The language of dancing, be that wobbling R’n’B, ardent flamenco or giddy waltz, does not require translation and that is, probably, why the fashion for one or another dance seizes the world with the speed of fire enveloping the forest. The language of body immersed in rhythm and music can impart thoughts, emotions and desires in a more expressive and heartfelt way than speech. Instead of standing lonely aside and watching the crowd wriggling and jumping, go impress everyone with your beautiful moves and grasp the attention of the opposite sex. Dancing is also the great means to get rid of emotional and physical tension, to develop stamina, to improve respiratory system, to tone up muscles, and to burn a considerable amount of calories. Just mere feet stamping does not count. The dance must be supple, eye-pleasing and professional. All that is required from you is a couple of months of heavy perspiring and persistence to learn the basic moves and be able to improvise with them. You just need to decide what kind of music and dance inspires you the most out of today’s diverse selection of styles and trends.
The 20th century has seen different stages of dance evolution. In the 30s it was the American jazz. Swing, Tango, Charleston and Foxtrot ruled the dance floors. The 60s were marked with incredible popularity of Rock 'n' Roll and Twist. By the 70s choreography of all preceding styles had mixed, presenting the true leader and favorite of the masses – Disco. But nothing is eternal and, as time was passing by, the new trends burst into the music world, shaking up the youth. Progressive Techno and edgy Break Dance hit the scene in the 80s and carried the popularity throughout the 90s and even the beginning of this century.
The phenomenon of today is called “Night Club Style” and comprises the blend of the most popular contemporary dance techniques and styles like House, Hustle, Funk, Pop, R’n’B and Hip Hop. All these styles differ but are united by the scene of action and suit best a person who cannot imagine his or her life without night clubs and driving parties. To get the image of an experienced clubber you need just 10-15 classes of active head, arm, leg and hip movements. Did you know that 30 minutes of energetic hopping can burn over 250 kilocalories? Such stretching and toning up of your muscles, as well as learning to wield your body, will really help you look cool and confident.
For those who look for something more emotional and passionate, there is another hot dance trend of the last years. Since Ricky Martin and Enrique Iglesias have conquered the hearts of young girls, Latino has become the most popular and fashionable style of dance schools. The most well-known Latin and Afro-American dances are Salsa, the most wide-spread in the world, Rumba, Mambo, Merengue and Cha Cha. These temperamental dances, driving both men and women crazy with their seductive hip moves, are perfect for those who love vehement rhythms, excitement, seething emotions, flirtation, inner liberation and desire to splash out their feelings, to manifest their sensuality and to get rid of problems in personal life. Although Latin rhythms are not considered too difficult and intricate, it will take you several months to learn the basics and from 1 to 2 years to polish up your sense of rhythm and plasticity. As the result you will have a supple body, appealing bottom, graceful gait and posture, and a bunch of friends (and maybe more than that) sharing your passionate interests.
The most ancient kind of dance, which is believed to originate in Ancient Egypt around seven thousand years ago and popularity of which has been skyrocketing within the last few years, is Raks Sharki, meaning “dance of the East” or, what some westerners call it, Belly Dance. Shrouded in endless legends, this Middle Eastern art of shimmying has conquered the world and has become more sophisticated and professional since the French took over North Africa in the 19th century. Oriental dance, which should rather be called the “body song”, is meant for incredibly sensual and fervent females, who like to use body language for expressing their emotions and sexuality. Initially, aside from its captivating function, the dance has been created to prepare a woman’s body for child-baring and giving birth. All the movements and vibrations provide natural massage of internal organs and strengthen the muscles of small pelvis.
Imagine your body is like water or a snake,” belly-dancing instructor Sherlyn Koh of Malaysia teaches her students to do “shimmy” and “camel” moves.
This is a very good cardiovascular exercise, good for your waist, for nice curves.”
Women of all ages, body shapes and social statuses in Europe, America and Asia have been undulating their bodies and swaying their hips to the sensual melodies and rhythmic beats of Middle Eastern music.
It’s an interesting work-out rather than going to the gym,” 51-year-old beginner Miriam Al-Arishee, who runs a business in the oil and gas industry, told Khaleej Times. “I have a treadmill at home but I never use it.
Belly dancing is good for the right parts of your body, it tones your tummy, hips and breasts.
When I first started, I only gained aches and pains. But it exposed my own weaknesses, I realised how unfit I was,” says the glamorous Al Arishee, who attends the class with her 27-year-old daughter.
It’s something everyone can do, regardless of your age or body shape. It’s an all-girls environment so you feel comfortable, nobody’s going to laugh at you, there is no self-consciousness unlike at a gym.”
A lot of women find belly dancing as a form of self-expression and a way to harmonize their emotional state. Some say they begin to see and reveal their inner beauty and start to appreciate and love themselves more.
Belly dancing really makes you a more confident person. It makes you feel more comfortable with your body, regardless of what size you are.
All women can do belly-dancing, naturally,” says teacher Koh, who was first “mesmerised” by Oriental dance when she saw Latin pop star Shakira perform some three years ago.
She also believes that among the reasons why women are so fascinated by this ancient art is that it indulges their love of wearing jewelry and make-up.
They like the coins, the costumes and of course, the dance. It’s very feminine,” says Koh, wearing a black crocheted hipscarf with glittery beads.
It’s very pleasant to watch. It shows a lot of body silhouette. It’s very exciting. It’s a celebration of the soul and body.”
The costumes are very glamorous. You dress up for belly dancing, make yourself beautiful, it’s part of the whole costume. The makeup, a lot of accessories, thick eyeliner, you need to look very sophisticated. It appeals to those in high society.”
She also added that belly dancing parties are becoming especially fashionable now, noting that she has performed for members of Malaysia’s royal family several times.
Each woman has her own reasons and motives to devote certain number of hours to practicing her body moves. And whether you do it to loose weight, to release pressure from work or just to have fun, remember the words of celebrated dancer Martha Graham that “dance is the hidden language of the soul.”Don’t suppress your emotions and don’t be afraid to express yourself this way. Let your soul speak through your body hypnotized by the music. Every woman strives for preserving her beauty, pliancy of her body and gracefulness of her moves. But not each realizes that exhausting her body with aerobics and diets does not always help. Learn how to combine the useful with the pleasant, and, while considering the latest fashion trends of the dance art, don’t forget to listen to your inner voice.