27.5.13

Performing Beautiful Middle Eastern Dance

By Vicki Diaz


A lot of traditions have brought about Middle Eastern dance styles. They originate from a lot of countries around Asia and Africa. They are a confluence of ethnicity and culture that is portrayed through graceful movement. Dancing is a part of every culture. Some dances may be quite conservative, while some may be very aggressive and open. These dances are reflections of how the people are; how they behave and how they interact.

Dancing is an art. Your body moves along with the rhythm of the music. It is a graceful interpretation of emotions that is brought about by the music playing and your mood. Not all dances can tell a story, but all of them are an expression. Some people use dancing to communicate what they are feeling. It is a graceful portrayal of one's emotions or situation. When one dances well, one is connected to his own soul.

Belly dancing moves originated from Egypt. They were used to entertain classes in the upper and middle sector during that time. They were performed exclusively in cabarets and movie filming. Belly dancing has become popular throughout the world because of its provocative and sexy movements. Some people also use belly dancing as a form of exercise because of its hard but graceful movements.

Dances from early years have always been paired up with music to go with it. Music and movement were perhaps created for each other. They symbolize music and rhythm that courses through the body. Old traditional dances such as the boogie, the waltz. The disco, and the salsa are examples of such.

In the Philippines, there are several kinds of dances. Probably each province and island has its own indigenous performance. Some dances even have the dancers holding candles in their hands while hovering them around their bodies. Some choreographs portray the story of traditional courting. It shows the shy and modest Filipina being courted by the handsome and respectful young Filipino. The steps are very meek and shy, reflecting the traditional ways of Filipino courtship.

One of the most romantic, but structured dances is the waltz. The music is also made for the dancing, in this case. The waltz is a continuous series of steps and slides. It is performed with a partner in a closed position. The timing is in three counts for both the music and the movement.

One fun and upbeat dance that is popular in the American culture is called the boogie. It originated from rock and roll music, as well as the blues. It is a fun way to dance with a partner because the music is very much lively.

Middle Eastern dance is a very rich tradition. They carry a lot of meaning and culture in them that the middle easterners pride in. Since dances are very much symbolical that give you a glimpse of their rich heritage.




About the Author: