Thread: Bellydance styles

Originally Posted by spcjones203

Hello ladies, another newbie here, just ready to start getting serious, and I had a stupid question. I mean, I see you all going into very technical terms with offshoots and sects of specific dance styles, but that's really confusing for us noobs. Is there some, clearcut, easily defined way to explain the styles of dance so we know better what we're looking for so we can pick a style best suited to us?

Yes and no -

1. Are you more interested in learning a form of this dance specific to a certain Middle Eastern culture or in learning a more modern fusion?

a. If a more Middle Eastern based form, you may want to study Egyptian, Turkish, or Lebanese to start.

b. If a more modern fusion form, you may want to study American Tribal Style, Improv Tribal Style, or one of the Tribal Fusion branches to start.

c. If you want something in between these two, you may want to study vintage American orientale, also known as American Cabaret. This form is based on a fusion of the Middle Eastern styles and some western dance influence.

In general, a the two largest divisions are commonly called tribal and cabaret. Tribal includes everything from group improv to tribal fusion solos and can be performed to anything from traditional music to more western-styled music or middle eastern-style music adapted for a more western format. Cabaret includes the more bead and sequin costuming and covers everything from the American-stage-style performances to Egyptian, Lebanese, and other ethnic stage versions (also known as Raqs Sharqi). There is a third division that can be called folk or folkloric which includes more specific ethnic dances like Khaleegy, Ghawazee, Saiidi, etc.

This is just a quick, rough list - there are a lot of other divisions and styles that defy specific categorization. A good starts is to use these search terms on youtube and begin watching dancers to see what style calls to you.

Originally Posted by mahsati

Yes and no -

1. Are you more interested in learning a form of this dance specific to a certain Middle Eastern culture or in learning a more modern fusion?

a. If a more Middle Eastern based form, you may want to study Egyptian, Turkish, or Lebanese to start.

b. If a more modern fusion form, you may want to study American Tribal Style, Improv Tribal Style, or one of the Tribal Fusion branches to start.

c. If you want something in between these two, you may want to study vintage American orientale, also known as American Cabaret. This form is based on a fusion of the Middle Eastern styles and some western dance influence.

In general, a the two largest divisions are commonly called tribal and cabaret. Tribal includes everything from group improv to tribal fusion solos and can be performed to anything from traditional music to more western-styled music or middle eastern-style music adapted for a more western format. Cabaret includes the more bead and sequin costuming and covers everything from the American-stage-style performances to Egyptian, Lebanese, and other ethnic stage versions (also known as Raqs Sharqi). There is a third division that can be called folk or folkloric which includes more specific ethnic dances like Khaleegy, Ghawazee, Saiidi, etc.

This is just a quick, rough list - there are a lot of other divisions and styles that defy specific categorization. A good starts is to use these search terms on youtube and begin watching dancers to see what style calls to you.

There's all so much... Can I answer simply? My two favorite dancers are Kami Liddle and Sharon Kihara. I want to dance like them. So... what does that make me?

Originally Posted by spcjones203

There's all so much... Can I answer simply? My two favorite dancers are Kami Liddle and Sharon Kihara. I want to dance like them. So... what does that make me?

That style is commonly called tribal fusion and is one of the more modern offshoots of belly dance in part inspired by American Tribal Style, but it has been fused and changed through more cabaret-like solo performances and a focus on more western music, such as techno and electronica. There are many different types of tribal fusion, but both Kami and Sharon share a similar aesthetic in their fusion styles that incorporates an urban tribal feel as well.

You might also be interested in:
Rachel Brice
Moria Chappel
Zoe Jakes

Originally Posted by mahsati

That style is commonly called tribal fusion and is one of the more modern offshoots of belly dance in part inspired by American Tribal Style, but it has been fused and changed through more cabaret-like solo performances and a focus on more western music, such as techno and electronica. There are many different types of tribal fusion, but both Kami and Sharon share a similar aesthetic in their fusion styles that incorporates an urban tribal feel as well.

You might also be interested in:
Rachel Brice
Moria Chappel
Zoe Jakes

Not to be rude to any fans, I'm not particularily fascinated by Rachel Brice... She's just not the style I like...

So, do you think I should skip over and look at the FCBD website and look into their DVDs? I'm afraid it's hard to find classes without having to schlep myself to Nashville every few days (Over an hour away...)

Originally Posted by spcjones203

Not to be rude to any fans, I'm not particularily fascinated by Rachel Brice... She's just not the style I like...

So, do you think I should skip over and look at the FCBD website and look into their DVDs? I'm afraid it's hard to find classes without having to schlep myself to Nashville every few days (Over an hour away...)

Whether or not Rachel Brice is a favorite of yours, she is associated with the same style as Sharon and Kami and performs with them on occasion.

The FCBD dvds will not be tribal fusion style. They are not like Sharon or Kami. FCBD is ATS which is a structured group improv format meant to be performed with a group.

The best step for you would be to go to some local classes, workshops, or shows and find a teacher in your area that will be helpful to you. You seem quite confused about the styles which is natural when you first begin learning about the dance, but can only be overcome by watching, reading, listening and learning as much as you can. Each style has its own strengths and weaknesses. It may take you a while to find which one works best for you.

Originally Posted by spcjones203

Hello ladies, another newbie here, just ready to start getting serious, and I had a stupid question. I mean, I see you all going into very technical terms with offshoots and sects of specific dance styles, but that's really confusing for us noobs. Is there some, clearcut, easily defined way to explain the styles of dance so we know better what we're looking for so we can pick a style best suited to us?

Easiest way is to take various classes/workshops with a range of good, well educated teachers. Describing by words is pretty hard unless you already know what the styles etc are ie once you know what a beledi improvisation looks like you can discuss it with others who also know what it is but pretty hard to fully describe it to newbie. Sometimes people try and get around this by posting a link to a video - but one example (or even two) doesn't really do it either.

I'm sorry I'm very confused!! I have been described as oriental style and I have had feedback that I need to be more egyptian style.... what's the difference and what is it that's making me not classed as egyptian style?
H x x

Originally Posted by HeatherDancer

I'm sorry I'm very confused!! I have been described as oriental style and I have had feedback that I need to be more egyptian style.... what's the difference and what is it that's making me not classed as egyptian style?
H x x

ooh, zombie thread! So fun to start reading a thread and find posts by yourself that you don't remember writing!

update: My foot is healed ..g.:

I've been putting together a series of articles on bellydance styles, with youtube clips to illustrate them, at Belly Dance Stuff

Maybe something there can help you, it's very hard to say, without seeing you dance, what someone could mean by that. Especially since Oriental is typically synonymous with Egyptian Raqs Sharqi. (though it can also mean Turkish Oryental)

Usually when people say you're not Egyptian 'enough' what they mean is that they want to see you relax more, use smaller, more delicate movements. Dancing Egyptian style should be a CHOICE though. If you WANT to dance Egyptian style, that great. If you want to dance more Turkish style, or some other style, that should be OK too.

However, it's always good and important to understand what you're doing and make a conscious choice. If you're wearing Egyptian costuming and dancing to Eyptian music, it's reasonable for an audience to expect a more Egyptian-styled performance and they could be put off if you're a ball of flaming energy instead.