Metaphysical relationships between music, elements, shape and colour | |
 | Rhythm is mathematical, steps follow fractal patterns 1+2+3+4 + 1+2+3+4 + 1+2+3+4 + 1+2+3+4 Bellydancing has a logical side - it follows the percussionist's rhythms and tempo. Usually steps are in even groups of four with the change on the 'four', ready to step or begin a new move on the 'one'. Arms and feet co-ordinate, hips and ribs isolate and muscle groups are focused on to create certain moves - shimmies, sharp accents or curvy taqsim. In the drum solo, the fancy hip-articulations follow the drum, and it is predicatable that most sets will be played four times, and on the last rep there will be a noticeable embellishment that says "change"! This is the analytical part - you need to be able to count with your body! Geometry - both spacial, as the floor plan or within the body - is then created through numerical pattern. The main polygons - the square, circle (quartered or divided into eighths) and triangle are the core shapes in which we can move the body either on the spot or through space. Listen to the rhythm, the patterns, because the cues are in the rhythm arrangement. Rhythm rules the feet and lower body. |
Tuning into the emotions of melody The emotive side of bellydancing is spurred by the melodies, instruments and range of keys played in compositions. Musical keys create vivid feelings - that's why music moves us emotionally. The lively Nubian dance, similar to spicy Latin Merenge or Afro-Brazillian dance is based around "joyful" harmonics played in the A, C and G note range - the "happy notes". Opposite in feel are the haunting, melancholic D minor and A minor based melodies - the soulful mawaal within Egyptian classics, quarter tone Turkish balads or traditional Celtic tunes. These "moody" notes" produce a deep, emotional quality. The art of tuning in - surrendering - to the music is to let the body sense what the music is saying and tap into the emotions and movements activated by the music. The way the musician has created and played the music gives a clue to the way the body responds, naturally. Dance to the flutes the gentle way the flautist plays, tremble with the qanoon in the same way it is strummed with fervour, accent your hips to the tabla when it is struck with sudden sharpness. The chakras are all located in the body as energy centres or "wheels of light" and are each linked to a colour, an expression and possess a fundamental quality in the positive and negative. What I have looked at is how music becomes a part of this energetic, vibrational order. | |
 | What do ancient systems have to do with bellydancing? Ancient systems of understanding the human body, rhythms, seasons and emotions synergise various elements that directly correspond with body, mind and spirit. Naturally occuring numerical systems, colour spectrum gradation, the connection between the heavenly and physical bodies, geometry and other related principles serve as both catalysts and parasympathetic forces for human expression - physically, spiritually or emotionally. Essentially these systems - either esoteric, philosophical or part of religious belief, promote awareness and deeper understanding of one's self (and others) through parallel relationships between self and universial or elemental energies. Greek philosophers Pythagorus and Socrates spent their lives exploring the underlying order of the universe, numerical pattern and the sphere of arts in the divine realm. Chinese Confucianists believed, unlike many other religions, that the real and the ideal were one in the same - that form WAS the embodiment of the Creator, and hence promoted the arts as necessary to the highest order of human advancement. The moves and postures of bellydancing suggest it was danced as a sacred feminine artform for thousands of years. The fertility principle and ritual stylisation of this dance for celebration and worship became synonymous with the ancient temples of Artemis, Aphrodisias, Aphrodite, Ishtar, Isis and even Hindu Temples. The art of bellydancing allows emotional expression, physically activates core energetic meridiens and re-balances the body. It improves confidence it takes the focus off the busy outer world and into the inner workings of the self. When the dance is experienced and deeply felt - in terms of rhythm, melody and emotion - it opens the senses to the powerful connection between art and the universial creative principle. |
 | Masculine and Feminine Principles Integrating the body's masculine principles through structure, logic, counting and analysis will strengthen the base of the dance. Ruled by the left-brain, counted rhythm, logical floorplans and outward linear moves will facilitate the balancing of the masculine. Over-analysis, or over-concentrating from the left brain will tend to make dancers rather rigid and mechanical, lead by the right side of the body. It is very common for dancers from western backgrounds to begin and perform most moves on the right side of the body. In the Middle East however, you will notice that the dancers are much stronger on the left side and often the entire dance move is lead by the left hip. The left side of the body, ruled by the creative right brain enjoys the feminine principles of intuition, inwardness and deep feeling. Surrender, creative expression and flow are feminine and can open these intuitive channels in both men and women - in fact, any style of dance with a balance of structure and feeling can balance the masculine/feminine energies. |
Chakra "wheels of light" and musical response This diagram shows the colours of the chakra system and the associated instruments, musical quality and elemental properties. | |
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Dance, Music and the Chakras - COLOUR, mood, music, expression Yogic chakra systems - meaning 'wheels of light' allude to the subtle energies that emanate from certain parts of the body and resonate with a particular colour. Bellydancers may like to tune their costumes into this ancient theory - wear what colour you might need to heal a certain aspect. If you are experiencing the negative traits associated with the chakra, wear the correct colours and re-attune yourself with those qualities. The dance of the seven veils is a mythological dance that comes from the story of the Babylonian deiety Ishtar's descent into the underworld or the "Welcome dance of Shalom", which later metamorphosed into the Biblical story of Salome. The seven veils are represented by seven chakras and colours. Red - base chakra is about deepest security, instinct, sexuality, passion, earthiness Orange - centre (belly chakra) is about creativity, manifestation, birthing and power Yellow - solar plexus chakra is about confidence, ability to shine, courage, strength Green - heart chakra deals with emotions, love, grief, pathway to opening the heart Blue - throat chakra reflects clarity, communication and speaking universal truth Indigo - third eye chakra represents intuition, inner knowing and deep compassion Violet - crown chakra represents highest spiritual awareness and divine connection Which moves and mucic match each chakra? Further reading: Chakras and Dance >> Please follow the link to complete the article: http://www.ketisharif.com/article-esoteric.html Please follow the link to complete the article: http://www.ketisharif.com/article-esoteric.html | |
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Replies
Wow imagine the ancient dances of the priestesses... I bet this brings back memories for a lot of us. Thanks so much.
~ApotheosisRising555
"God making contact with himself" what a brilliant quote, this is absolutely lovely... I love to make music, it's inspiring :-) Thank you.
As Above, So Below... from Carlos Saura's Flamenco
( ( ( OneLoveEvolution247 ) ) )
Stunning women and moves, thank you :-)
Hi Klc.....This is just a 'ad clip' from the full show...
TOTEM - Cirque du Soleil.....
Awesome movement, dance and balance…..
OMG This looks amazing, I really want to see the entire show, thanks very much, I didn't know this one was out there :-)
Hi Kels,....well if you love that one....take a deep breathe and enjoy these....
The House of Dancing Water - MACAU City of Dreams
Now this is mesmerizingly spectacular.....
Bubbles and light.....WOW absolutely stunning.....
And now for some truly spell bounding visuals and fantastic art…..
For all the Tigers and Tigresses out there.........
You're welcome, Branwen, glad to share :-) Imagine thousands of women and men dancing together, I wonder what energy it would build...
Very interesting indeed... and was that a cat on her head at the beginning?
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