Theatrical Dance

The 20th-century social dances, as well as the innovations in ballet and modern dance, influenced the growth of dance in motion pictures and musicals. In Hollywood the American choreographer Busby Berkeley created elaborate group production numbers, and the American dancers Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers combined ballroom and tap dancing. In West Side Story (1957), choreographed by the American ballet master Jerome Robbins, dance was for the first time the way through which much of the musical's plot was expressed. In the 1970s dance became even more important on Broadway in shows such as A Chorus Line (1975) and Dancin' (1978). (Encyclopedia Britannica)

Belly Dance

Belly dance is a Western name for a style of female dance developed in the Middle East and other Arabic-influenced areas. In Arabic language it is known as raqs sharqi, translated as "Dance of the East". In Europe, it is also known as "Oriental dance", "Exotic orienal dance", "Oriental belly dance" and the likes. The term "raqs sharqi" is claimed to be originated in Egypt, although the dance itself could have been originated elsewhere. The dance has been known through the oral tradition in Egypt since the pre-Islamic times.

Raqs Sharqi

Raqs sharqi is performed by women, usually solo, for entertainment of spectators in public or private settings. Despite its other name, "belly dance", raqs sharqi dancing involves motion of the whole body, from head to feet. Basically, it is an improvisational dance, although based on a certain vocabulary, rhythmic and fluid at the same time.

Belly Dancing in the Western World

The term "belly dancing" was invented by Sol Bloom, entertainment director of the 1893 World's Fair, the World Colombian Exposition in Chicago. In the Egyptian Theater, Bloom presented "The Algerian dancers of Morocco". The dancer who got most of the attention, and who continued to popularize this form of dancing was "Fatima". Her real name was Farida Spyropoulos.

Belly dance today still retains much of the Hollywood reputation and many dancers and instructors are working hard to overcome this image. Because belly dance started out as a dance by women for women, as teaching aid to learn about bodies and prepare for child birth, the stories of women dancing for a sultan are not true. While Raqs Sharqi is still popular in the west, dancers here have also included other forms such as tribal or tribal fusion which borrows from gypsy and Spanish traditions as well as Egyptian styles.

Health and Belly Dancing

The benefits of belly dance are both mental and physical. Dancing is a good cardio-vascular work out and helps increase flexibilty. It is suitable for all ages and body types and can be as physical as the dancer chooses to make it. Less fit individuals would be wise to consult a doctor before starting belly dance as well as talking with the instructor to see what level his or her classes operate at. Mental health benefits, for many belly dancers, include an improved sense of wellbeing, better body image and self-respect as well as a generally positive outlook that comes with regular, enjoyable exercise.

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dance)