Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Belly Dance
Where did it come from? How did it start?
Belly dance today is an evolution of some of the oldest forms of dance from the Middle East and
Asia, each with its own unique history and style. These dances were passed down from generation
to generation, and they were generally not intended for performance on stage. In many Middle
Eastern cultures, the women lived in a separate area of the home and would gather in the evenings
to read poems, sing and dance for each other. The dances were passed down from elder women in
families to the children of the community. Some research suggests that belly dance was used to
prepare the stomach muscles for pregnancy, labor, and delivery in addition to being part of the
celebration of a child's birth.
There is much debate over how belly dance became to be in the format that is currently known in
the United States. Most historians believe it was brought to the US in 1893 when Sol Bloom brought
a dancer named Little Egypt to perform at the Chicago World's Fair. Although there is no formal
record of such a dancer having performed there, it seems to be the first recorded evidence of
Middle Eastern dance in the U.S. After the fair, there are several documented stories of dancers
named Little Egypt performing belly dance around the country, eventually influencing some of the
founders of American dance such as Isadora Duncan, Ruth St. Denis, and Martha Graham.
Belly dance continues evolve within the social and political climate of each generation, fulfilling the
need for women to connect with their own spirit as well as with those who have carried the tradition
of this dance throughout the generations. If you are interested in learning more about the history of
belly dance, please contact me and I will be happy to recommend other websites, books, etc.
But I thought... doesn't it come from harems? dancing for sultans? etc.?
Although many believe that belly dance is intended to seduce or entice the attention of men, that is
actually a Hollywood-created fantasy. Men have only been allowed to witness belly dance in recent
history. Belly dance has is roots in many ancient Middle Eastern dances, where the men would
gather separately from the women to celebrate various life events. The women of many large and
extended families gathered to dance, sing, read poetry, and just have fun to celebrate an upcoming
wedding, birth, birthday, religious festival, etc. Belly dance is based on all of these things - it was
not, and is not today, a dance to entertain men.
Ok then... what is it really about? Why should I learn to belly dance?
Belly dance today is intended to empower the individual spirit to feel confident and beautiful for
herself and anyone she cares to share it with. It builds a sense of community among all women in
connection with our global community and all dancers who have come before us. Although the
majority of dancers are women, men with a serious interest in learning this art are always welcome.
A dancer may choose to share her love of the dance with the public, but ultimately he or she
dances not to entice, but to share their joy in the freedom of expression and love.
Belly dance in America today is an expression of joy, celebration, and empowerment. Not only is it a
great physical exercise to build strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health but it also promotes a
positive attitude and builds self-confidence. The natural movements of the hips, belly and upper
body provide a feeling of freedom that will awaken or energize the feminine spirit in women of all
shapes and sizes. It is beautiful, emotional and sensual, not overtly sexual as it is sometimes
portrayed.
I've had a few children, gained some weight, lost my flexibility, etc. Will I be able to do it?
The beautiful thing about belly dance is that anyone can do it, regardless of any body issues,
injuries, illnesses, overweight, underweight, etc.! You do not need to have the "perfect dancer's
body". The movements are natural to a female form, and we're not going to push you beyond your
physical limits. It may not be easy at first, and what you do may not look exactly like me or anyone
else in class, but you can do this and it will get easier!
I'm pregnant. Can I still belly dance?
Yes, belly dance is a great exercise for pregnancy! You'll strengthen all of the muscles you'll need
to support your growing baby, labor, and delivery. You MUST consult with your doctor first however
to ensure that there are no complications which would suggest avoiding physical activity. Also be
sure to let me know at the very beginning of class that you're expecting.
What is the difference between cabaret and tribal?
Cabaret and Tribal are the two styles that I teach, although there are many more. Cabaret is a
more individual style of dance - I'll encourage you to express yourself and get creative with some of
the movements after you've mastered them. I love this style for it's freedom! The format of Tribal
that I teach is meant for groups - it's more structured and has a predetermined way to perform the
movements. I love this style for it's organization and ability to connect complete strangers in a
common goal! There are a lot of different styles of belly dance. I encourage you to seek out several
instructors to find the style that YOU will love!
Do you have another question about belly dance that you don't see answered here?
Please call me or email me! I'd love to hear from you and I may just give you a reward for helping
me improve my site :) Click here for contact information.
Where did it come from? How did it start?
