A dance from the Middle East (Persia). Dancers wear extra long embroidered ‘gulf’ dresses (Thobe) and play with them to hide the face while the hair is tossed and shoulders shaken
NUBIAN
A dance from Southern Egypt with an African theme. The women dance together for social occasions in all women groups
DEBKE
A Lebanese line dance with lots of heavy/jumping steps and shoulder movements where the lead dancer whirls a set of prayer beads or handkerchief. Debke can be danced by an all male, all female or mixed group
SHAABI
A lively modern dance for young people from the streets of Cairo
VEIL
A traditional prop (long piece of fabric) used in Raqs Sharqi
ISIS WINGS
Isis wings are large wings/veils attached to the dancer at the neck and manipulated by sticks held by the arms, creating a dramatic effect.
SWORD
A traditional prop which is balanced on the dancers head
TRIBAL FUSION
A fusion of Bellydance technique and dance styles from all over the world developed in the USA
INDIAN FUSION
A mix of Belly Dance technique and Indian dancing
SHAMADAN & SAGAT
Candelabra and finger cymbals - worn traditionally by a dancer when leading the "Zeffa", or wedding procession. Sagat can also be called "Zills".
RAQS SHARQI ("Dance of the East")
A classical dance style that originated from the folk styles of the Middle Eastern in the main urban centres such as Cairo and Istanbul. This is the style most people think of when they hear the term "Belly Dance".
