About Belly DanceThis section features articles about belly dancing and some of the prominent performers in the belly dance world today. Bookmark this page and check back often for more articles and the latest news on belly dance!
Click on any of the links below to view the article.
ARTICLES ABOUT BELLY DANCE
What is Belly Dance?
“Many experts say belly dancing is the oldest form of dance, having roots in all ancient cultures from the orient to India to the mid-East. Probably the greatest misconception about belly dancing is that it is intended to entertain men…”
History of Belly Dancing
“Belly dance has probably been enjoyed in the USA for as long as widespread immigration has existed, indeed we have documented evidence of public performances since at least the Philadelphia Centennial in 1876 as well as at the Columbian Exposition of 1893 (where, incidentally, no dancer called Little Egypt was recorded as having performed, 35)…”
Stretching, Warming Up, and Preventing Injuries
“About a week ago I injured my back while dancing at a Belly Dancing gig. I lay immobile on my bed, a friend was kind enough to come over and massage and then lay a hot water bottle on my back. It was then that I had plenty of time to recall what I may have done to illicit this type of injury. Retracing the night’s events, I knew that although I had managed to prepare and organize everything I would need (zills, directions, veil, make-up etc) I had failed to stretch before coming on stage. I couldn’t believe that I did not think to include something that is so vital to dance in my usual preparations…”
Suzy Evans – A Dancer With A Vision
“Belly dancing first hit big in the United States in the 1960s and 70s and has recently enjoyed a resurgence of interest due to pop idols such as Britney Spears and Shakira incorporating belly dance into their videos. But the real stars of belly dance are highly trained dancers who have dedicated their lives to the art. Suzy Evans has set a new standard of excellence for the belly dancing community with her dance concerts showcasing internationally famous belly dancers in equity theaters with state-of-the-art sound and lighting…”
Naming the Dance
“What to call this dance is perhaps the most contested issue in the American-Middle Eastern dance community.1 The employment of different names sketches out the complex issues of how the dance has changed over time and what it means to its practitioners and society. When I write about the Middle East and the United States, I am, of course, referring to incredibly diverse cultural areas with fluid and malleable boundaries. Each region, country, city, and sometimes, even sections of a city has its own dance style…”
Ansuya – Belly Dance Superstar
“Bellydance Superstar Ansuya is one of the most talented and accomplished performers, choreographers and instructors in the bellydance world today. Her style is unique, blending the best aspects of belly dance with Indian, Spanish and African moves. Energetic, sensual and innovative, Ansuya is a master of improvisation, musical interpretation, emotional expression, finger cymbals, original moves and costume design. Ansuya is a multi-award winner and has been seen in movies, on television shows, music videos and commercials as both a belly dancer and an actress…”
Jillina – 21st Century Belly Dancer
“Jillina is the most innovative dancer we have in Los Angeles, every time I see her there is something new and exciting in her performance.’ An incredible mix of technique, stage presence, artistry, choreography, professionalism, costuming and star quality make up the dynamic performances of Los Angeles’ hottest nightclub performer Jillina…”
Shahrazad – The Temple Dancer
“The temple dancer glides across the floor of the cave as if she were floating on air. Her arms move with incredible grace as her hands and fingers form intricate movements. The ageless huge statue of the stone goddess seems to greet her and welcome her to her temple. Suddenly the dancer is transported to the palm of goddess where she finishes her dance. A seven-year-old Shahrazad watching “The Tiger of Ishnapoor” on her TV set is captivated and decides then and there that this will be her life…”
Thrillin’ Drillin’ – Worth a Million!
“The International Association of Middle Eastern Dance’s (IAMED) latest video release Thrillin’ Drillin’ is all that it purports to be and more. The world renown and most sought after U.S. born belly dancer Sadie shares the intricacies of her stylized technique in this fabulous instructional DVD. IAMED is known to be the purveyor of the finest DVD’s on the belly dance market and Thrillin’ Drillin’ parallels the quality of their stock – and sets a new bar…”
Belly Dance Rocks, Reloaded, and Revolution; Three Times the Fun!
“As inspired as many of us dancers often are, occasionally we all hit a road block with creative ingenuity. There is, however, a medicine all ready in place for this ailment and it comes in the form of creativity-igniting performance videos…”
Essay Contest Winners – July 2009 (NEW)
“My Most Memorable Belly Dance Moment”
1st Place – by Emily Andrews
2nd Place – by Robin “Shalimar” Kelsey
3rd Place – by Adriane
Honorable Mentions (in no particular order)
by Kristina Moseley
by Pam Emerson
by Mia Serra
by Rachel Allen
Essay Contest Winners
“Why I Love Belly Dance”
1st Place – by Kelly Creagh
2nd Place – by Laura Smith
3rd Place – by Tamara Farranti
Honorable Mentions (in no particular order)
Ainsley
Hespera
Yasmin Diab
Kristen Windmuller
Rachel Allen
Faridah
David Vajgrt
Candice Coleman
Lilla Varese
Yeril Barlup
Judith Goldfinch Hall
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GO
BELLYDANCE.ORG
IAMED ~ Producers of the Best Belly Dance Videos in the World!
The Art of Belly Dance is a registered trademark of The International Academy of Middle Eastern Dance and Suzy Evans
Photo of LaUra by Chad Glendon ~ ProImages.com
This section features articles about belly dancing and some of the prominent performers in the belly dance world today. Bookmark this page and check back often for more articles and the latest news on belly dance!
