UNITING ALL THROUGH DANCE

What is Bellydancing?

Overview

Bellydancing is an ancient style of dance that has taken the modern world by storm! The term now engulfs a plethora of classic, folkloric and modern dances, conglomerated together by a world of both female and male enthusiasts. The enchanting art form initially traveled globally during the late 19th century from the Arabian Diaspora that reaches from Egypt to the Ottoman Empire sites (including North Africa and the Magreb) to the Western world in a series of exotic carnivals and festivals.

The complete history is vast, so to be brief, modern day "Bellydancing" originated from the Culture of Ancient Kmt. For over 6,000 years it has been performed in cultural settings as female gatherings (hafla) and weddings. Over time it has evolved through influences from cultural dances of the Silk Road (India, Persia, and Turkic cultures). During modern times, it has taken center stage to entertain guests at high society weddings and cabarets, as well as the highlight of Egyptian cinema. The art form is now a major part of the global entertainment industry, as international enthusiasts are most empowered by the "sacred feminine" movement sparked by the wave of Bellydancing classes offered on a variety of platforms.

Global Dance Goddess offers various styles of Bellydancing, including:

Raqs Sharqi رقص شرقي (Egyptian Oriental style)
Balady بلدي (Egyptian regional style)
Shaabi شابي (Egyptian Modern/Street Dance)
Saidy سعيدي (Folkloric dance of Upper Egypt, with or without Cane/Stick)
Iskanderani اسكدراني (Egyptian Dance from Alexandria)
Mahraghanat مهرجانات (New Age Egyptian Electronic Dance Music)
Danse Oryantle (Turkish Bellydance)
Chaabi (Moroccan Dance)
Raks al Sayf (Sword Dance)
Qawliya قولية (Iraqi style)
Khaliji خليجي(Gulf style)
Cabaret (Western)
Swahili Taarab (East African coastal dance from Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar and Djbouti)

Props include:

Goddess Wings (Satin or LED)
Silk/Chiffon Veils
Fan Veils
Finger Cymbals (Zills)
Cane
Sword
Fire Props (various props--see Fire Performance page)

Performance Videos

Drum Solo: Apex by Amir Sofi رقص دومبك

An improvisation video of Zaina's unique skill to dance to the unique accents of the Egyptian Doumbek Drum solo, 2020.

Moroccan Chaabi Dance: LaHssab Taarida رقص شعبي المغربي

At the 4th annual Chairman Jeff Turner International Ball and Fundraiser, Global Dance Goddess Zaina Zahra, performed to LaHssab Taarida with the accompaniment of a live drummer. This style of dance comes from Morocco, the peak of North and West Africa. This dance is influenced by the rich ethnic group of the Magreb, including Berbers, Arabs, and other elements that create such a unique and colorful blend of rhythms and vibrations!

The costume is a Moroccan Caftan, with a waistband hip belt. It's loads of fun to perform and watch!

LIVE Drum Solo on Drum, Egyptian Style

At the 4th annual Chairman Jeff Turner International Ball and Fundraiser, Global Dance Goddess Zaina Zahra, performed a live Drum Solo with Master Percussionist Ramin Hemmaty. She used a dance technique from Egypt to start off on top of a Doumbek drum then took to the stage with high energy to the improvisation of Ramin's magic fingers. This dance is influenced by the rich culture of Egypt, while Ramin's drumming technique is mostly Turkish and Middle Eastern style.

Zaina's costume is a Ukranian designer, gifted to her by a great friend. The video is a great watch--enjoy and be sure to like, comment, and subscribe on Youtube!

Egyptian Song: Keda Raqsa by Mohamed Shahin رقص شرقي: كدة رقصة

Zaina performs to oriental piece, Keda Raqsa, at the original Imperial Fez, Buckhead, Atlanta Georgia USA. Her style is uniquely gentle and feminine while accentuating the rhythmic sections, 2017.

Turkish Bellydance: "Chara" by Murat Sakaryali (Asena)

Zaina performed a modern Turkish oryantle style Bellydance to "Chara" at Nicola's Lebanese Restaurant as a part of a collective Bellydancing showcase of various Atlanta performers, 2015

Bellydancing