Hala & Safyia Belly Dance
 Belly
dance is one of the oldest forms of dance and is a spiritual connection between
mind and body. It is firm and earthy, traditionally with bare feet connected to
the ground. It is a dance characterized by smooth, flowing, complex, and sensual
movements of the torso, alternated with shaking and shimmy type moves. The dancers
often use some type of rhythm instrument to aid the musicians, or as the sole accompaniment
to their dance. The use of various other props in the dance such as veils, sticks,
candles, and swords makes it even more beautiful to look at.
In the Middle East, belly dance is called "raqs sharki". Literally translated,
it means "dance from the East", and has its roots from Middle Eastern fertility
ceremonies - a dance performed by women for women. In the ancient Middle East/Mediterranean,
belly dance was first performed as a sort of birthing aid. Basically, the sisters
of the women giving birth would aid the new mother by undulating and rolling their
bodies in natural, curvy snake-like movements to help with the delivery of the
baby. In Turkey, belly dance is called gobek dans". Belly dance developed through
the influence of many different cultures and continues its long process of development
today.
Hala & Safiya are two dancers based in Ottawa, Ontario who teach as a team. They
have studied with Shadia, Natalie Lebel, Hadia, Jillina, Jasmin Jahal and Beata
& Horacio Cifuentes. They are committed to ensuring that the beauty, grace and
history of Middle Eastern Dance are respected and passed on to audiences and students
alike. They pride ourselves on quality performance, original costumes, involved
& organized instruction, and a passionate love of dance.
Arts Court
2 Daly Ave (corner of Nicholas, by Sears, Rideau Centre) 2nd floor, Library
www.silverpixels.ca/bellydance
Email hala@silverpixels.ca or safiya@silverpixels.ca
or phone (613) 862-4252. |
