You're Questions Answered!

Beth recently asked: "What's the difference between tribal, fusion, and Arabic belly dance?"

So, if you are new to belly dancing, you may or may not realize that there are many styles of belly dance.  There are at least as many different styles of belly dance as there are regions in the middle east---and more!  Don't worry... If I will keep it short and sweet!  (I asked Ja'Niesa what she would say, and she said it was like I was asking her to write a short paragraph reporting on the bible.  haha!)  Please know, I am going to simplify this as much as possible.  Otherwise, you'd get bored after three or four days of reading and move on to something else. 

In the United States there are three main schools of belly dance.  Cabaret, American Tribal Style, and Tribal Fusion.

--Cabaret  (aka, egyptian, raks sharqi, arabic, classical or oriental, or lots of other things.)  Cabaret is a blanket term for all of the classic belly dancing styles. Usually, when people think "belly dancer," they are thinking of this type of belly dancer.  She typically wears beaded fringe and sequin costumes.  When you see a dancer in a restaurant, this is probably what you are seeing!  It's usually more flamboyant, filled with glitz and glamour.  Dancers usually improvise (make it up as they go) dances, but sometimes will use choreography (especially in the US).  There is a large emphasis on dancing to the music and the feelings of the music instead of putting every movement into an 8 count, which is characteristic of American dancing.




--American Tribal Style (ATS)  this style was pioneered in the 1980's in the U.S. by Carolena Nericcio from San Fransisco.  Jamila Salmipour also had a similar vision beginning in the 60's and 70's, but Carolena's form is now considered the norm.  What distinguishes ATS from Cabaret (or even tribal fusion as you will learn later) is the use of a "follow the leader" vocabulary, versus choreography or individual improvisation.  Groups learn sequences of movements that begin with a certain "cue."  When dancing in a group of two or more people, the "leader" will cue a sequence to the rest of the group and put together a dance!  It is also has distinct costuming, using earthier fabrics, choli tops, cowrie shells, and antique coins.  The movements are also more grounded and internally focused. 



--Tribal Fusion.  Out of ATS came tribal fusion.  Jill Parker, an original member of Carolena's group Fat Chance Belly Dance, took the movements of ATS and created tribal fusion: a mixture of American Belly Dance, Tribal Style and whatever other style of dance (modern, hip hop, break dance, jazz, etc.).  Rachel Brice pioneered the style in the 2000's.   The costuming can be anything from ATS style to cabaret style. Movement emphasis is in complete muscle control.




So... Three completely different styles, all of which are so much more than the little descriptions and examples I gave.  YouTube is a great tool for dancers!  Look for some amazing clips and send me links to your favorites! 

Dancelife Update

So, this week is the last week for classes!  I can't believe it is december already.  We have a big weekend coming up:  Hafla on Saturday and recital on Sunday--both at Cornerstone.  What a way to end the season.  We have over 20 beginners students performing belly dance for the first time.  How exciting!  And over 20 returning students performing... I love it!

The end of classes means that winter break is almost here!  Teaching is very important to me and I love helping students along their own dance journey! But Sometimes I need a break to be the best teacher I can be.  After all, I'm on a dance journey too!  I need some time to focus on my own growth for a while.  Here are some things I try to do for my dance life during our session breaks:

1.  Relax.  This is the end of our busy season; summer to the holidays are always hectic.  So taking a rest is important or else my creativity suffers.
2.  Figure out my goals for the next year.  Every year I try to come up with one or two specific things that I want to work on (lazy belly dance hand--where it flops around, keeping shoulders back, getting rid of "porn star mouth," etc.).  I keep these one or two things in mind throughout the year and try to conquer them!  (Honestly, some of these things I will always battle... But it's all part of the journey!)
3.  Pick out music for the next class session.  I will be teaching at least six classes next semester. This is always the MOST stressful part for me!  Finding the perfect song for each class that will showcase the strengths of students without being too fast/slow/long/short/repetitive/etc is hard for me!  I put a lot of pressure on myself, and really I need to go back to step one (RELAX) and just pick a song already! 
4.  Work on some costuming.  No dance classes and no school classes means I will have a lot of time on my hands!  I better make some of those pieces i've been needing to get finished! 

