Friday, April 12, 2013

A Close Look At Turkish Belly Dance

By Mariella Monroe


Turkish Belly Dancing is an ancient boogie form in Turkey as well as surrounding regions. The boogie was preserved through the Middle Ages in the form of social dances in general public life and in the harems regarding Ottoman rulers. The dance has received powerful influence from the gypsy culture and also the ancient cultures that worshiped actresses.

The moves and techniques utilized in Turkish Belly Dancing are ends related to the classic form of the dance. It is much more flamboyant, bold and energetic in nature as compared to its shut versions found in the east. The actual Turkish dance form involves much more use of the finger cymbals along with increased use of athleticism within the moves. The particular movements performed on flooring, also known as floor work are common to be found in the Turkish form of the particular dance.

You can find an enhanced expression of sexuality, specifically more so in the dance being performed in nightclubs throughout the 70s and 80s. Huge orchestras in Turkish nightclubs play Arabic music along with the gypsy style that features a more energetic and more quickly tempo.

A large variety of equipment are used in the performance which includes violins, dumbeks, keyboards, clarinets, ouds, oboes and more. Generally, performance lasts for around 30 minutes and it contain different rhythms, tempos as well as songs. And, the modern Turkish music styles consist of elements from world-beat and digital music.

The costumes utilized in Turkish Belly Dancing during the 1970's and 80s were debatable due to their sexiness and shortness. Generally, the Turkish version of the boogie consists of costumes like belly dance skirt, bra top together with belt. But, the skirts consist of less amount of fabric as compared to that worn in Egyptian or American belly dance. The costumes are also very small compared to the western form of the particular dance.




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