Click on any of the links below to view the article.
ARTICLES ABOUT BELLY DANCE
What is Belly Dance?
“Many experts say belly dancing is the oldest form of dance, having roots in all ancient cultures from the orient to India to the mid-East. Probably the greatest misconception about belly dancing is that it is intended to entertain men…”
History of Belly Dancing
“Belly dance has probably been enjoyed in the USA for as long as widespread immigration has existed, indeed we have documented evidence of public performances since at least the Philadelphia Centennial in 1876 as well as at the Columbian Exposition of 1893 (where, incidentally, no dancer called Little Egypt was recorded as having performed, 35)…”
Stretching, Warming Up, and Preventing Injuries
“About a week ago I injured my back while dancing at a Belly Dancing gig. I lay immobile on my bed, a friend was kind enough to come over and massage and then lay a hot water bottle on my back. It was then that I had plenty of time to recall what I may have done to illicit this type of injury. Retracing the night’s events, I knew that although I had managed to prepare and organize everything I would need (zills, directions, veil, make-up etc) I had failed to stretch before coming on stage. I couldn’t believe that I did not think to include something that is so vital to dance in my usual preparations…”
Suzy Evans – A Dancer With A Vision
“Belly dancing first hit big in the United States in the 1960s and 70s and has recently enjoyed a resurgence of interest due to pop idols such as Britney Spears and Shakira incorporating belly dance into their videos. But the real stars of belly dance are highly trained dancers who have dedicated their lives to the art. Suzy Evans has set a new standard of excellence for the belly dancing community with her dance concerts showcasing internationally famous belly dancers in equity theaters with state-of-the-art sound and lighting…”
Naming the Dance
“What to call this dance is perhaps the most contested issue in the American-Middle Eastern dance community.1 The employment of different names sketches out the complex issues of how the dance has changed over time and what it means to its practitioners and society. When I write about the Middle East and the United States, I am, of course, referring to incredibly diverse cultural areas with fluid and malleable boundaries. Each region, country, city, and sometimes, even sections of a city has its own dance style…”
Ansuya – Belly Dance Superstar
“Bellydance Superstar Ansuya is one of the most talented and accomplished performers, choreographers and instructors in the bellydance world today. Her style is unique, blending the best aspects of belly dance with Indian, Spanish and African moves. Energetic, sensual and innovative, Ansuya is a master of improvisation, musical interpretation, emotional expression, finger cymbals, original moves and costume design. Ansuya is a multi-award winner and has been seen in movies, on television shows, music videos and commercials as both a belly dancer and an actress…”
Jillina – 21st Century Belly Dancer
“Jillina is the most innovative dancer we have in Los Angeles, every time I see her there is something new and exciting in her performance.’ An incredible mix of technique, stage presence, artistry, choreography, professionalism, costuming and star quality make up the dynamic performances of Los Angeles’ hottest nightclub performer Jillina…”
Shahrazad – The Temple Dancer
“The temple dancer glides across the floor of the cave as if she were floating on air. Her arms move with incredible grace as her hands and fingers form intricate movements. The ageless huge statue of the stone goddess seems to greet her and welcome her to her temple. Suddenly the dancer is transported to the palm of goddess where she finishes her dance. A seven-year-old Shahrazad watching “The Tiger of Ishnapoor” on her TV set is captivated and decides then and there that this will be her life…”
Thrillin’ Drillin’ – Worth a Million!
“The International Association of Middle Eastern Dance’s (IAMED) latest video release Thrillin’ Drillin’ is all that it purports to be and more. The world renown and most sought after U.S. born belly dancer Sadie shares the intricacies of her stylized technique in this fabulous instructional DVD. IAMED is known to be the purveyor of the finest DVD’s on the belly dance market and Thrillin’ Drillin’ parallels the quality of their stock – and sets a new bar…”
Belly Dance Rocks, Reloaded, and Revolution; Three Times the Fun!
“As inspired as many of us dancers often are, occasionally we all hit a road block with creative ingenuity. There is, however, a medicine all ready in place for this ailment and it comes in the form of creativity-igniting performance videos…”
Essay Contest Winners – July 2009 (NEW)
“My Most Memorable Belly Dance Moment”
1st Place – by Emily Andrews
2nd Place – by Robin “Shalimar” Kelsey
3rd Place – by Adriane
Honorable Mentions (in no particular order)
by Kristina Moseley
by Pam Emerson
by Mia Serra
by Rachel Allen
Essay Contest Winners
“Why I Love Belly Dance”
1st Place – by Kelly Creagh
2nd Place – by Laura Smith
3rd Place – by Tamara Farranti
Honorable Mentions (in no particular order)
Ainsley
Hespera
Yasmin Diab
Kristen Windmuller
Rachel Allen
Faridah
David Vajgrt
Candice Coleman
Lilla Varese
Yeril Barlup
Judith Goldfinch Hall
Email Newsletter icon, E-mail Newsletter icon, Email List icon, E-mail List iconSign up for our Newsletter
GO
BELLYDANCE.ORG
IAMED ~ Producers of the Best Belly Dance Videos in the World!
The Art of Belly Dance is a registered trademark of The International Academy of Middle Eastern Dance and Suzy Evans
Photo of LaUra by Chad Glendon ~ ProImages.com