Marta Bellydance
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Hi! I'm Marta! Welcome to my blog.

​I enjoy writing and sharing my experiences as a dancer and a teacher, useful resources I like and my personal hacks. Pick a category to filter through the posts. P.s I love hearing feedback, give a 'like' or comment and tell me what you thought of the topic within the post.

WHY DANCE?

6/3/2016

2 Comments

 
Picture
Photography: Cecilia Hackett

Dance is creation, what is creation? Love.

For those of you who have never taken a dance class before, or even danced before...you may be thinking to yourself - Well...whats so good about it? Why might dance be better for you/your children than Air Cadets, Cooking Class, Gymnastics, Soccer etc. Well, honestly I could talk for a few days. However I will leave you with a little blog post to ponder on..

In my experience of dance it does so much more than give you dance steps. Over time you suddenly discover that a whole dance staircase of life has been built! In my earlier years, I was honestly afraid to dance, even with my friends, afraid to allow people to see ME. Vulnerable. When I started Bellydancing, it freed me, shaped me, defined me, undefined me, instilled self acceptance & confidence, inspired, empowered. It has also taken me to places that I would never have been able to go and experience without dance - internally and externally.

Not like in a Military kinda way, but in a soft loving and nurturing way - dancing has given me a greater understanding of discipline, problem solving, socialisation, self trust, self love, confidence, team importance. Dance has given me the ultimate gift of accepting vulnerability, accepting myself. 

Dance provides these experiences because dance is creative. 
-What does creative mean? What does getting creative do?

Creativity is: Love, inspiring, change, adaption, transitioning, vulnerability, promotes change and growth, creates 'something' from 'nothing', educes emotion, open mindedness, allows/accepts emotion & public display of emotion, forming yourself into a physical 'thing'. Creativity is love, love is life and life is a Dance. 
​This is where dance becomes even more exciting! Dance is literally a gateway to self knowledge. As you dance, you present yourself. You are presenting the emotion you feel to a particular piece of music. Whether you have an audience or not, you are conveying yourself.  You are allowing yourself and onlookers to witness your personality, witness you. This is very empowering.
So dance does not only offer great fitness, heath and life skills, it also offers a gateway to self-discovery and knowing yourself on deeper level. And of course this is very important for great quality of life and success in life. 

And..this of course is why I teach dance. I wish to share this will everyone!

If you liked what you read, feel free to share with your loved ones for a thought provoking read as well. 

With love, 
Marta x
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There's more than 1 Bellydance Style?

6/11/2015

1 Comment

 
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.
Picture
Marta Hackett - Oriental Dance, Busking

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

Picture
Marta Hackett Saidi - Cane dance

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
Picture
Devi Mamak ATS

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
Picture
Rachel Brice - Contemporary

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
1 Comment

What it means to hire a Bellydancer

31/10/2015

0 Comments

 
There are many outdated misconceptions held by the general public which hinder the true essence of what it means to hire a Bellydancer to entertain at your next event.

It might be frustrating trying to grasp this notion, as BellyDancers appear very similar to those Striptease Artists with shinny boobs and great emphasise on those lovely hips! But we are just simply not in the same category.

BUT, all is not lost! Allow me clear this up for you, Bellydance is an ancient art form welcome for all to enjoy from wee little cubs, to the elderly men and women. We perform at family celebrations, festivals, etc. We are the colourful, beautiful flower that lightens your event. A Bellydancer not only dances and shakes her hips. She opens her soul through dance, surrenders to the music. and provides a stunning performance which will dazzle you with unfathomable intricacies, control and grace. Her dance is a gift her audience.  
You will receive a quality performance which can last anywhere between 10-25mins with 1-2 sets. Your Bellydancer will wear a stunning professional costume and engage with the audience with fun dance moves, being in close proximity and even create an all inclusive atmosphere by getting the audience to get up and dance too!

Okay, I think I get it.
So...when can I hire a Bellydancer?

*With all of Marta's Bellydance performances,
you are also welcome to combine a lesson with the show

Birthday Celebrations - young and old
Restaurants
Engagement Parties
Weddings
Anniversaries
Kitchen tea's, bridal showers, henna nights
Hens nights
Corporate functions, Conventions,
Festivals
Christmas and New Years Parties
Children's Parties
Events with an exotic, Oriental, Arabian theme

What about tipping?
Tipping is traditional, but optional. Members of the audience can display their appreciation by offering tips during a performance. Tips can be placed in the performers hand, arm bands, and belt. However do not try to touch her anywhere else or for too long. The performer has the right to end a show at any time if she feels as though she is not being respected. Tips are very welcome, but of course they are not expected.

Best wishes planning your next event!
To find out more details about Marta's performances please visit the "HIRE" tab.

With love,
- Marta
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    Author
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    Marta

    Dance Instructor
    &
    ​Performance Artist
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