There's more than 1 Bellydance Style?

There are many different styles of Bellydance, they are very similar due to the close proximity of regions within the Middle East. Yet, quite different because of the specific region it originated in and the cultures and traditions of those individual people.
Bellydance styles: Turkish, Egyptian, Palestinian, Kahligi, Baladi, Shamadam, Iranian, Moroccan, Saudi, Vintage, American Tribal Style, Fusion.

There is a lot of debate as to where styles originated and what defines a style in our modern day. But the thing is, Bellydance is always evolving, because that is the true nature of the dance - it is a feminine dance, with feminine energy. We all know the feminine nature is subject to change. It has the wonderful leniency to change because women who dance this particular style often dabble in other styles of Bellydance which cross the different styles and become a fusion. This is also evident when a dancer who has other forms of dance training use this to form their own individual style. Which is fantastic as Bellydance is an expression of your true self.

Now I will explain the different styles of Bellydance:

Oriental
Modern, Westernised Bellydance

Usually performed as a solo, dancers will wear a two piece costume displaying a lot of skin. This form of dance has elements of Baladi, Shaabi, and Turkish which is usually a choreographed performance. Drum solos are usually seem in Oriental dance, usually performed with a solo dancer and a solo Darbuka Drummer. With intricate isolations synchronised with the drummers beat. A drum solo can be improvised or choreographed.

Marta Hackett - Oriental Dance, Busking

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Egyptian Bellydance
Saidi,  Shaabi, Baladi

This form is a folkloric style of dance, said to be the heart of Bellydance. The costuming involved in Egyptian Bellydance is quite different to what we expect as Westerners. Long traditional dress which covers the belly, (The flashy dress worn on stage embellished with coins) has evolved from Egyptians everyday clothes - the Kaftan. Egyptian dance is usually associated with a particular rhythm and instruments such as the Baladi drum beat and the Sitar.

Baladi by Serena Ramzy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUTwaWYGw2M

Saidi by Sabrina
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oz52A2XWFKM

Marta Hackett Saidi - Cane dance

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American
Tribal Style (ATS)
Is America's own form of Bellydance, this style is very distinctive, usually wearing coined bra's and huge circle skirts. This form is usually done in a troupe of dancers with no set Choreography, improvised. But how do they look so in sync? How do they turn at the same time?!
Well, there is a method to their madness. They have a secret communication system while they dance. The leader has a set of verbal and visual cues which signals to the other dancers that it is now time to do a turn and change the direction of the movements.

Fat Chance Bellydance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4062YvVXlZg

Al-Humbra Tribal Bellydance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfrGVmtSe4g

Devi Mamak ATS

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Fusion and Contemporary Bellydance
This style is becoming more an more popular, and for good reason. Fusion really allows belly dancers to take what they know and form their own individual style. This form often incorporates other dance style elements including contemporary, jazz, hip hop, locking, Also, we can  use any music we like to dance  to rather than being restricted  to traditional music.  This is a very fun aspect of fusion and contemporary Bellydance as performers are able to create a whole new dynamic to Bellydance. Once again, setting up the evolution of this utterly awesome art form.

Carola Apsara
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8sY71BogwA

Rachel Brice - Contemporary

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Well I hope this gives you a better understanding of some of the Bellydance styles that are well practiced right here in Australia!

What is your favourite style of Bellydance?
Or did you learn something new from this article?
Share your thoughts in the comments!

I hope you enjoyed reading!

With love,
Marta