The ancient art of bellydance is based on natural, organic movement that can be recognized as being present at the roots of all creation. Many anthropologists have hypothesised that the first humans danced as a means of resonating with these patterns and celebrating there connection to the oneness of life itself.
Cirlces, spirals, infinity symbols are all among the shapes that can be witnessed at root of creation and all forms of life on a cellular level. This is commonly known as sacred geometry. Below, I have listed some of the simple geometric shapes that create the foundations of bellydance movement. I have included information on the universal symbolism of these shapes. For those interested in exploring bellydance as a holistic practice, movement mediation and restorative therapy, this information will serve as a valuable place to begin in understandingthe energies that are archetypally awakening within us on a cellural level as we create these shapes in our bodies.
The Circle (hips, pelvis, torso, ribcage, shoulders, wrists, neck)
The circle is an ancient archetypal symbol of wholeness representing the infinite cycle of life, death and rebirth. It is the inner and the outer, the manifest and the latent potential. Circles represent the cyclic nature of the rhythms of life. This is why it has ties to the sun and moon. The circle can act as a guide in discovering our spiritual essence and how to best express it outwardly in our lives. Circle dances symbolize the sun and the moon, the masculine and feminine, the fullness of life’s experience. Circles are at core of life on a cellular level. We also find circles in ripe fruit on vine and limb, in the belly of a pregnant woman. Circles are seen in our eyes, our belly buttons, nostrils, ears and our spinal columns. The half circle or crescent is the symbolic of openness and receptivity. It is likened to a sacred chalice or vessel. The crescent shape has been the symbol of the female organs within the body, the sacred horns. We see crescents in our smiles, our laughing eyes, in the moon and in the crest of a water wave.
The Lemniscate, infinity symbol or figure 8 (hips, ribcage, arms, head)
The lemniscate is the mathematical symbol for infinity and looks like a figure 8. Our blood flows in a figure eight through our bodies. Our life force energy circulates this way too. Being that is comprised of 2 circles flowing together as one, the figure 8 symbolizes balance and duality; creative and destructive forces of nature, light/dark, opposites and unification. Its continual flowing motions symbolize infinity. Figure 8 movements can be worked with to restore unification of the mind & body.
The Wave (full body up/down, side/side, upper, lower, belly, arms, hands)
The wavy line or undulation is in the many unseen forces of our universe. It represents the archetype of the snaking, serpentine life force and sexual energy. It is the path of heat and the way sound travels. It is seen in the way a snake moves, the path of a river and the belly of a woman in contractions. Tapped into, the undulation takes us deep within our spine, delighting us with the freedom of open, flowing life force energy. Psychic energy, electric energy and sound all pulse in waves.
The Spiral(Turning, spinning, corkscrewing movemements)
Spinning stimulates the entire energy system and induces altered states of consciousness. Spiraling, circular movements create energetic vortexes that stimulate the Chakras. When our Chakras are fully functioning our ability to access higher and more subtle energies is increased. The spiral symbolizes the evolution of life. Spiraling energy is associated with both creative and destructive forces of nature. Through Spiraling into the dance space from the perimeter you connect with the realm of the unmanifest and stimulate primordial inner energies. As you spiral out from the center you activate the expression of these energies in the physical realm. The spiral symbolizes the seen and unseen, male/female, and unification of opposites due to the form and negative space contained within the spiral
Vibration (hip shimmy, shoulder shimmy, full body, hands, belly)
The vibration expressed in the shimmy represents the invisible energetic atmosphere that surround us & the life force energy that animates us. It is the quiver of excitement in our breath or the trembling of our limbs in exhilaration. It is found in our heartbeat, the Earths rotation and in pulses of light. Its our Kundalini awakening. Our lifeforce, the pulse of life.
copywrited by Carrie Konyha