The thought of a belly dancer for most people conjures up the image of a beautiful woman adorned with expensive looking jewelry and hardly any clothing. This is an appealing image for most people and describes many belly dancers out there. Interestingly, the jewelry commonly pictures is a recent addition to the tradition belly dancing outfit.
Although many people associate belly dancing with the rich and famous because of the glamorous jewels and quantity of belly dancing jewelry, this is a very western view of the activity. In fact, before westerners influenced belly dancing, the use of belly dancing jewelry was quite rare. However, it much more common due to the influence of western cultures.
The popular belly dancing jewelry we are familiar with- the jewel in the belly button- was in fact a creation of Hollywood. It was merely a way to get around touchy censorship laws that required the navel to be covered. The use of jewelry provided an attractive way around this and still allowed hollywood to reveal much of the midriff.
However, on the other side of the world this sort of belly dancing jewelry is quite rare. Most traditional belly dancers would seem very modest in comparison to the modern western depiction of dancers. Some dancers in the west hold to more traditional attire and forego much of the flashy jewelry now used, while other dancers prefer the modern image of the belly dancer over the traditional.
The Belly Dancing Outfit
For those interested in more traditional belly dancing jewelry and clothing, the use of swirling fabric is closer to reality. Bright fabric was often used along with the undulating body movements of belly dancing to create an aesthetically appealing dance.
The clothing for belly dancing should not be restrictive at all. It should allow the body to move throughout its motions unhindered. This is why a full length gown was often used. Many places do utilize a shorter skirt and some places do expose the midsection but it depends where you are in the world.
If you decide to where belly dancing jewelry then there are many types to choose from. However, it is good for any belly dancer to understand the history and significance of the jewelry they are wearing. Just because it isn't traditional doesn't mean you shouldn't wear it. Many people believe the addition of jewelry and flashy clothing makes the dance all that more attractive.
Although many people associate belly dancing with the rich and famous because of the glamorous jewels and quantity of belly dancing jewelry, this is a very western view of the activity. In fact, before westerners influenced belly dancing, the use of belly dancing jewelry was quite rare. However, it much more common due to the influence of western cultures.
The popular belly dancing jewelry we are familiar with- the jewel in the belly button- was in fact a creation of Hollywood. It was merely a way to get around touchy censorship laws that required the navel to be covered. The use of jewelry provided an attractive way around this and still allowed hollywood to reveal much of the midriff.
However, on the other side of the world this sort of belly dancing jewelry is quite rare. Most traditional belly dancers would seem very modest in comparison to the modern western depiction of dancers. Some dancers in the west hold to more traditional attire and forego much of the flashy jewelry now used, while other dancers prefer the modern image of the belly dancer over the traditional.
The Belly Dancing Outfit
For those interested in more traditional belly dancing jewelry and clothing, the use of swirling fabric is closer to reality. Bright fabric was often used along with the undulating body movements of belly dancing to create an aesthetically appealing dance.
The clothing for belly dancing should not be restrictive at all. It should allow the body to move throughout its motions unhindered. This is why a full length gown was often used. Many places do utilize a shorter skirt and some places do expose the midsection but it depends where you are in the world.
If you decide to where belly dancing jewelry then there are many types to choose from. However, it is good for any belly dancer to understand the history and significance of the jewelry they are wearing. Just because it isn't traditional doesn't mean you shouldn't wear it. Many people believe the addition of jewelry and flashy clothing makes the dance all that more attractive.
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You can find plenty of information about belly dancing on the internet. For additional information checkout this website on belly dancing jewelry.
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