The History and Mystery of Belly Dance

The History and Mystery of Belly Dance  
Description: This general style of female solo interpretive dance is known and appreciated all over the Arab world including Northern Africa. There is no formal choreography but instead a variety of characteristic movements with which to interpret the music and show mastery of the rhythm. In the villages of northern Africa, most women dance as a social activity, at weddings for example, in all-female groups. The character of this sensual dance style is different in the big cities; particularly in Egypt where the dance has reached its most highly developed form. Top dancers achieve the status of movie stars because of the prominence of the entertainment industry. Through discussion, slides and demonstration, Ms. Siegel, as "Habiba" will trace the long history of this dance. Attend this fascinating lecture and find out for yourself the skills needed for authentic belly dance. Ms. Barbara Siegel


Location: Lecture Room - N110
Contact: Reference Desk
Contact Number: 609-399-2434 x5231
Presenter: University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology