A Hafla with Halva
I don‘t know where my passion for belly dance came from, but a passion it is, as well as a physical, mental and emotional re-energiser. I have been learning and performing this Middle Eastern dance form since 2001. Prior to that my enthusiasm was for the martial arts, but full contact sports are now forbidden to me.
Belly dancers do make polite hand contact sometimes as they dance, which is in the tradition of the art. Raqs Arabi has historically been performed by women to please themselves more than for their men folk. Belly dance was a means of keeping fit and supple within the confines of home or harem, and better prepared for childbirth.
Over the years danse du ventre has developed and expanded, with many different styles evolving. Nearly all of them include the abdominal work - a belly flutter, or belly rolls - along with graceful movements of the arms and body, and that rocking shimmy of the hips that sets the coin belts ringing.
Belisha Dance Club was set up in the Bay of Plenty, and I am a key founding member. Belisha is intended for people who want to learn belly dance and to extend their raqs sha'abi skills. You may have seen Belisha dance at many events around New Zealand: the Tauranga Regional Ethnic Council, or the Mount busking championships, or in a café, bar, or at a private party - sometimes in Auckland.
Belly dance is popular with the audience as well as with the participants! It surprised me to discover that I actually enjoy performing. I like the folkloric costuming best, fully covered by Ghawazee coat or yelek with harem pants. But I also enjoy dancing more Orientale style, usually seen in restaurants, with glamorous movements, a myriad of sequins and sleek costuming.
I'm also involved 'behind the scenes' for both Belisha and MEDANZ (Middle East Dance Association of New Zealand). To me, it is important to work in a group, so I am a committee member and chief scenery painter and prop maker. (Belisha are well known for their silk fan veil dances.)
We hold workshops regularly on different styles within the umbrella of belly dance; or on particular techniques, or choreography, or how to create bedlah, Ghawazee, yelek or Orientale costumes. Recently we organised a guest tutor to come and teach us medieval dances, peasant and courtly.
Much of my working life has been with organisations heavily reliant on a willing workforce – who donate many extra unpaid hours – and belly dance has proved no different. My primary concern is raising my largish family; I also paint and tutor art. Yet still I fit in what is now essential to me - belly dancing with Belisha!
The beat of the drums has always lured me - African, punk, English and later those enticing rhythms of the Middle East. Developing grace in my dance – to balance the necessary vigour - is an ongoing project. I have learned much from other belly dance experts, and have danced onstage with experienced New Zealand and international Middle East dancers, here and during my European tour – a once in a lifetime chance for me to danse du ventre in France and in the UK.
And what I value most after the dance itself is the companionship we share. Belisha members regularly get together for a hafla where we dance and talk and dance some more – alone, with each other and with our invited guests. Often we serve hummus with pitta or a rice dish, followed by dates and almonds and sliced melons, and halva: that sweet chewy nougat of the Middle East.
Yes, belly-dancing is as sweet as.