I'd say that's enough to keep me occupied (or un-occupied--number one says relax!) for the winter break!  What things will you do for your dance life over the break?

How to Start...

Maybe you're someone who has always wanted to try belly dancing.  Maybe you are someone who needs a fun and new way to exercise.  Maybe you are looking for a new hobby.  Maybe you want to make some new friends.  Hey, maybe you just want to shake your "groove thang."

All of these reasons (and more) are great reasons to start Belly Dancing!  When I first had an inkling that I wanted to start Belly dancing, I had NO clue how to go about finding a community.  The truth is, we are a niche community and you will probably only find us when you look for us: But we are here!!  Chances are there is a belly dancer in your community, or one nearby!  Here are some places to look for a teacher:

• Start Online:  www.bellydanceclasses.net has listings for instructors all over the world!  If there isn't a listing for your town, try one nearby.  
• Check with your local arts center.  Many dance teachers teach for other organizations like arts centers, gyms, dance co-ops and more.   
• Check with your local middle eastern themed restaurant.  Often times, these restaurants will host a belly dancer to entertain their guests (especially on the weekends!)  Call and find out when she will be performing next and make a date!  
• Call any random dancer in your state.  When I first started, no one was in my area, and Google wasn't a thing yet.  I found a dancer in Bloomington, who told me to call Evansville, who told me to call Indianapolis, who told me to call Lafayette...  Then the lady from Bloomington called me back and told me to check:
• the local health food store.  I know--random, right?  Well...some belly dancers are super healthy conscious and like to eat natural and whole foods!  I called my health food store, and after explaining my quest was surprised to hear "Why, yes!  A belly dancer does come in here all the time!"  They gave her my number and she called me less than a week later!  I was in classes within the year! (if you are a teacher, this may be an advertising opportunity you haven't though of yet!  Muncie's Health food store has a bulletin board for business cards... does yours?)
• If all else fails, check out some DVD's.  While I do think it is very important to your dance journey to have a teacher or mentor guiding you along (sometimes you just need someone in the same room telling you when you've done something right or wrong), that may not be possible if you live in an extremely remote area.  It's okay.  There are many DVD's and videos out there that belly dancers have made just for you!  Netflix has quite a few available, and you may look at your local library.  A DVD I would suggest for beginners: Dolphina Intro to belly dance.  DVD's can also be a great tool for advanced dancers.  Belly Dance Super Stars and World Dance New York have great DVD's with specific topics to help you be a better dancer!

There are probably tons more ways to look for belly dance teachers in your area!  If you are determined, go for it!  Cue the song: 
"Cliiiiimb every mountaaaaaiiin,
seeeearch high and low!
Follow every bywaaaay...
Tiilll Yoooou FIiiind Your DREEEEAMMMS!"

Basically, if this is something you really want to do--do it!  Look everywhere you can!  Uncover the mystery!  Find our little community, and we will welcome you with open arms!  Take that first step and go to that class!  It will change your life.

A Beginning

So, this is my blog.  I'm going to use it to talk about one of the most important things in my life: Belly Dance.  I am hoping that this blog will not only serve as a creative outlet for my thoughts and feelings on something about which I am very passionate, but also help other dancers, especially my own students, along their own journey.  I will be answering some commonly asked questions (Or specific questions if you ask!) about belly dance in general, as well as etiquette, costuming tips, choreography tips, and anything else I want to talk about.  Maybe I will even get a chance to have some guests to share their dance journey with us!  Who knows; This blog is a journey, just like dance!  So, let's see where the journey takes us! 

~Liz