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Belly Dance: Middle East
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Belly dance (Oriental Dance, Middle Eastern Dance) [R]efers to a collection of dance styles from a variety of countries throughout the Middle East and North Africa. Among the most common forms is Egyptian Raqs Sharqi (translated as Oriental Dance... known as Middle Eastern Dance or MED) that is most often presented as a women’s solo dance form many believe evolved from Egypt’s beledi, or country, folk dances. Similar and related dance forms are found throughout the Arabic-speaking Middle East including Turkey, Lebanon and across North Africa to Morocco. (See links page for more in-depth historical and cultural background, including A Primer on Middle Eastern Dance Styles and Raqs Sharqi; A Brief History)
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"Belly dance" is a dance of seduction. "Belly dance" was used by concubines to win the sultans favor. "Belly dance" is the eastern equivalent of strip tease. In a word - Erroneous! Traditionally in Muslim society men and women lived in separate quarters of the house..."
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Many experts say belly dancing is the oldest form of dance, having roots in all ancient cultures from the orient to India to the mid-East. Belly dancing is natural to a woman's bone and muscle structure with movements emanating from the torso rather than in the legs and feet. The dance often focuses upon isolating different parts of the body, moving them independently in sensuous patterns, weaving together the entire feminine form.
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The International Academy of Middle Eastern Dance and Suzy Evans are producers of the best bellydance shows in the world! These incredible live concerts, with state-of-the-art sound and lighting and world class performers, have been professionally recorded and edited, and are available now on DVD.
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It was her love for the Greek belly dance that lead her to begin her training of Middle Eastern dance with the Academy of Middle Eastern dance in 1997. She has continued
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Many people are surprised to learn that Middle-Eastern Dance, commonly known as "belly-dance," involves much more than the belly! In fact, belly-dance can benefit many parts of the body. Here are some of the health benefits of Middle-Eastern Dance:
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