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Copyright @2005-2011 Makayla Léone
Use of name & likeness images and written work is prohibited
without the permission of Makayla Léone
All rights reservedOrigins of Belly Dance
The roots of belly dancing have always been feminine and focused on the magic and mystery of a woman. Dancing in this fashion was celebratory, sacred and even aided in the birth process.
Most evidence points to Egypt and Africa, yet the simple truth is that no one really knows where it came from, or where it started.
Some sources say that matriarchal societies danced in celebration of mother earth, fertility and for offerings. Goddesses were worshiped and the dance was a beautiful gift to give to honor the high priestesses.
Within the Ottoman empire the dance evolved into what most people associated belly dance.. harems. Women from countries around the world seemed to migrate into Turkish harems. The harems were closed to the outside world, which led to misinterpretations. Women did dance for the sultans but they also danced to entertain one another. Unfortunately through time the artistic depictions created by those who never a saw a harem helped create an image of the dance which was untrue. Its center has always been about beauty and love, not erotica.
There is much more history to explore within the realm of belly dance and how it perceived in the 21st century. For those of you who wish to learn more I encourage you to do your own research.
The innermost meaning of belly dance is love, magic, mystery, giving, accepting, beauty and celebrating the feminine form in all shapes and sizes, in all colors and faiths. A universal language of love that I intend to preserve.
With Grace~
Makayla
Most evidence points to Egypt and Africa, yet the simple truth is that no one really knows where it came from, or where it started.
Some sources say that matriarchal societies danced in celebration of mother earth, fertility and for offerings. Goddesses were worshiped and the dance was a beautiful gift to give to honor the high priestesses.
Within the Ottoman empire the dance evolved into what most people associated belly dance.. harems. Women from countries around the world seemed to migrate into Turkish harems. The harems were closed to the outside world, which led to misinterpretations. Women did dance for the sultans but they also danced to entertain one another. Unfortunately through time the artistic depictions created by those who never a saw a harem helped create an image of the dance which was untrue. Its center has always been about beauty and love, not erotica.
There is much more history to explore within the realm of belly dance and how it perceived in the 21st century. For those of you who wish to learn more I encourage you to do your own research.
The innermost meaning of belly dance is love, magic, mystery, giving, accepting, beauty and celebrating the feminine form in all shapes and sizes, in all colors and faiths. A universal language of love that I intend to preserve.
With Grace~
Makayla
