Study notes
Egyptian Oriental
Oriental Dance or Raqs Sharqi, is the classical Egyptian dance style. It is a solo dance characterised by an elegant, flowing style andrestrained yet powerful movements.
This style originated from more traditional forms of the dance as a performance art, and was influenced by Western dance forms in order to present well on stage.
As such the centre of the dance is more lifted, the arms are more balletic and travelling steps are common and often performed on the ball of the feet. Layered shimmies are popular, and performed with almost straight legs.
The music is usually played by a full Egyptian orchestra and is classical in style. Popular examples include Alf Leyla we Leyla and Aziza. Egyptian style dancers often don't play sagat (finger cymbals); instead they employ a sagat player as part of their orchestra.
The
costume consists of either a two-piece costume comprising skirt and bra
or a dress. Dancers usually perform barefoot. Egyptian style currently shuns
the traditional flowing skirts and heavy beadwork and fringing in favour
of a tighter skirt with a split and more minimal, elegant style. In Egypt,
a sheer covering is generally used over the stomach. Top designers include
Eman Zaki and Hanan.
Veil work may be included in an entrance, but generally this will kept simple and the veil dropped to one sidel soon after entering. The fancy veil work commonly included in American Cabaret is not generally seen in the Egyptian style.
Some people use the term "cabaret" to apply to the classical style, but this refers to a top of venue rather than a type of dance style. In Egypt a cabaret is a lower class of venue, so the top dancers would certainly never refer to their style as cabaret!
Famous Egyptian Oriental dancers include Dina and Randa.