The Art of Turkish Belly Dancing (Small Group)
Program Overview
Learn the art of Belly Dancing in mystical Turkey.
People across the world have been mesmerized by the beautiful art of belly dancing.
Some consider its origins to be in Turkey, others believe it all started in Egypt or India.
Surprisingly, this unique dance comes from all three of these countries.
As one of the most ancient dance forms, you could say that belly dancing is Egyptian, ancient Orient, Arabic or Middle Eastern as it has been cultivated for centuries by these different regions.
Some historical accounts claim traditional belly dancing began in fertility rituals and goddess worshipping ceremonies as performed by women to improve fertility and agility in childbirth.
Belly dancing was also widely performed during the Ottoman Empire. . In the imperial harems, women used to dance for sultanas as well as sultans.
In America, it is believed belly dancing was introduced at the 1893 World Columbian Exposition in Chicago, where a dancer known by the stage name "Little Egypt" gave the first performance of Middle Eastern belly dancing to Americans.
It is said that the term "belly dance" comes from a French word "danse du ventre," meaning "dance of the stomach." It is called "cifte telli" in Greece and "raks sharki" in Egypt. And in Turkey, belly dance is either referred to as "rakkas" or "göbek dansı," the latter a literal translation of belly dance in English.
In short, there is no correct term for the belly dance, which has evolved and changed over thousands of years.
. Audience members may hear Egyptian and Middle Eastern pop during a performance, as well as Saudi rhythms and Hindi music while a belly dancer appears in her "bedleh," a costume featuring a two-piece, decorated bra and skirt set. Join us and immerse in the beautiful art of the belly dance.
Program Type
Learning Level
Activity Level
Moderate
What You Will Learn/Do
Belly Dance classes
Cooking Class
A traditional rug workshop with local female artisans
Pottery workshop
Spice immersion
Sufism overview
Why This Program Is Unique
A unique combination of the belly dancing theme and an immersive understanding of the country’s long history, which traces back to 12,000 BC, depicting a diverse culture and natural history as well as the opportunity of interaction with locals known for their hospitalities.
How This Program Benefits The Local Community
Job creation and supports the arts.
Allows opportunities for economic and educational growth
Allows the chance of preserving and protecting cultures which broadens understanding
Program Itinerary
Start/Finish City:
Open All Days
