Aside from the raks-sharki or traditional belly dancing that started in Egypt, another type known as gypsy belly dance from Turkey is making waves nowadays. Classic belly dancing has its beginnings from Middle Eastern Folkloric dance and believed to have originated from Turkey during the Ottoman Empire. Later, a group of people from other lands like India and Europe combined their own belly dance techniques which evolved into gypsy bellydancing.
Although gypsy belly dancing is considered as a deviation from the traditional belly dance, it still retains some movements from the original form. The adaptation of some steps in folklore dances from Middle East have been included into the dance routine. Aside from this, gypsybelly dance uses the same jargon from the tradiitonal belly dance to identify the movements so same “raks-sharki” moves are familiar. A very distinctive feature found in gypsy belly dancing is the high energy involved in performing the dance. While classic belly dance is is done at a slower pace with sensual moves, gypsy belly dancing is quite festive.
Usually, extra accesories such as tambourines, finger cymbals and musical accompaniment from different instruments are included. The dancer can use middle Eastern music but with live violin music in the background. Guitar music is also used in this type of dance. Seeing a gypsy belly dance shows brings memories of country fairs and carnivals that greatly attracted attention of all types of people. The dance is a class act on its own as lively music that showcase lively dancing full of energy characterize gypsy belly dancing
Aside from the music and the instruments used, this type of bellydance also uses different costumes. The dancer wears gypsy skirt which is contrasting to the silk pants used by traditional belly dancers. Gypsy belly dancing skirts are often filled with ruffles which has resemblance to a Spanish flamenco dancer. While traditional belly dancing uses hip scarves with jiggling coins to emphasize hip movements, the skirts used for gypsy dance is made up of thick fabrics. Instead, belts are made from leather , metal or flimsy scarves without coins. The top garment of this dance requires an open back that is usually tied by a string as contrasting to “choli tops” that have closed backs in classical belly dance.
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Apparently, the traditional belly dance does not require tops that expose the back since hips are given much emphasis. When it comes to accessories, gypsy belly dance is more colorful and unique as ethnic jewelry, stones and intricate designs are added to the costume that completes the uniqueness of the dance. There are many available accessories, jewelries, trinkets and other add-ons for gypsy belly dancing costumes that can be bought online. In fact, we are one of the biggest stockists of these products that can fulfill your wish to do belly dance like a gypsy.
