World Belly Dance Day 2024 is on Friday, May 10, 2024: Belly Dancing Career?

Friday, May 10, 2024 is World Belly Dance Day 2024. Nadia School of Belly Dance Up Coming Events - World Belly Dance ... World Belly Dance Day 2013

Other forms of dance can only help you to become a better belly dancer. Many top belly dancers have a background in ballet, plus nearly all of them do yoga or Pilates as well. If you are interested in contemporary bellydance or tribal fusion bellydance, then other dance forms are a must.

I've noticed belly dancers often have done topics like Dance Ethnology at college.

Discussion of masters degrees that recommends top colleges.

Donna Mejia used to teach at Colorado College and I've seen videos of her students performing (more of an ethnic and contemporary approach to bellydance rather than American Cabaret)

I did hear a rumour she was returning to college teaching.

Business studies and/or marketing would be useful as getting work, or selling yourself, is always going to be tough, and it would give you something to fall back on.

Learning how to teach could be another idea. Most dancers end up teaching workshops and/or classes.

Many belly dancers work in a career that supports their dancing and dance professionally part time. Not a bad approach as they don't have to worry so much about paying the bills, and can afford to travel all over the world dancing. I know of teachers, scientists, health workers and office workers who are semi pro dancers.

Read the articles on Gilded Serpent as it will give you a background to the field and includes gems like what Miles looks for when he auditions dancers for Bellydance Superstars.

Added. I've also remembered 2 or 3 semi pro bellydancers who are make up artists, and others who have majored in fashion or textiles, and mix dancing with costuming.

Belly Dancing Feminist?

Yes, that makes two of us, although I'm not professional like you. Belly Dancing is an art, and if Flying Horse was here she'd probably tell you the same. She is a dance instructor and a top contributor in this section. Anyway, people just think belly dancing is like stripping and it is SOOOO NOT! Although I'm not professional, I've had money thrown at me (yes, the paper kind), and I've received flowers at my office because certain men were so impressed with the way I danced. Also, belly dancing is sensual, but it's not necessarily directed at men.

"What is Belly Dancing?

Many experts say belly dancing is the oldest form of dance, having roots in all ancient cultures from the orient to India to the mid-East. Probably the greatest misconception about belly dancing is that it is intended to entertain men. Throughout history, this ritualized expression has usually been performed for other women--generally during fertility rites or parties preparing a young woman for marriage. In most cases, the presence of men is not permitted.

Belly dancing is natural to a woman's bone and muscle structure with movements emanating from the torso rather than in the legs and feet. The dance often focuses upon isolating different parts of the body, moving them independently in sensuous patterns, weaving together the entire feminine form. Belly dancing is generally performed barefoot, thought by many to emphasize the intimate physical connection between the dancer, her expression, and Mother Earth.

Belly dancing costumes are often colorful, flowing garments, accented with flowing scarves and veils. Finger cymbals (made of brass and known as zills) are common, dating back to 200 B. C. as well as exotic jewelry, including intricate belts made of coins that, in earlier days, comprised the family's wealth so that it might be portable in the event the woman needed to move quickly or flee. Other interesting accessories used during the dance are swords, snakes, large vessels, and even huge candelabras, complete with flaming candles. Belly dancing enjoyed its first significant renown when the famous dancer Little Egypt performed at the Chicago World's Fair in 1893. Americans found themselves fascinated by the exotic body rhythms and music, eventually including them in many silent films made just a few years later. Costumes and dancing styles were given a distinctive Hollywood flare and, in turn influenced dancers in the Middle East, thus evolving the art form to a new level. For example, belly dancing with flowing veils hadn't been documented before the 1900s but is now quite popular throughout the world.

Since the turn of the century, belly dancing has grown enormously in popularity across the U. S. and worldwide. Belly dance festivals, workshops, and seminars take place constantly, attracting large audiences of interested, involved men and women. Many dancers now study the art form intensively, traveling to the mid-East and elsewhere to experience it where it originated." (Byblos)

Belly dancing for me is a way to express myself. I may not be able to draw or paint or make a sonnet, but give me an all Arab band with drums, a wood floor, a veil... and watchout!!!

belly dancing questions?

-Belly dancing will give your body more definition and more toned. It's an INTENSE work out that works out your entire body. Start out with oriental(Greek,Turkish or Egyptian style) as it's the base of all other styles of belly dance. You need to know oriental before you do anything else.

-Belly dancing is the most fun thing in the world !!!!!

-There aren't many places that offer belly dancing, so, you're gonna have to look around.

-Price of class depends on what school you go to.

-Classes are usually once a week, but I practice for at least an hour every day.

-Who cares of people think it's weird? Belly dancing is the sh*t! =) I eat, breathe and sleep belly dance. It's my passion. So, I dedicate A LOT of time and energy to it. If you wanna become a good belly dancer, it takes a lot of dedication.

@krazzyrkb

Why is it a bad idea? Because it unconventional? Because it's not ballet, jazz or contemporary?