Middle Eastern dance stems back into history so far that no one is
really sure where it exactly started. This dance has morphed into many different styles that
borrow and mingle with each other. Here are some examples of different styles of belly dance
as best as I can describe them. It truly depends on what the individual dancer enjoys. Part of
the beauty of belly dance is that you can see one style performed by a variety of dancers and it
will almost always be different.
Egyptian Oriental
This dance originated from Egyptian night clubs and is subtle, but very powerful. Dancers will
usually perform to classical Egyptian music that has a long duration and that includes fast and
slow parts. The dancer will pick up on the emotion of the song and express this within her
routine. Sometimes the dancer will begin a performance by entering with a long flowing veil,
which will be used for a short time and then discarded. The dancer may also incorporate a
folkloric portion into the performance, which might include a cane or finger cymbals (sagat or
zill). It typically does not include props such as sword or floor work. Costume consists of
“Hollywood” inspired beaded and sequenced bra and belt or a full length sequined gown.
Mona Al Said
Nagwa Fouad
Sohair Zaki
Raqia Hassan
Dina
Fifi Abdou
Samia Gamal
Naima Akef
Tahia Carioca
Leila
Aida Nour
Tito
Randa Kamal
Morocco
Ibrahim "Bobbie" Farrah
Yousry Sharif
Turkish
A style that is fast and very lively with large movements and less isolations of various body
parts. Has move movement of the whole body. Commonly recognized as featuring Karsilama
steps to a 9/8 rhythm.
Ozel Turkbas
Elizabeth Artemis Mourat
Eva Cernick
Didem
Princess Banu
Lebanese Oriental
This is sometimes thought to be a mix of Turkish and Egyptian styles of dance. The costume
usually consists of a very glamorous cabaret style bra and belt set and heels.
Nadia Gamal
Amani
Samara
Vintage Orientale (American Cabaret, or Classic American Belly Dance)
Stemming from Amerian night clubs in the 1960s and 70s, this style is a mix of Middle Eastern
and Western style dances with lots of improvisation and prop use (veil, zills, sword, etc).
Cabaret dancers would work at night clubs with musicians from a variety of different
backgrounds. Costuming usually consists of a two piece beaded or sequined costume (bedlah)
with a long skirt. This style is usually performed as improvised solo, but can also be
choreographed for solo or group. In an American Cabaret “set,” there are typically several
different segments to a show or routine. It may start with a fast introduction, perhaps to a beledi
rhythm with zills. Then, sometimes the dancer will move to a short slower song, sometimes
called a Taxim. Here the zills are put down and she may start to remove a veil that has been
tucked around her hips. Then, a song might play that is appropriate for a veil routine, and she
will dance with the veil for the entire song. Up next, the music picks up a little bit and the dancer
will usually do more “showier” moves, perhaps do some floor work, or incorporate a specialty
act like sword or tray balancing. For the final songs, the dancer may choose to do another lively
Beledi where she can connect with the audience and show off her sense of humor a little.
Sometimes dancers will invite audience members up to dance with them if the atmosphere is
appropriate. Lastly, a dancer may dance to another short Taxim before ending with a dynamic
drum solo that is very up-beat and where she can really show off her moves.
Dahlena
Mesmera
Suhaila Salimpour
Delilah
Cassandra
Dalia Carella
Ansuya
Aziza
Sadie
Amar Gamal
Sarah Skinner
Princess Farhana
Petite Jamilla
American Tribal Style (ATS)
This style is considered more “earthy” as it does not incorporate the glitzy, sequined cabaret
bedlah. Instead, the costume is made up of turbans, heavy jewelry, bindies, sometimes henna
tattoos (or real tattoos), full skirts and harem pants. It is often danced in groups where dancers
rely on cues and signals from a lead dancer. This allows for group improvisation. Also includes
props such as zills and sword, and also incorporates floor work.
Jamila Salimpour – Bal Anat
Carolina Nericcio – Fat Chance Belly Dance
Gypsy Caravean
Tribal Fusion
A fusion of movements from the ATS format with other world and contemporary dance styles
and costuming
Ultra Gypsy
Rachel Brice
The Indigo
Unmata
Jill Parker
Folkloric
Folkloric dance is made up of more traditional dances of the Middle East and North Africa.
Persian:
This is an energetic dance with movements that originate from the shoulders with graceful arms,
hair tossing, and shimmies. Costumes include embroidered caftans called thobe nashal.
Hagallah:
This is a folkloric dance in celebration and is often performed at weddings.
Baladi (Saiidi):
Also recognized as cane or basket dancing. This style has fast spins and a masculine
feel. Costumes include a fitted caftan called a beledi dress or full length robes with the hair
covered in triangular cloth. Saiidi or "cane dance" is often danced as a parody of men's stick
dance (Taktib) and typically has more masculine movements of dance.
Ghawazi "Invaders of the heart":
A group of gypsies who danced in fitted tunics (sometimes called Ghawazi coat) with low-cut
bodices, full skirts, scarves around the hips. Music is folk on the mizmar and table baladi.
Trance Dances
The "Whirling Dervish" is ecstatic dancing and continuous spinning or “whirling” with special
costuming.
The Zar is a trance ceremony dance of North Africa and the Middle East. This is done to expel
negative energy. It involves swinging arms and head, and shaking the body along with other
moves until the dancer can go no more.