The Importance of Learning Folklore as a Belly Dancer
Why Every Belly Dancer Should Embrace Folklore (Even If You Don’t Want to Perform It!)
Hey there, fabulous dancers! 🌟 Today, let’s chat about something that might ruffle a few feathers in the belly dance community: folklore. I know, I know—many of you are rolling your eyes and thinking, “Why should I waste my time on folklore when I could be perfecting my raqs sharki?” But hold onto your hip scarves, because I’m here to convince you that learning folklore is not just beneficial, it’s downright essential for every belly dancer, regardless of your performance style!
The Folklore Connection
First off, let’s get one thing straight: performing folklore and learning it are two totally different beasts. Just because you don’t see yourself twirling around in a folkloric costume doesn’t mean you should ignore the rich tapestry of dance styles that make up our beloved art form. Here’s why:
1. Folklore is Everywhere in Belly Dance Music!
Ever found yourself in the middle of a performance, grooving to a belly dance song, when suddenly a folklore section pops up? Surprise! You can’t just freeze like a deer in headlights. Knowing folkloric steps—like the Saidi or Iraqi moves—means you can seamlessly transition and keep the energy flowing. Plus, it’ll make you look like a total pro!
2. Steal Those Cool Moves!
Let’s be real: who doesn’t want to add some jaw-dropping moves to their repertoire? Many of those fabulous hair flips and dramatic gestures you see in drum solos? Yep, they often come from folkloric styles! By learning these traditional dances, you’ll expand your vocabulary and have a treasure trove of moves to sprinkle into your performances. Imagine the wow factor you could bring to your next show!
3. Step Patterns Galore!
If you’ve ever taken a workshop in Mahmoud Reda’s Muwashahat style, you know how intricate and beautiful those steps can be. What’s even cooler? Many of the foot patterns we use in belly dance are rooted in folkloric styles. By diving into folklore, you’ll not only enhance your understanding of belly dance but also discover new ways to express yourself through movement.
Let’s Get Practical!
Now, I can hear some of you saying, “Okay, I’m convinced! But where do I start?” Well, you’re in luck! I’ve compiled a video featuring short clips from four must-know folkloric styles that every belly dancer should be familiar with. These snippets are just a taste of the full 20-minute tutorials available at the Iana Dance Club. Trust me, these folkloric drills will elevate your belly dance game to a whole new level!
Check It Out!
After you check out the video, I’d love to hear your thoughts! What was your main takeaway? Did you learn any new moves that you can’t wait to try out? Drop your comments below!
The Bigger Picture
Ultimately, I hope more teachers will start incorporating folklore into their belly dance classes. Instead of splitting these topics into separate sessions for marketing purposes, let’s focus on creating well-rounded, educated dancers. After all, the beauty of belly dance lies in its rich history and diversity. Why not embrace it all?So, whether you’re a die-hard raqs sharki fan or just dipping your toes into the world of folklore, remember: learning these styles will only enhance your artistry and make you a more versatile performer. Now go out there and dance your heart out! 💃✨
The video above includes clips from Technique Drills 32, 33, 34 and 35, which were part of our VERY FIRST intensive “Folklore Drills for Belly Dance Technique”. Available inside the 👉Iana Dance Club
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About Iana
Iana Komarnytska is a professional dancer, teacher, choreographer, and passionate content creator helping dancers navigate their dance lives.
She is a graduate from the professional dance program at York University (Canada), host of the Belly Dance Life podcast, creator of the Iana Dance Club, author of numerous articles, and winner of Star Bellydancer Canada 2014 among other international competitions.
Along with belly dance, Iana performs and teaches Persian Classical and Turkish Romani dancing. She is the first choreographer to start using Triple Isis wings, and since 2012 this is one of her style signatures.
Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just starting your journey, understanding the nuances of your training can elevate your dance to new heights. So, let’s break it down!