Belly Dance is Belly Dance, isn't it? You mean to tell me there are different styles? Yes, Habibi, there are!
Once you get beyond the initial introduction to the ancient art of oriental dance, you discover a whole world of beautiful movement, culture, music and art. The center for all Middle Eastern art is Cairo, Egypt. There you can find countless talented musicians, many dancers, and many places to dance. It is to Cairo where the best singers go to record their music. Cairo is the Hollywood of Middle Eastern film making. The most famous dancers work in Cairo. Even the most popular seamstresses of belly dance costumes are found in Cairo. Cairo creations set the trend for all kinds of Middle Eastern art.
Cabaret costumes, also known as classical oriental costumes, are hand-sewn and designed by several top designers in Cairo, such as Madame Abla. What makes these costumes Egyptian, other than the fact they were sewn in Egypt? Well, let me explain a little about the difference between Egyptian style and styles from other Middle Eastern countries. For simplicity's sake, let us choose the country with the greatest contrast to Egypt. Let's compare Egyptian style to Turkish style.
Belly dancers in Cairo today are wearing fully-beaded, sequined and rhinestoned bras and belts. This has been the style for the last 20 years. It is very glamorous and elegant. The bead-work is hand-strung. Over the last two decades, the length and total amount of beaded fringe has gone from long and abundant to short, if any at all. While the skirts now come in a variety of lengths and widths, the style is still quite classy. Also, dancers in Cairo who wear a classical oriental costume, but wear a body stocking or netting over their midriff, no matter how much leg may be exposed. It is still illegal to dance in public with an uncovered navel.
Not true in Turkey, however. In Istanbul it seems that the more skin that is revealed, the better. Turkish style costumes are fully beaded, like the Egyptian style. However, the belt is worn much higher, almost to the waist. The slits in the skirt go all the way up to the belt exposing a great deal of thigh. There is the illusion that the dancer can't even wear panties under the skirt and belt! (Or is it an illusion? It is a popular trend in Istanbul to go completely without panties!)
Egyptian style belly dance primarily uses classical as well as modern music produced in Egypt with Arabic rhythms. Turkish belly dance music is similar to Greek and Armenian. It is usually faster than Egyptian dance music, and often there are less rhythmic changes. That is not to say that a Turkish style dancer can't dance to Egyptian style music. It happens all the time. And, of course, vice versa. However, one who is trained in classical Egyptian dance would not feel as comfortable with a Turkish Karsilama as with, for example, a masmoudi.
There is also a notable difference in the actual dance technique. Egyptian style movements are very precise, with the hips held under the rib cage. Turkish style often leans the upper torso back, pushing the pelvis forward. Also, it is not "in vogue" for an Egyptian dancer to do floorwork, while it is very popular in Turkish style.
Now, of course, given artistic license, a dancer can do almost anything - hopefully, in good taste. But what I would like to point out is that there is a definite uniqueness to Egyptian style, and as a student of belly dance, you should be aware of what style you are learning. Ask you teacher about it! She should know what her specialty is. And just like in any art form, a specialist is better qualified to instruct that specific technique than someone who claims they mingle a little of this and a little of that.
Now, I haven't mentioned the realm of Folkloric Egyptian dance and costuming. That is a huge arena that we will slowly explore in upcoming articles.
(back)
©1998 Jasmin Jahal