Who really knew that belly dancing, spread around the world by a group of gypsies of unknown origin, also drew strong influences from Rajasthan’s Kalbeliya dance – its hip movements and its costumes?
Whenever Vaishnavi, who teaches belly dancing at Dance7-The Art Factory and through her own school called Ira, asks new students in her class why they want to learn the art form or where they think it comes from, they say it’s something ‘hot’ or ‘sexy’, others say they do it because it helps ease labour pain during childbirth. However, few are aware of its rich history or its origins, she shares.
“There are so many misconceptions about belly dance in our country because of the representation of the dance form, featuring skimpily clad women in song sequences,” says Vaishnavi who is in the process of publishing a book on the journey of belly dance called Raqs Rihla .
“I started doing research in this subject for my own knowledge and it struck me that I could teach this in my classes. I started a short course on the history of belly dance for those who wanted to learn and I felt why not compile my research into a book?” She hopes it will bring in newer perspectives into the dance form.
Vaishnavi has recently represented India at the World Belly Dancing Competition in Egypt at the semi-finals. She performed classical (Egyptian) belly dance as well as Raqs Sharqi or Mejance.
“Raqs Sharqi is more rhythmic with lesser vocals. While the classical style is more emotive, with fewer rhythms,” says Vaishnavi, adding that there are over 50 different styles of belly dancing, including folkloric versions, of which also there are many.
“Belly dancing is an ancient dance form that is known to date back to the 9th century AD. The gypsies who travelled the world, picked up different styles of dancing from different countries, including Turkey, and Morocco. I have also read that the base for the dance emerged from a dramatization of domestic chores due to the lack of recreation.”
As they travelled the world, they began settling in different parts, leading to the emergence of different styles.
“One of the most influential among these tribes is one that settled in Egypt. Among the most prominent of these dancers is Badia Masabni who opened belly dance to influences from ballet, jazz and orchestra music, from the more soulful music that earlier accompanied it. She also introduced rhythms and choreographed pieces. And then the dance form was introduced into cinema in the US and in Europe and it began to change.”
21-year old Vaishnavi has been fascinated by the dance form since she was eight years old and wasn’t allowed into classes till she turned 15. Her formal training began at 15, under Payal Gupta, who is among India’s most well-known belly dancers.
“As I was learning, I realized this is what I wanted to do with my life. The art form is so vast. I find there is so much to learn, each time I do a class. My family didn’t support me in the beginning, they stopped talking to me. My teachers in junior college discouraged me. My friends’ parents also questioned my choice. Still I got into belly dancing full-time, I took up an under-graduate course by correspondence.” Gradually, she says, things changed and she began to be accepted by her family, her friends’ families began to get more curious and to show interest in the art form.
- According to Vaishnavi, belly dancing also benefits the body in several ways. “It is a great confidence booster, it is also highly relaxing. Women who are on their period continue attending classes during their cycles because it helps release menstrual cramps. It clears bad posture and strengthens the spine. It tones the body, irrespective of size, it also aids weight-loss. It is a good abdomen workout, it exercises the shoulder blades and glutes as well. A five-minute knee shimmy, for instance, can help shed 500 calories.”
“It has been challenging, I do not get paid like I would if I had taken up a regular, corporate job. I often travel to cities to conduct workshops, especially to those where there aren’t really any active belly dancing classes. There are usually only over eight people in a batch and I end up breaking even. I continue because I have the faith that someday the number of people will gradually multiply, and that at least people are getting to know about belly dancing.” She has self-funded her trip to Egypt with help from friends, family and students.
