Pink Saturday...Got Zills?

Saturday mornings my friend Kathy and I attend a Belly dance/workout class in the city of Anaheim. Typical clothing for this class consists of a Choli (PINK velvet top with embossed floral pattern around the neck), Leggings, and bright colorful hip scarves. Mine of course are all in varying shades of pink.
My sweet twin Fiffer Lou was gracious enough to model for me, but this is the only picture where you'll see her darling face (I hope she doesn't read this post or I may be in trouble Monday morning).

A little History on Belly Dance:
The term 'belly dance' is said to come from the French 'danse du ventre' - dance of the stomach - a phrase coined at the turn of the century after the introduction of Raqs Sharqi at the Chicago Exposition in 1893 by a dancer called 'Little Egypt'. Little Egypt danced in less revealing costumes than those worn today, but her performance was too exotic for Victorian morality, and the dancers who followed added much to the negative image of Raqs Sharqi.
Arabic dance is characterized by its intricate hip movements, though it incorporates many techniques, from many different parts of the Middle East; Egypt, Lebanon, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, and Morocco to name a few. Each country has its own style.

Baladi, or folk dance, was developed in rural Egypt where the dancers wear full length robes often with their hair covered as well. The stick dance is based on the Tahtib, a form of self defence practised in Upper Egypt where the young men would prove their manhood using a Shouma, a long, heavy staff.

Classical oriental dance is believed to have emerged as an art form in the courts of the Ottoman Empire. The movements are refined, and characterised by soft, flowing actions of the arms. The music is composed with the dance in mind, and often includes a drum solo.

Egyptian Cabaret is most associated with 'belly dance' and is a very controlled style often including ballet. Muscular control is emphasised, with the movements small and internalized. 'Less is more' seems to be the working philosophy. It is still technically illegal in Egypt for the abdomen to be exposed in public. Therefore, most professional dancers cover their stomachs by wearing body stockings or a 'cholis', a fitted midriff length vest which fastens underneath the bra. Leotards, bodies or teddies can be worn as a substitute.
The above information was taken from this website:
http://www.bellydanceuk.co.uk/HISTORYPAGE.html
Here in the US a new form of Belly Dance has been developed called American Tribal Style and Tribal Fusion which incorporates snake like movements.


In the above foto Fiffer Lou is modeling my favorite hip scarf. It has four rows of looped beads that are pink on one side and red on the opposite. The scarf weighs about 2-3 lbs. I love the way it shimmers and moves. 6 ft. silk veils are often used in belly dancing to create an ethereal or otherworldly effect while the dancer gracefully spins and twirls within the veil.

Another scarf with triangular rows of coins.

Ah, my gold coin belt...this one is a lot of fun to wear with the hot pink fringed scarf.

In the past few years Belly Dancing has taken on a more Vaudevillian look complete with twenties style hair and make-up. It's a lot of fun as long as they keep it cute and clean.
One of my favorite Tribal troupes has done a routine to one of Herb Albert's songs which is quite funny...here's a link: The Indigo at Tribal Fest. Hope you enjoy the show.

For more Pink Saturday visit Beverly at: How Sweet the Sound