Nizana El Rassan Thinking of past dancers before us, some of whom may have retired or passed on, there is so much history and information that we should remember and reflect on as we dance into the future. Thanks to video tape, photographs, print media, observation and the spoken word, we can learn from others throughout time. Teachers should be sharing resources to commemorate important contributors to our dance form. Students should be taking the initiative to learn how Middle Eastern Dance was represented in the Golden Era, as well as before and after that.
I remember one of my favorite things ever in my dance journey to be the times at the early to mid-years of the annual Powers of Belly Dance Conference where we would all sit as a group, ask questions and listen to the long-time belly dancers share their wisdom. Learning what obstacles they overcame, such as fighting local ordinances to be allowed to dance, was fascinating and telling.
They spoke of educating the public and the importance of being educated as a dancer. They stressed carrying yourself appropriately as to not have the profession takes steps backwards after the work that they did to get the dance accepted instead of automatically being barred from venues as strippers. They told tales of finally getting past that to be able to dance at regular late-night gigs in cabaret clubs and restaurants, some with live bands, before many of those opportunities started to fade away.
One thing the Golden era can keep us mindful about is that the importance of knowing the foundation of the dance. By using Middle Eastern music from that time, performing traditional movements and wearing costumes that accentuated the body, music and moves, it showed what foundational belly dance looks like.
While individuality and creativity grow new forms of the dance, there are still certain boundaries, rules and guidelines that make it what it is. Just like certain elements define ballet, hula or basketball that make those activities what they are, there are also fundamentals of what makes belly dance belly dance. The umbrella term of belly dance has grown quite large to encompass many different styles that fall under it, but to drill down, Egyptian, and lesser known, Lebanese and Turkish belly dance, are truer to belly dance.
There are certain must-have components to perform Dabke, Turkish Roma and Oulid Nail as they truly are. It is also possible to see changes and adaptations as time progresses, yet still with the concepts and history. And as mentioned, artistic liberties can make for some great creations in alternative pieces. It is strongly recommended when fusing, that you have a thorough mastery of what you are fusing, and letting your audience know that it is alternative.
Another one of the things the Golden Era taught us was bringing class and fluidity to the dance. Grace and a kind of softness are highlighted in that era, and that is part of what the teachers and professional dancers at the conference were talking about. Show the public the classy, beautiful artform that it is by knowing which movements go with which instruments, rhythms and melodies, transitioning in a flowing, masterful way. Treat the dance form with respect, as it belongs to people’s cultures.
Want to recreate some of that vintage feel? Select Middle Eastern music that comes from that time period to dance to starting as early as the mid-1920’s. Get some inspiration for costuming from videos and pictures online as well as books and magazines. Watch the dancers from that era, such as Tahiya Karioka, Badiaa Masabni, Naima Akef or the small number who are good at that style currently. Talk to those few dancers who are still around who remember that era, or were part of that era. Get into the feeling of the music, and the movements that go best with it. You can still make it your own, but to go vintage, go with that era’s music, costuming and aura.
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