World Belly Dance Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about World Belly Dance Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. World Belly Dance Day is observed on May 13th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of World Belly Dance Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as cool facts you might want to know about World Belly Dance Day.

📅 What day is World Belly Dance Day 2024?

In 2024, World Belly Dance Day is on Saturday, May 13th. It is the 2nd Saturday in May; in 2024, it is Monday. There are until the next observance. You also can see all fascinating details and facts about May 13, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

World Belly Dance Day is celebrated annually on the second Saturday of May, specifically on May 13 this year. It is a highly esteemed dance form that has a rich history in various countries. This dance style is characterized by intricate movements of the hips and torso, accompanied by elaborately adorned costumes. The most common costume, known as “bedlah,” originated in Egypt, which is believed to be the birthplace of belly dance. It typically consists of a suitable top or bra, a fitted hip belt, and a full-length skirt or harem pants. Occasionally, dancers may wear full-length gowns, especially when performing in more rustic variations. There are also tribal-style outfits that incorporate elements from traditional folkloric attire from around the world. These outfits often include circular skirts, pantaloons, and feathered or floral turbans or headdresses.

📜 World Belly Dance Day History

Belly dancing is a traditional folk dance that is performed by ordinary people in their regular clothes during celebrations and social gatherings. Over the past century, professional belly dancing has evolved, incorporating elements of ballet, the use of a veil, and performing on stage in front of an audience. Egypt takes pride in its professional belly dancers, such as Badia Masabni, who is often referred to as the “Godmother of Belly Dancing” for popularizing the style and making it more accessible to a wider audience. Another famous belly dancer, Tayihac Carioca, also known as the “Egyptian Marilyn Monroe of belly dancing,” incorporated Brazilian rhythms into her performances. Naima Akef, a circus acrobat who passed away in 1966, amazed audiences with her acrobatic movements and explosive spins.

Today, belly dancing is not only a form of entertainment but also a popular exercise that helps women bond and get in shape. It can burn around 400 calories per hour and offers benefits such as improved balance, strength, coordination, and posture. Egyptian belly dance competitions can now be found on platforms like YouTube, and several countries, including Egypt and Korea, host national belly dance competitions. Tutorials and online classes for belly dance have become highly popular.

✅ World Belly Dance Day Facts

🔖 American Tribal Style Belly Dance
In 1987, a unique style of belly dance emerged, blending influences from Indian, Middle Eastern, and African dance traditions.

🔖 The last authentic Ghawazi performers

🔖 Thomas Edison made films about belly dancers
The person who first created motion pictures is also credited with making them popular in the United States. Some examples of early films that contributed to their popularity include “Crissie Sheridan” in 1897 and “Princess Rajah” in 1904.

👍 Why Is World Belly Dance Day Important

We’re not only talking about how it can help you tone your muscles and stay fit. It may also be a meditative experience. Classes’ “cool-down” periods and ceremonial features are a sort of therapy.

If you’re reading about belly dance for the first time, chances are you already know more about Egypt than you did before. Belly dancing is popular in several Middle Eastern nations, each with its own unique style. Simply attempting to choose which style you like teaches you about the numerous cultural distinctions between these countries.

Making new acquaintances as an adult might be difficult. The simplest is to share a space with individuals who share your interests. When you dance with other people, you inspire each other to express yourself freely and attempt new things.

🙂 How To Observe World Belly Dance Day

⚡ Learn how to belly dance

⚡ Learn more about belly dancing
If you want to delve deeper into the historical and cultural aspects of belly dance, there are numerous resources at your disposal. The internet offers a wealth of information, including YouTube videos that can provide valuable insights. Moreover, Goodreads offers a dedicated genre of books focusing on belly dance, allowing you to explore this art form through the ratings and reviews provided by its community members.

⚡ Watch a belly dance performance
You’ve read about it and seen the performances; now put your own body to the test. Look for dancing studios in your area to see if they offer a course. Remember that this dance is more difficult than you may believe. But what matters most is that you have fun while studying!

📅 When is World Belly Dance Day?

View all 🔗 May holidays, including 🔗 Arts & Entertainment and other 🔗 Activities holidays.

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