Symbolism has become a very popular topic since author Dan Brown’s novels have been adapted to the silver screen. Through the centuries, symbols have fascinated humankind.
It is not surprising that symbols are found in Middle Eastern dance. In future articles, I will be covering a few of the more important symbols in depth. In the meantime, here are a few of the most popular found in belly dance:
The Belly: Like the hillside, the naval of the earth, the whole body rotates around it.
Long Hair: To the Bedouin nomads, the seat of the soul.
Isolations and Contractions: Like those used in labor and childbirth. They celebrate women’s power to give life. The abdominal muscles and thighs are integral in childbirth. An earth dance.
Bare Feet: To be at one with and grounded with the earth.
The Drum: Like the heartbeat. Life itself.
The Veil: Mystery. Modesty. Used to keep desert sand away from one’s face and body.
Coins in Costuming: Poor girls in Greece danced for their dowry and sewed coins to a scarf at their hips. A “saving’s account.” A “dowry dancer.”
Tassels: Found as part of the tack used on camels as they traverse the desert. Colorful.
The Snake: In Egypt, the symbol of immortality. In Roman and Victorian times a sign of good luck. The sinuous movements of the cobra are an integral part of belly dance.
The Camel: The undulations created when riding a camel are emulated often in belly dance.
Canes/Sticks: Were used by warriors to prepare for battle. Women watching incorporated them into their dance.
Swords: The same as for canes/sticks.
It is not surprising that symbols are found in Middle Eastern dance. In future articles, I will be covering a few of the more important symbols in depth. In the meantime, here are a few of the most popular found in belly dance:
The Belly: Like the hillside, the naval of the earth, the whole body rotates around it.
Long Hair: To the Bedouin nomads, the seat of the soul.
Isolations and Contractions: Like those used in labor and childbirth. They celebrate women’s power to give life. The abdominal muscles and thighs are integral in childbirth. An earth dance.
Bare Feet: To be at one with and grounded with the earth.
The Drum: Like the heartbeat. Life itself.
The Veil: Mystery. Modesty. Used to keep desert sand away from one’s face and body.
Coins in Costuming: Poor girls in Greece danced for their dowry and sewed coins to a scarf at their hips. A “saving’s account.” A “dowry dancer.”
Tassels: Found as part of the tack used on camels as they traverse the desert. Colorful.
The Snake: In Egypt, the symbol of immortality. In Roman and Victorian times a sign of good luck. The sinuous movements of the cobra are an integral part of belly dance.
The Camel: The undulations created when riding a camel are emulated often in belly dance.
Canes/Sticks: Were used by warriors to prepare for battle. Women watching incorporated them into their dance.
Swords: The same as for canes/sticks.
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