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June 1, 2007
Share in the dance of Miriam
Ancient art form of belly dancing is becoming a growing trend.
CAROL SOKOLOFF
What began in the 1960s as an exotic interest among a few in the
western world is now a movement of major proportions. In Canada,
the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Europe, women are
flocking to belly dance classes at recreation centres and dance
studios.
They are discovering that belly dancing is a very natural and enjoyable
dance form and a fun way to stay fit. The sensual movements, mysterious
music, colorful fabrics and jingly hip scarves appeal to our starved
senses. The joy of dancing with other women, while gaining mastery
over one's body through the isolation of muscle groups, liberating
frozen places and freeing the power of the belly and the pelvis
all contribute to an undeniable feeling of happiness.
Middle Eastern belly dance is one of the most ancient dance forms
known to the world. Although thousands of years old, the form is
also constantly renewed through the assimilation of diverse influences
as it dances throughout the planet.
First introduced to the dance some 30 years ago, I began to teach
other women when pregnant with my youngest child, now 16. My midwife
had asked about my exercise and I mentioned that I belly danced.
"That is the perfect exercise for pregnancy," she declared,
and suggested I lead a class for her home-birthing clients. It may
seem strange to imagine belly dancing during pregnancy, but there
is good reason to believe that the dance has its origins as a method
of childbirth preparation. I still teach pre-natal belly dance as
well as basic belly dance and never cease to wonder at the many
benefits of this practice.
When people meet me or phone me about classes, they very often assume
I am from a Middle Eastern background. "I'm Jewish," I
respond. And how did a nice Jewish girl get involved in what is
seen as a singularly Arabic art form? In my case, I went to a meditation
retreat and ended up trying some belly dancing. I had studied ballet
as a child, modern dance as a teen and jazz in my 20s, but after
my first introduction to belly dance, I knew I preferred it to all
other forms.
Here was a dance that was fluid, natural and designed for the woman's
body. Women of every age and shape can enjoy its benefits. Although
some of the movements are challenging, none involve any strain,
thus posing no risk of injury. Rather, the movements themselves
are therapeutic – bringing comfort to sore backs and relieving
headaches, menstrual discomfort and even labor pains. This natural,
therapeutic dance allows one to dance for many years, well into
grandma-hood. In the Middle East, before a girl can walk, she may
dance. She will dance through her youth, her coming of age, through
marriage and birth and also menopause. I personally have experienced
no symptoms of menopause, no hot flashes or any discomfort and students
report a similar experience. This flowing, circular dance is truly
suited to all cycles of a woman's life.
The soulful, rich music is very appealing – as is the colorful,
feminine, graceful and sensual approach. Our North American culture
lacks these nuances, so it is refreshing to add these dimensions
to modern life. Most of the music is Arabic, but when it comes to
music and dance, there is no stopping cultural exchange.
The Jewish connection with this dance form is ancient and deep,
going back to biblical times and that pivotal moment in Jewish history,
the parting of the Red Sea and delivery from the hands of the pursuing
Egyptians. As the Israelites reached safety, their first action
as a free people was to sing and dance – a heartfelt expression
of gratitude and celebration, led by Miriam, the sister of Moses.
How would the Israelites dance? How did the women move and to what
rhythms on their drums or tambourines? Considering that they had
just left Egypt, where they had sojourned for centuries, it's a
good guess that their dance would closely resemble that of the Egyptians.
Cairo is still, today, the world's centre of this dance. So the
dance of Miriam would likely have borne similarities with the belly
dancing today's women are enjoying so very much.
Miriam is called "Miriam the Prophetess" and is one of
the few women that the Torah speaks of in this way. Among her many
important actions, her dance after the parting of the Red Sea is
key. It displays the empowerment of the Israelites after enslavement
and also the empowerment of the women of the community. Women who
dance feel happy and healthy and Miriam's dance continues to empower
women.
This ancient dance is a cultural legacy both Jewish and Arab women
share. Perhaps it can serve as an activity, beyond words, to help
promote understanding and mutual respect.
However, women flocking to belly dance classes may not give much
thought to these matters. They have simply discovered that moving
their bodies in the beautiful movements of the dance brings joy
and contentment – exercising the body, calming the mind, engaging
the heart and stimulating creativity through the improvised nature
of the dance. This dance, traditionally performed by women, for
women, is an excellent way to stay fit while exploring our feminine
and sensual nature and sharing a joyous, empowering interaction.
Carol Sokoloff is a Victoria freelance writer.
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