"BELLY DANCE" is a general term for an ancient, diverse group of  women's dances with a myriad of influences from India, North Africa, the Near and Middle East and the West.  It is also known as Oriental Dance, perhaps more correctly, because it originated in the East.

There are many cultural and musical influences that contribute to our contemporary collection of  movements under the general umbrella of Belly Dance. Traditional folk dances, influences of other dance forms and resulting fusion styles are all " belly dance," characterized by isolations, undulations and pronounced hip movements.


Goddessdance Bellydance

                                                                                 Original Oil Paintings of Dancers by Holly McWilliams

BELLY DANCE FUSION
The most common form of Belly Dance around, as we live in a global society where boundaries between styles are sometimes difficult to discern.

Generally, the fusion is between two or more styles of Belly Dance, but there are also influences in music or movement from other dance forms such as  Jazz, Contemporary, Indo- Jazz, or Flamenco.

TURKISH ROM
(Gypsy) STYLE DANCE:
While certainly a major influence on Turkish Belly Dance, the Rom style is unique in that it is characterized by the use of footwork, culturally specific hand gestures, and an earthy feel. Music is usually in the 9/8 rhythm, played with hand drums such as the darbuka or doumbek, violin, ney, kanoon as well as prominent vocals. Offered in workshops. Some dance/ movement experience is recommended.

GODDESS DANCE/ GODDESS GATHERING

A spiritual or psychological practice  centered on connecting with the Divine Feminine, discovered through movement, reflection and exploration of ancient, archetypal movements, the chakras and creative movement. Explore movements found in belly dance, traditional womens' dances and rituals. No previous dance experience necessary, offered in workshops.

A passionate, expressive form of belly dance, the Turkish style is less subtle than Egyptian Cabaret Style. Music is often created with hand drums, oud, saz, ney, kanoon and finger cymbals.

Turkish Cabaret is a professional performance style derived from Oryental. Along with Egyptian Orientale, Turkish Oryental Belly Dance is the other major influence in fusion styles.

DANSE ORIENTALE-
Raks Sharqi- Cabaret-:

The "Classic" and professional performance style, influenced by the nightclubs of Cairo and characterized by Egyptian orchestral music, controlled, subtle movements and glitzy gowns for costuming. There is also a Turkish Cabaret Style. Cabaret generally refers to the style one might see in a restaurant. Beledi is more folkloric in nature.


Major influences in all Belly Dance fusion are Egyptian Style Raks Sharki and Beledi.