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Learn Belly Dance, a sensual Dance Full of Eastern Magic quite popular in Puerto Vallarta. 
Characteristics of Belly Dance
The term "Belly dance" is a translation of how the French called the Middle-Eastern Dances: "danse du ventre" . It is something of a misnomer as every part of the body is involved in the dance. The most featured body part usually are the hips. Belly dance takes many different dance forms and dress code depending on country and region, and new styles have evolved in the West as its popularity has spread globally. Although contemporary forms of the dance have generally been performed by women, some of the dances, particularly the folk dances, have origins in male forms of performance.
History of Belly Dance
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Belly dancing arose from various dancing styles which were performed in the Middle East and North Africa (Egypt, Morocco, Turkey, Algerie, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, etc). Some historians say it was first a dance for the goddess of fertility and beauty while others argue that it has been always danced as pure entertainment
Belly dance was popularized in the West during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Egyptian forms of belly dance, alongside the development of Egyptian music, were heavily influenced by the presence of European music bands and even Russian Ballet Dancers in Egypt.
Since the Victorian period, the Arabic Dances shocked the west. In the 1930's many Asian and African inmigrants arrived to New York and started to perform in Night Clubs spreading the popularity of Belly Dance in the West. In the 1990's, Colombian Singer with Lebanese background Shakira, increased the popularity of Belly Dance to Latin America and worldwide thanks to her videos.
Styles of Belly Dance
 Naomi practicing with veil at Peninsula Plaza |
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Different Styles can be found nowadays. Among the most important, Egyptian Belly Dance focuses on Folk Dance, Classical Dance and Cabaret Dance. The terms used are Sha'abi, Raqs Baladi (رقص بلدي)and Raqs Sharqui (رقص شرقي)
Turkish and Greek Style of Belly Dance is called Tsifteteli with a great influence of Romani people which includes strong moves and the use of cymbals (zils).
 Belly Dance Kids at the Beach Walk Puerto Vallarta |
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Arabic dancers in United States created a fussion of the styles of different countries creating a style known as American Tribal Style characterized by smooth, muscle isolation movements and less sweeping moves. It usually borrows from other dance & art movements as Flamenco, Ballet or even Gothic Culture.
Belly Dance in Shanti Studio
Here are some pictures and videos of Belly Dance at Shanti Studio Puerto Vallarta:
 "Belly Dance National Congress 2011" Belly Dancers with teacher Alika at the Belly Dance National Congress held in Melia Hotels Puerto Vallarta. |
"Azul Vaiven" Belly Dance Choreography with veils on the 4th Anniversary of Shanti Studio at Teatro Vallarta. Watch Video on Youtube. |
 "Belly Dance Students Team" Belly Dance Students Team at our former facilities in Plaza Caracol, Puerto Vallarta. |
"Arabic Roots" Belly Dance Choreography with candles on the 4th Anniversary of Shanti Studio at Teatro Vallarta. Watch Video on Youtube. |
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"Arabian Flamenco" Belly Dance Choreography with Flamenco fussion on the 4th Anniversary of Shanti Studio at Teatro Vallarta. Watch Video on Youtube. |
"Belly Dance National Congress 2009" Belly Dancers at the Belly Dance National Congress held in NH Krystal Puerto Vallarta. Watch Video on Youtube. |
Benefits
Muscular Tone Up |
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Cardio (Fat Burn) |
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Coordination |
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Elasticity |
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Endurance |
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Rehabilitation |
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| Instructors | Alika |
Text: Israel Andalón
Bibliography:
Le Moal, Philippe, “Danse Du Ventre”, Dictionnaire de la Danse; Larousse; France 2001.
Andalón, Israel, “Danza Árabe para Futuras Mamás”, Vallarta Sport; Consulted on November 2011 on http://vallartasport.com/articulo-danza-arabe-para-futuras-mamas.
“Belly Dance”, Wikipedia; Consulted on November 2011 on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belly_Dance.
“Gothic Belly Dance”, Wikipedia; Consulted on November 2011 on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gothic_bellydance.
