Oriental dances: basic elements, costumes

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

Dance as the embodiment of our essence and self-realization has been accompanying mankind for many centuries. In the traditions of each nation, it has its own, with unique elements and movements. People love to dance, because in the dance you can move away from the oppressive routine, relax mentally, and also keep your body in great shape.

Belly dance, or fitness bellydance

This plastic dance is also called belly dance, and for a reason. "Belly" means life, belly dance means dance of life.

In ancient times, belly dance was associated with the processes of conceiving a child, bearing and bringing him into the world. This explains the presence of erotic and explicit elements. Now oriental dance lessons (or fitness bellydance) are very popular among girls and women of all ages, and this is not surprising.

Suchclasses for children contribute to the development of a young organism and teach girls to be feminine, graceful. The harmony of the body and spirit gives an incredible rise in strength, and the elements of dance correct the figure. Belly dancing can be started at any age and even for people who lead a sedentary lifestyle and are in poor physical shape. The first lessons may seem difficult, up to a feeling of discomfort, because in order to perform the elements of oriental dances, you need to learn how to feel your body, use muscle groups that are not involved in everyday life. Over time, the waist becomes narrower, the pectoral muscles are tightened and strengthened, the posture becomes noble. With systematic exercises, positive changes are observed in the musculoskeletal system, the flexibility of joints and ligaments increases.

Oriental dancer outfit

Special costumes are used to fully immerse yourself in the oriental atmosphere and create a full-fledged image of a dancer. Bright clothes with many complex elements favorably present the dance, emphasize the movements and dignity of the figure. For everyday activities, a tracksuit is suitable: a high open bodice, leggings and a loincloth.

In oriental dances for children, tops are used instead of bodices. For demonstration shows, they choose bright costumes, decorated with many elements. As a rule, such suits are made of light translucent fabrics such as chiffon or organza. For tailoring skirts, preference is given to glossy and flowingtissues. Sometimes a skirt in a suit is replaced with harem pants, which also looks very tempting, because they are also made of light fabric.

A costume for oriental dances can be chosen for every taste, but the following criteria must be mandatory:

• open belly;
• belt lowered to the hips of the lower part of the outfit;
• bright, rich color;
• wide skirt or loose overalls.

The bodice and the lower part of the costume are decorated with sequins, rhinestones, stones, small bells. In the movement of the dance under the influence of the play of light, such a costume captivates the eye. The neck, arms and head are decorated with jewelry.

Basic elements of oriental dances

To learn belly dancing, it is not necessary to go to a specialized studio and buy expensive subscriptions. You can start classes at home with the simplest ligaments, then move on to more complex ones. You should not immediately load yourself up and treat dancing as a workout. It is very important to feel your body, its femininity and eroticism. Being in harmony with yourself and your body is the key to success in performing oriental dance.

The first thing to pay attention to is proper breathing. A slow breath is replaced by a free exhalation, the rhythm is even and smooth. After setting the breath, you can begin to perform the initial elements of the dance.

In oriental dance studios trainingusually begins with the most basic elements of preparation. Let's dwell on some of them.

Eight of eight

Starting position: feet shoulder-width apart, the body is motionless, the back is straight. We lift the right thigh up, while slightly bending the left leg, but without lifting the heels from the floor, we lead a semicircle. Then smoothly lead the thigh down, unbending the knee. Repeat this action with the left thigh. We alternate movements with the hips, connecting these elements with smooth transitions.

Hip pull

Starting position: feet shoulder width apart, back straight. We begin to move the hip first in one direction, then in the other. In dynamics, this looks like a swaying of the hips. This element is not used as an independent movement, but is very useful for warming up.

Hip circle

Starting position: feet shoulder-width apart, back straight, you can fix your hands on your shoulders. Slowly take the pelvis back, moving to the right. We do not strain the legs; when moving the hip, they should complement the ligament. We bend forward, smoothly moving to the left. It turns out that the hips outline a circle, while the shoulders and feet remain stationary.

Horizontal chest circle

Starting position: feet shoulder-width apart, arms slightly raised and bent at the elbows. We make similar movements as with the hips, but only the thoracic spine. This element is quite difficult, you need to train a lot to learn how to perform it correctly.

Shaking

Starting position: legs together, shoulders back, body relaxed. Legs dynamically alternately bend andwe unbend at the knees, the stomach, hips and arms are relaxed. This element is ideal for relaxing muscles, creating a pleasant massage effect.

Oriental dances are the key to he alth

When performing belly dance movements, blood supply increases significantly, especially in the pelvic area, as well as the internal organs located there. Stimulation of blood supply contributes to the removal of toxins and metabolic products from tissues, regeneration occurs faster. Increasing the blood supply to the small pelvis cures many female diseases and inflammatory processes, which occur precisely because of blood stagnation.

Constant practice of oriental dancing will help get rid of pain in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine, strengthen bones. Classes relieve depression and help strengthen the nervous system and improve mood.

Contraindications

There are certain groups of people for whom oriental dance lessons are contraindicated or allowed, but only under the supervision of a doctor. Caution is necessary if there are diseases such as:

• serious problems with the spine: hernia, displacement of the vertebrae;
• last stages of flat feet;
• acute diseases of the digestive system: gastric or duodenal ulcer;
• liver disease;
• any form of bronchitis;
• tuberculosis;
• pregnancy.

Pregnancy

In ancient times, women were taught belly dances at temples from a young age in order toprepare for childbearing and childbirth. To make childbirth painless, you need to be able to properly manage your pelvic and abdominal muscles, which are the most important for oriental dances. A strengthened spine will not cause discomfort with additional load, an increase in blood supply will ensure a quick delivery of nutrients to the fetus. All this is good, but if in the first trimester you can continue classes as usual, then in the middle and towards the end of pregnancy, you must follow some safety rules. First, you need to consult with your gynecologist and get clear instructions and restrictions from him. Secondly, the intensity of classes should be an order of magnitude lower than before, a suit for oriental dances should be chosen comfortable so that there is no squeezing. It is worth completely excluding any kind of dancing if you have such complications during pregnancy as:

• threatened miscarriage;
• fetal position too low;
• any pathology of the fetus or reproductive organs.

You need to start belly dancing to understand how pleasant and useful it is. And oriental dances for children are a great option to make a real princess out of your daughter. The desire to be active and he althy is the key to a happy life at any age.