Today it is a popular trend to combine belly dance technique with a Gypsy flair. Did you ever wonder how flamenco and Middle Eastern dance are related? It is obvious in the hand movements and some hip work, but really, how are these two dance forms cousins? And what can you do to add some flamenco passion to your belly dance routines?
The first gypsy tribes migrated westward, from India and Afghanistan through Persia. Some went to Turkey and on into Europe. Others went to Egypt, across North Africa, and reached Spain in an area called Andalusia. To this day, gypsies can be found wandering, traveling and entertaining throughout the world. Music and dance are the elements of their culture through which the pass on their history from generation to generation, rather than maintaining a written history.
In Andalusia, flamenco was born, combining gypsy and Spanish dance movements with a strong underlying Oriental flavor. In fact, it is believed that the name "flamenco" is taken from a mispronunciation of the Arabic words, "fellah" and "mengu", which mean "fugitive peasant". The Moors occupies southern Spain from the seventh century and greatly influenced the area's architecture, music, dance and all forms of art.
When you decide you want to incorporate some Andalusian aura to your repertoire, it is important to check out as many sources as you can. Even if you have never studied flamenco, you can draw in the proper feelings and flavors by first doing a little homework. There are some interesting sources you can turn to on videotape. For example, Amaya's "Gypsy Fire" is an excellent learning tool. It provides information about Andalusia and real footage of fabulous dancers, as well as Amaya performing a complete routine that combines belly dance and flamenco. Very helpful is Amaya's careful explanations about gypsy style belly dance steps.
Oriental dance is always open for exploration into innovative and interesting variations. Done with taste and knowledge, you can grow as a performer and artist by developing a beautiful variety of styles. Have fun in the world of Andalusia!
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©1998 Jasmin Jahal