No trip to Dubai would be complete without attending a belly dance show. No matter how old you are, you will be in awe of this exotic performance art with its wide range of complex moves and invigorating music. By choosing Dafari Tours, you can indulge in the perfect Arabian night with fine dining and captivating belly dancing experience as part of a memorable desert safari tour. Read on to learn more about the details, origin, and styles of Raqs Sharqi.

What is belly dancing?

Bellydancing, also known as oriental dance, middle eastern dance, or Raqs Sharqi is one of the major attractions of the middle eastern culture. It is an expressionist dance with accentuated movements of the midriff and hips. Belly dancing is a traditional dance with a long history and increasing popularity. Known to be originally from Egypt, belly dance is being performed all across the world for entertainment purposes or for its array of health benefits. Depending on the region, belly dancing comes in various formats in terms of movements, costumes, and music. Unless you are a dance savvy, it’s hard to identify each movement and dancing style. Generally speaking, belly dance involves some basic steps like shimmies and vibration, fluid movements of the stomach, and hip hits.

Dancing styles

While the original belly dancing hails from the middle east, it has evolved to varying styles over the years. With professional belly dancers’ finding their own rhythm and style, the list of different belly dance styles can go on. Here are some of the most popular styles of the oriental dance:

● Egyptian style

● Turkish style

● American Tribal Style

● Flamenco Fusion

● Lebanese style dancing

● Gypsy style

Music

Belly dancing music often emphasizes rhythm because belly dancers have to respond to the beats that accents their torso movements. Music should be closely connected with the belly dancer. The musicians complement the dancers and both play vital roles in the show. As mentioned earlier, belly dance music varies depending on the region and the country. The instruments that are played during belly dancing shows include but are not limited to:

● Dumbek (also called darbuka or tablah)

● Riqq

● Tar

● Kanoun

● Rababa

Costume

Belly dance is usually quickly identified by the dancer’s outfit. This custom is called “Bedlah” and consists of different items. Basically, there are three main clothing items that a dancer wears for the performance:

Hip scarf: The most prominent piece of clothing in the belly dance, the hip scarf can put emphasis on the hip movements. It is usually decorated with coins, beads, crystals, and fringes.

Belly dance tops: Belly dance tops are usually cut right above the navel and include classical cabaret-style bras and choli tops.

Skirts or pantaloons: Belly dance skirts are usually more or less revealing and are made of chiffon and velvet. Depending on the style of the Raqs Sharqi, these bottom wears can be decorated or plain.

History of Raqs Sharqi

When and where oriental dancing was first founded is a matter of controversy. Yet, most studies suggest that it has been performed since the pre-Islamic era in the Mediterranean, middle east, and Africa. Thanks to a group of gypsy women who traveled all the way from Egypt, belly dance found its way to Europe. Although oriental dancing was first introduced to western society in the mid 19th century, it has a far longer history. Belly dancing has influences from ancient goddess worshiping cultures as well as social activities that were popular among women of the time. In today’s world. Belly dancing has crossed all cultural boundaries. It has propagated to Europe and countries such as the USA and Australia not only as an exotic entertainment but also as a form of exercise.

Countries to visit for oriental dancing

Egypt

The modern belly dancing and costume are believed to be based on the Egyptian belly dance. Egypt is known to be the pioneer country in the art of belly dancing. With sought-after belly dance teachers and some of the most famous dancers, the country entices Raqs Sharqi enthusiasts from all parts of the world. Cairo and Luxor are the most popular cities to visit for belly dancing.

Turkey

Belly dancing was preserved in turkey during the middle ages in the harems of the ottoman empire and the social dances of everyday people. Turkish belly dancing has been strongly influenced by the Romany gypsy people. This type of oriental dancing has a generally more energetic, flamboyant, and bold manner that the other eastern belly dances. It also involves the controversial floorwork moves that have been banned in Egypt since the mid 20th century. All in all, you can experience a different type of belly dancing by visiting belly dance shows in Turkey.

Dubai (UAE)

With its spectacular monuments, modern architectures, and luxurious vibe, Dubai attracts thousands of tourists every year. As one of the most notable middle eastern cities, it’s not a surprise that the city also features middle eastern culture and its elements. Attending belly dancing shows is an exotic experience that most cross-border tourists don’t wish to miss. Although Dubai isn’t one of the many regions from which belly dancing originates, its dancers have developed their own styles and techniques that make them unique. Dubai also enjoys professional dancing studios that train the art of oriental dancing.

How to catch a belly dance show in Dubai

In addition to the many hotels and restaurants that belly dancing shows take place in the evenings, you can find exquisite Raqs Sharqi shows during a desert safari. In fact, belly dancing is one of the highlights of every desert safari. The show usually begins after the sunset when the temperature is agreeable and the lit torches decorate the environment. Desert safari is the perfect time and place to make the most of the Arabian culture. Not only can you hit the road and escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, but you can also enjoy the rush of adrenaline during dune bashing or camel riding. Cultural experiences such as belly dancing and fine dining in the desert are just the cherry on the top of the cake. Embark on a memorable journey of adventure, culture, music, dance, and taste through a desert safari. You can book one of Dafaritours premium packages or get in touch with us to get a customized tour.