EGYPTIAN CABARET

Controlled, elegant, refined and often includes some ballet. Muscular control is emphasized and movements are contained, controlled and internalized. “less is more” seems to be the basic Philosophy. By law Egyptian dancers must cover there stomachs so many American Egyptian style dancers also wear stomach covers to be more “authentic”.

BELEDI

Is the music & dance of the Egyptian countryside. The music and dancing has more of an earthy, folk quality to it that are sometimes performed with canes. A Beledi dress is commonly worn for this style along with a triangular headscarf. Tahtib is the men’s martial arts dance of Egypt, performed with the long canes which were historically used in combat.

TURKISH CABARET

Seen as being almost at the opposite end of the spectrum. Dancers are often flamboyant with large earthy moves. “Anything Goes” seems to be the philosophy here. Leaps and lots of pelvic movements are common. Costuming is often more skimpy than many other styles but dressing scantily is not a requirement of Turkish dancers.

LEBANESE CABARET

Includes western stylings like Jazzy movements, kicks, head tosses , quirky poses and lots of turns. Veil is more widely used and the Lebanese dancers often wear high heels. Cane is also used but not allot of zills.

GREEK BELLY DANCE

Most like a mixture of Egyptian & Lebanese Cabaret with lots of Zill playing. Greek music is distinctly different from Arabic music but usually upbeat and very danceable.

GYPSY DANCE

Depending on the region, Gypsy dance can resemble Beledi or Turkish or Indian styles. Gypsy dancing in general involves folkloric style hand gestures, kicks and spins. The costuming reflects the regions in which the gypsies have traveled through and so elements of different countries are often worn. Very full skirts are usually worn along with cholies or blousy shirts with cropped vests.

IMPROVISATIONAL TRIBAL STYLE

A form of belly dance based on folkloric Arabic dance and related dance styles that involves techniques for dancing with groups of dancers in an improvised manor. The dancers learn queues that enable non verbal communication while dancing which enables the dancers to dance in unison. Costuming is an eclectic blend of various cultures and has a strong ethnic look. Music is usually organic, non synthesizes music. Very popular style of dance in the US today.