By Miramar
©2000 by Miramar, Originally published in Zaghareet, Sept./Oct. 2001
The slow part of the dance is performed most often to either a taxim or a chiftitelli rhythm. The taxim is a solo improvisation performed by one member of the band highlighting one instrument. A great dancer successfully interprets this slow part with controlled, sensuous isolations making it look like the music is coming through her own body. Arabic audiences understand and appreciate the simplicity of the slow part of their dances. Most often, taxim is inserted between medium to fast tempo rhythms and is approximately one to two minutes long.
The chiftitelli is a common rhythm (8 beat) used in slow dancing. It is very common to find whole songs devoted to a chiftitelli especially with music that has been produced in the United States. When dancing for American audiences, the use of props can make the slow part of the dance more interesting. Various props include fans, candles (Pot of Flames), swords, canes, trays, snakes, baskets and dancing on glasses. The use of props in oriental dance is mostly of American origin. Egyptian Raks Sharqi dancers use canes in their routines, especially with the Saiidi rhythm. Lebanese dancers also dance with canes. In both these cases, the music tempo is medium to fast and not slow. Greek and American dancers popularized the use of the sword. All the other props used in belly dancing are of American origin. The legitimacy of their inclusion is often traced back to the Middle East. For instance, it is believed that sword dancing originated with the Ghawazee (Gypsy) dancers of Egypt who borrowed swords from traveling soldiers that comprised their early audiences. Dancing with pots can be seen in ancient Pharonic artwork. Ancient medicine doctors danced with snakes. Fans have been a symbol of the orient since the beginning of time.
Below follows a general discussion of various props. A whole article could be devoted to each topic. I have been concise in trying to inspire you to experiment with some of these ideas.
SWORD DANCING: The addition of a sword to your dance routine can be spectacular. It will add a level of mystique and a touch of danger. Because the sword is a weapon the dancer must remember that the "touch of danger" is very real. Sword dancing is definitely for the advanced dancers. Make sure you buy a sword that is designed for dance from a reputable dealer. Please see the article on sword dancing at this site for more information.
FANS: Fans, especially large feather fans, are a beautiful addition to the slower parts of the dance. It is best to use music that has a floating quality to it. Pretend that the fans are an extension of your arms and try to make your movements as fluid as possible. Keep in mind that the fans aren’t dancing, you are! Large Peacock-Malibu feather fans, which come in a variety of colors to match your cabaret costume, are especially nice. They are available from Sugar Petals (located on the web). Oriental paper fans that open and close with a snap of the wrist can also be used.
SNAKES: The incorporation of a snake into an oriental routine is for the experienced dancer. You need to be thoroughly familiar with your snake and also with your dance moves. Snakes can not be trained and they rarely remember choreographies. It is best to have a general idea of what you are gong to do, but plan on mostly improvising. A typical format to use is to come out holding a basket on top of the head. The snake is coiled inside of the basket which is covered with a cloth that is tied on with a decorative scarf. You can enter executing traveling steps combined with large hip circles. The basket is placed on the ground. With your back to the audience, perform vertical figure 8 of the hips down while lowering yourself to the ground. At this point, retrieve the snake from the basket. A nice move here is to execute a backbend while holding the snake high over head and then drop to the ground (Turkish drop) letting the snake rest on your belly. Belly rolls and belly vibrations follow. Try lengthening the snake’s body so the tail can reach the head of the snake while you continue the belly vibration. Hopefully the snake will wrap around your belly and then you can come to a standing position. This is achieved by maintaining a full-body vibration which will encourage the snake to hang on. All sorts of isolations can be executed while standing. I recommend ball pythons for dancing. They have nice disposition, only get to be about 5 feet long and have a habit of curling into a ball that can look nice on top of your head. It is recommended that you buy a young snake and raise it yourself, rather than buying a full-grown snake that may have been mistreated and have a nasty disposition.
POT OF FLAMES: This is a fancy name for dancing with candles. Small votive candles are place in small brass pots or glass votives. Small glass votives with very flat bases are preferred as they can be balanced effectively on the belly or head. Cutout designs such as palm trees or camels in brass or copper pots will make nice effects on the walls where you are dancing. It is especially nice to use a Pharonic tune and incorporate ancient Pharonic arm movements.
TRAYS: Large trays decorated with either candles or other objects such as wine glasses make an exciting addition to the slow part. Najia’s (Philadelphia) candle tray dance is an excellent example of this.
BASKETS: Baskets filled with imitation fruit (lightweight) or colorful scarves can make for an interesting theme. Imagine women dancing their way home from the river balancing water pots or baskets on their heads.
DANCING ON GLASSES: This is another dance for the advanced dancer as it is very dangerous! Three heavy goblet type glasses and a specially prepared dancing board are required. The goblets, unfortunately, are not designed for dancing, and that is what makes this dance so dangerous as easily break. The glasses are available through restaurant equipment supply companies. The board should be approximately 3’ x 4’ and be at least 3/4 inch and preferably 1 inch thick to prevent warping. It must be sanded smooth and either waxed or varnished. An excellent alternative to varnish is many coats of a paste wax, which will give the right glide to the board. Try to void making it too slippery. Basically, in this dance, slow isolations are performed while standing on top of the glasses. You have two glasses supporting one foot and one supporting the other foot. You can move around the board by sliding the glasses. Backbends can be performed and are very strenuous. You can also balance one of the glasses on your head.
I would recommend that beginning to intermediate dancers try the Pot of Flames, Basket dances, and Fan dancing first to make the slow part more interesting. Dancing on Glasses, Snake dancing, Tray dancing and Sword dancing are for the more advanced performer.