That Bodily Belly Dance in Auckland, NZ

Belly dance is a traditional Middle Eastern dance. At present, it is one of the most in-demand dance courses offered in various dance schools and fitness clinics - not just in Auckland, but the world over. It is famous among women because raqs sharqi (the most popular type of belly dancing) has become an avenue for self-expression for ladies everywhere. It is sexy and helps them lose excess weight while having loads of fun.

The term belly dancing is a misnomer according to most belly dance instructors. According to them, every body part is used in performing this type of dance which goes against the common notion that the belly is the most utilized body part in this dance. According to many belly dance instructors, the hips are the most prominent body part used and the illusion of the belly is only an illusion.

Belly dance has many forms and variations. The movement and the costumes used vary according to the nature of the belly dance being performed, as different Middle Eastern countries have their own interpretations of this type of dance.

The two types of belly dancing are raqs sharqi and raqs baladi. Raqs sharki is the most popular form. It is the most familiar to Westerners and is performed in places of entertainment, such as restaurants. This type of dance is largely improvisational and it is up to the individual to formulate her movements for the raqs sharki dance. However, some students, especially during shows, perform a choreographed type of belly dancing.

Raqs baladi is more of a folklore dance. This is more grounded in traditional Middle Eastern culture since it is danced by both men and women at festivities like weddings.

The costume used for belly dancing is called a bedlah. It comprises a fitted bra top, a hip belt placed on top of harem pants or a skirt. The fitted top and hip belt are usually adorned with various ornaments such as coins, beads and sequins. The bedlah has become iconic and synonymous with belly dancing, so that some students try the dance just to experience getting into the gorgeous bedlah costume. Along with the bedlah, various other ornaments are used by belly dancers such as headpieces, earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets and anklets which all add color and beauty to the dance. The costume used in the dance is interesting, but the dance itself is even more interesting.

This exotic dance involves the isolation of the different parts of one’s body – the shoulders, stomach and hips, for example. This type of dance is especially concerned with strengthening the core muscles and aids in the prevention of osteoporosis. Unlike hip-hop, belly dance is a very flowing type of dance which emphasizes feminine sensuality and strength. It is seen as a type of dance to celebrate not only the culture from where it originated, but also the beauty of the human body as it showcases the body’s shape, power and flexibility. Although some types of belly dancing are also practiced by men, this type of dance is dominated by female practitioners and students.

If you are excited and want to experience this Middle Eastern cultural wonder, there are belly dance schools in Auckland that offer lessons. Some of these are the Aisha Belly Dancing Studio, Viva Latino Dance Studio, Oasis for Dance, and Tais Belly Dance studio. Various Latin dance schools also offer belly dancing, so you’ll never run out of opportunities to try this one.

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