This Decolonising Belly Dance course is aimed at those who want to learn ‘belly dance’ beyond its bodily movement. It will look into the dance as a cultural celebration addressing its historical journey, its travel to the west and its development to the different styles we see today. It will tackle the myths that surround it, the problematic terminology and the stereotypes associated with it through the theories of Orientalism, Male & Colonial Gaze and Feminism. The practical side of the course will teach the foundational moves of the dance in its modern shape with awareness spotlighting the Egyptian moves, offering space for learning, improvisation and joy through dancing to music from the SWANA region. This course is inclusive and welcomes all those who wish to embark on the journey of bellydance with an open mind and heart. Adult participants are welcome from any age, gender, size or other backgrounds.

 

Instructor

Maysa Ismael is a Syrian dancer and founder of the Shik Shak Shok School of Belly dance. She began belly dancing in 2014 in Syria and started teaching in London in 2021. Through Shik Shak Shok, Maysa offers belly-dancing classes that are culturally informative and gender inclusive, celebrating all people’s access to the art. She aims to decolonise bellydancing and dismantle the negative connotations associated with it. Maysa’s other work experiences include the field of forced migration, women’s participation in peacebuilding, protecting civilians in conflict and meaningful participation of refugees. She is a fellow with 1325 Women in conflict fellowship and holds an MA in Sociology from Goldsmiths, University of London.

 

Course Overview

All sessions held in person at the Arab British Centre in London

Week 1 | Tuesday 31 March | 6:30-8:30pm

Theory

When did belly dance start?

Egypt’s dance styles: Baladi, Ghawazi, Awalem, Raqs Sharqi, Bellydance

Practice

Hip drops , hip circles, shoulder moves (circles, shimmy)

Week 2 | Tuesday 7 April | 6:30-8:30pm

Theory

Region’s belly dance styles: Oryantal dans (Turkey), Tsifteteli (Greece), Others

Practice

Camel move, Egyptian shimmy

Week 3 | Tuesday 14 April | 6:30-8:30pm

Theory

Belly dance traveling to the West. Colonisation, Orientalism, Male and Colonial Gaze. Little Egypt and World Fairs.

Practice

Hip pump, Chest moves

Week 4 | Tuesday 21 April | 6:30-8:30pm

Theory

American belly dance: Styles, 2nd wave feminism, 3rd wave feminism. Fitness, community building, vocational, mental health.

Practice

Pelvic moves, Step-touch

Week 5 | Tuesday 28 April | 6:30-8:30pm

Theory

Props: hip scarves, veils, snakes, Fire. Asaya

Practice: isolations, floorwork

Costume: Two-piece

Practice

Hagala , Horse move

Week 6 | Tuesday 5 May | 6:30-8:30pm

Theory Recap

Misconceptions: Belly dance history, name, the development of raqs sharqi

Cultural appropriation vs appreciation

Current discussion on the foreign dancers

Practice

Practice and Party!