Belly dance today is an evolution of some of the oldest forms of dance from the Middle East and
Asia, each with its own unique history and style. These dances were passed down from generation
to generation, and they were generally not intended for performance on stage. In many Middle
Eastern cultures, the women lived in a separate area of the home and would gather in the evenings
to read poems, sing and dance for each other. The dances were passed down from elder women in
families to the children of the community. Some research suggests that belly dance was used to
prepare the stomach muscles for pregnancy, labor, and delivery in addition to being part of the
celebration of a child's birth.
There is much debate over how belly dance became to be in the format that is currently known in
the United States. Most historians believe it was brought to the US in 1893 when Sol Bloom brought
a dancer named Little Egypt to perform at the Chicago World's Fair. Although there is no formal
record of such a dancer having performed there, it seems to be the first recorded evidence of
Middle Eastern dance in the U.S. After the fair, there are several documented stories of dancers
named Little Egypt performing belly dance around the country, eventually influencing some of the
founders of American dance such as Isadora Duncan, Ruth St. Denis, and Martha Graham.
Belly dance continues evolve within the social and political climate of each generation, fulfilling the
need for women to connect with their own spirit as well as with those who have carried the tradition
of this dance throughout the generations. If you are interested in learning more about the history of
belly dance, please contact me and I will be happy to recommend other websites, books, etc.
But I thought... doesn't it come from harems? dancing for sultans? etc.?
Although many believe that belly dance is intended to seduce or entice the attention of men, that is
actually a Hollywood-created fantasy. Men have only been allowed to witness belly dance in recent
history. Belly dance has is roots in many ancient Middle Eastern dances, where the men would
gather separately from the women to celebrate various life events. The women of many large and
extended families gathered to dance, sing, read poetry, and just have fun to celebrate an upcoming
wedding, birth, birthday, religious festival, etc. Belly dance is based on all of these things - it was
not, and is not today, a dance to entertain men.
Ok then... what is it really about? Why should I learn to belly dance?
Belly dance today is intended to empower the individual spirit to feel confident and beautiful for
herself and anyone she cares to share it with. It builds a sense of community among all women in
connection with our global community and all dancers who have come before us. Although the
majority of dancers are women, men with a serious interest in learning this art are always welcome.
A dancer may choose to share her love of the dance with the public, but ultimately he or she
dances not to entice, but to share their joy in the freedom of expression and love.
Belly dance in America today is an expression of joy, celebration, and empowerment. Not only is it a
great physical exercise to build strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health but it also promotes a
positive attitude and builds self-confidence. The natural movements of the hips, belly and upper
body provide a feeling of freedom that will awaken or energize the feminine spirit in women of all
shapes and sizes. It is beautiful, emotional and sensual, not overtly sexual as it is sometimes
portrayed.
I've had a few children, gained some weight, lost my flexibility, etc. Will I be able to do it?
The beautiful thing about belly dance is that anyone can do it, regardless of any body issues,
injuries, illnesses, overweight, underweight, etc.! You do not need to have the "perfect dancer's
body". The movements are natural to a female form, and we're not going to push you beyond your
physical limits. It may not be easy at first, and what you do may not look exactly like me or anyone
else in class, but you can do this and it will get easier!
I'm pregnant. Can I still belly dance?
Yes, belly dance is a great exercise for pregnancy! You'll strengthen all of the muscles you'll need
to support your growing baby, labor, and delivery. You MUST consult with your doctor first however
to ensure that there are no complications which would suggest avoiding physical activity. Also be
sure to let me know at the very beginning of class that you're expecting.
What is the difference between cabaret and tribal?
Cabaret and Tribal are the two styles that I teach, although there are many more. Cabaret is a
more individual style of dance - I'll encourage you to express yourself and get creative with some of
the movements after you've mastered them. I love this style for it's freedom! The format of Tribal
that I teach is meant for groups - it's more structured and has a predetermined way to perform the
movements. I love this style for it's organization and ability to connect complete strangers in a
common goal! There are a lot of different styles of belly dance. I encourage you to seek out several
instructors to find the style that YOU will love!
Do you have another question about belly dance that you don't see answered here?
Please call me or email me! I'd love to hear from you and I may just give you a reward for helping
me improve my site :) Click here for contact information.
| Kristi Krueger kristi@kristikrueger.com (920) 946-5994 Belly dance (aka Middle Eastern dance) instructor / teacher and performer in the Sheboygan, WI and surrounding areas Home I About Kristi I Classes & Workshops I Book a Performance I Events I Student Resources I FAQ I Gallery I Troupe I Merchandise/Apparel I Contact Kristi Design and all contents of this website ©2011 Kristi Krueger. All Rights Reserved. Images and content of this site cannot be reproduced or copied without permission.II |