The history of Oriental Dance is intertwined with that of Gypsies of Andalucia or Southern Spain. Called Gitanos in Spanish, many of them worked as musicians and dancers. From the 8-15 centuries, Southern Spain also known as “Andalucia” was dominated by Islamic Moors. The gypsy nomads, horse traders, fortunetellers, and smiths came into contact with these “Moriscos.” Gitanos were sometimes also called “Moor” or “Moros” because both were brown skinned. The Gitanos & the Moors intermingled and influenced the existing Spanish culture in all areas such as architecture, language, poetry, music and dance. During this time the Christian population of Spain accepted Arab song and Muslim musicians were employed in the Christian courts in Castille and Aragon.
The close of the 15th century brought about the Reconquista and these Moorish/Islamic people were expelled by the Catholic Monarchs, Isabella and Ferdinand – the very people that financed Cristobal Columbus to “discover” the Americas. Many of these people migrated back to North Africa. Still, many Moors and gypsies continued to live and intermingle throughout the Andalucian countryside.
Granada, Spain is well-known as the center for Gypsy/Gitano Dancing. Long after 1492 when the Moros (Moors) were defeated and Granada fell, Moorish dancers and singers continued to entertain throughout Spain and even Portugal.
There is a definite kinship between the early flamenco forms and the music of the Orient. Over a thousand years ago some of the first fusion music was being composed and performed at the Royal Courts of Granada and Cordoba. The Arab people of Spain with influences from Baghdad were formulating the beginnings of Andalusian music. From earliest time to today, the music of Southern Spain is very Arabic in flavor, much like the prayer chants of Islam. The very word “flamenco’ comes from Arabic. Almost 10% of the Spanish language comes from Arabic, especially words that begin with “al,”--- algarabia (gibberish), almohada (pillow), algazara (Moorish battle cry, uproar), algodon (cotton), alba (dawn), alfombra (carpet), ojala (hopefully, if God wills it) and many more.
Says Hossam Ramzy, a modern Egyptian musician, “One can hear the strong Arabic influence in flamenco music…the dance movements in flamenco with the hips and the portrayal of strong emotions and passion are essentially Arabic.” The influence of the Muslims can be heard today in Spanish flamenco music which, like Arab music, is rhythmically strong, involves improvisation and the use of modal melodies.
Danza Mora is typically, by women done barefoot, and allows the use of finger cymbals, clapping, or finger snapping. Costuming is merely street wear of ruffles, polka dots, pants, or full skirts. Age is of little matter. In fact, women of mature confidence are revered. The arms and hands are sinuous and very little footwork is done. The hips are more fluid than staccato. There is more torso movement than in typical flamenco. Oriental dancers must remember to add an extra lift in the upper torso, as well as in the arms. There is a lot of room for personal interpretation.
Amara wrote a report about belly dancing for school in 2004. We have published it here with her permission:
Here's something that is important to me, and that takes a lot of time and practice: I'm a belly dancer! (Huh?!) Yes, I said belly dancing. Belly dancing actually has nothing to do with your belly, unless you count one move that is kind of complicated to do. I can do it, but you have to build up the muscles in your stomach. Though belly dancing sounds pretty girly, it does take a whole lot of muscle. You have to build up the muscles in your arms, legs, ribcage, hips, and even your neck! Belly dancing takes a lot of concentration, balance, strength, talent, and a positive attitude. :) You have to concentrate, remember how the song goes, and how the dance goes. You have to balance, stay on your feet while you move quickly around the stage. As I said before, this consists of some muscle, talent is essential too. Not everyone is cut out for belly dancing, so you have to find your talent and think...Is this right for you? I know it is for me! Also, positive attitude is a huge deal.
Did all the girls in my dance troupe start this just for exercise, brain busts, crazy feet, and pre-show stress? Of course not! We're also here to wear unique Arabic, middle-eastern, Turkish, and Egyptian outfits, puts on some glitter, shop for jewelry, to get closer together as a troupe. We go to Hoftas (parties where dancers get together to belly dance, practice, eat and talk), troupe pizza parties, Fairs, etc. We usually perform at Renaissance Faires. There we like to shop, dance, explore, talk, and become/make new friends with "the Rennies", people who frequently show up at most of the Renaissance Faires. We respect each other, care for one another, and share our feelings about certain issues. That is why we (though we are each individual and proud to show it) have one name for the troupe: Malentha Kirvi, Dark-Flower Gypsies.
Saphira the Gypsy DancerThis watercolor painting was inspired by a former troupe member, Saphira.  |
This is a picture of an original watercolor by the artist Brownyn. No reproductions may be made of it without the consent of the artist. You may contact her at: pookafairystudio@hotmail.com. More of her work is found at her website here Brownyn also wrote this poem, which accompanys the picture wonderfully: |