please understand that my answers will not encompass all that you need to know because this type of answer could take hours to explain in detail!
GENERALLY speaking, there are no single movements that are distinct to each Middle Eastern country that helped to originate modern Belly Dance. In the 'classic' or Egyptian FOLKLORIC style, you will see specific movements that were created in different regions, saidi dancing created in the saidi region, Hagallah, and Ghawazii to name just a few. The movements created in these areas depicted various 'real life' activities in a theatrical way!
But in the modern realm of "belly dancing", where dancers dress and perform on stage (in the 'nightclub' or 'cabaret' style), there are no differences in the moves, we all do the same moves, but the 'accents' or the way that these moves are presented IS different!
If you think in terms of the English language...you generally understand the conversation of anyone who speaks English. But if you grew up in CT, let's say, and you travel to Texas, you'll notice immediate that they 'speak' differently...turn phrases differently...put accents in different areas...travel then to NYC and you'll notice a whole different way of speaking the same language.
This is true of the physical interpretation of the music of the Middle East. Every region has it's own way of embracing, understanding and expressing the music.
That sounds pretty subtle doesn't it? But to the trained eye, the difference are huge.
Take shimmies for instance! A modern Egyptian shimmy is done in a VERY controlled fashion with legs moderately straight to produce what *we* call a 'freeze' shimmy...in Turkish or American classic style, the shimmy is more like it was 'originally' which is more 'loose', where the hips move up and down in relation to the bending and straightening of the knees.
A dancer who performs in a very 'athletic' style would be considered far more Turkish or Lebanese than Egyptian, which has become FAR more contained (why? This has much to do with the political climate in that country!)
Let's discuss Snake arms, which you mention specifically are actually Indian in origin and the belief is that the dancing we know today as "Belly Dance" actually came from the temples of India...it is believed that gypsies brought MANY dance movements to Egypt where they're still incorporated in Egyptian style dance, as well as the American classic and fusion styles and even in Turkish and Lebanese!
BTW...you mention that you are 'classically' trained. By this I am assuming that you are referring to being trained in "ballet". Just so you know...most professional Middle Eastern dancers, such as myself, are 'classically' trained in Middle Eastern dance...being 'classically' trained' means being trained in many disciplines...such as ballet, tap, jazz, modern, folkloric etc. My education spans all these areas plus my own lifelong education in the culture of each of the styles I am learning.
As far as the rhythms...again...would take many hours to explain...if you do some online searching for Middle Eastern Music rhythms as well as Turkish...you'll a wealth of different information!
Best of luck with your studies and your report!
Gia
http://www.IDreamOfGia.com