The Story of Oriental Dance: A Journey Through History and Culture
The story of Oriental dance is a fascinating journey through history, culture, and tradition. This ancient art form has evolved over centuries, blending influences from different regions and captivating audiences worldwide. Understanding the story of Oriental dance helps us appreciate its deep cultural roots and transformation over time.
Origins: A Dance of Women for Women
Many are surprised to learn that the story of Oriental dance did not begin as a performance to entertain men but as a dance of women for women. It was closely linked to ancient religious cults devoted to Mother Earth, celebrating fertility in the matriarchal societies of Mesopotamia.
It is said that women would dance in a circle around a woman giving birth, symbolically participating in the arrival of new life. Others believe it was performed during agricultural festivals to ensure a good harvest.
The Influence of Islamic Culture and the Middle Ages
In Islamic culture, this dance is often viewed with prejudice. During the Middle Ages, exceptionally beautiful women were bought in slave markets, taken to palaces, and trained in various disciplines to entertain and amuse their masters and guests. They learned to sing, play instruments, dance, recite poetry, and even study medicine, astronomy, and other sciences.
Almee and Ghawazy: Two Different Traditions
They performed at banquets but would then retire to the harem, where men were not allowed entry. The word “harem” means “forbidden.”
Almee: The Artists of the Elite
Written records about this dance date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, but they are not entirely reliable due to the limited knowledge of the culture by Western observers. These texts describe the Almee (meaning “wise woman”), who were complete artists performing mostly for women, singing, playing, reciting, and dancing with a refined style.
Ghawazy: The Street Performers
The Ghawazy, supposedly of nomadic origin and lower social status, performed in the streets and at festivals for mixed audiences. Their style was more spontaneous and less structured compared to the Almee.
The 20th Century: The Global Rise of Oriental Dance
By the early 20th century, the story of Oriental dance took a new turn, gaining international recognition and captivating audiences worldwide. Fascination with this dance led to its adaptation in Western countries, where it was embraced and transformed.
Hollywood and the Birth of “Belly Dance”
Hollywood played a significant role in the popularization of Oriental dance, especially in the 1940s and 1950s. European filmmakers and artists, inspired by exotic imagery, coined the term “belly dance,” marking another chapter in the evolution of this ancient art.
