What Is Belly Dancing? A complex question; one very brief overview, and some suggestions for further exploration. Although now widely accepted and recognized, the term "Belly Dance" is a misnomer dating from as early as the 18th century, and the ‘belly’ isn’t a particulary important part of this dance. It is also called Oriental dance or Arabic dance. The roots of this women’s dance go back thousands of years, but along with a rich musical heritage it is a living tradition and part of everyday life across the Middle East and North Africa. Customs vary but most every important family celebration will see family members getting up and dancing. On the other end of the spectrum, the belly dance is performed to the accompaniment of full orchestras in the restaurants and theaters of the five star hotels of the Middle East, by professional dancers considered national stars! Some General Info on Oriental Dance - The Sahnobar Dance Ensemble. Mostly historical; for more on the dance as it exists today see below. "Beauty and the Beat" - Fayza Hassan. From the Egyptian weekly, Al-Ahram. Recent history of the dance as it is known today in Egypt and the Middle East, from an Egyptian perspective. Other Link Lists - the sites below have many links to other resources. They also have interesting information from the perspective of the site's authors -- as with any web site, including Karolinka's, remember that even "factual" information is influenced by opinion and perspective! Shira's Art of Middle Eastern Dance (American) Desert Moon Dance Academy (American)
	I purchase music primarily from two sites: Music of Lebanon and Maqam. Music of Lebanon (which has more than just Lebanese music; essentially they carry all contemporary Arabic music as well as classics, easy listening, traditional) looks a little low tech but they have provided fine service. MOL provides clips of entire songs on each album they sell, whereas Maqam provides only short (30 seconds on newer items) clips. Maqam has much more belly dancing music.
	I sell costumes and dance supplies through my Boutique, both on-line and "live" here in Gainesville, Florida. Take a look! Most of the costumes I perform in (and sell) are made in Egypt; and are sold by specialty vendors and importers like myself. There are quite a few people selling costumes on the Web, and costumes can be custom ordered as well as purchased 'off the rack.' The full, professional quality costumes I use generally cost anywhere from $400 to $1200 purchased in the U.S., but varying qualities and styles are available on both ends of that range. You don't have to spend nearly that much to get outfitted for belly dancing, though, especially if you are not doing it for a living! You can put together costumes from inexpensive purchased pieces (like coin bras and belts or beaded hip scarves) and skirts, harem pants, etc. that you can create or alter from 'normal' clothes. If you are purchasing a professional caliber costume for the first time, I highly recommend at least trying on a LOT of costumes in person before purchasing, especially if you are purchasing on line. You need to familiarize yourself with the way they fit (or don't) and the very wide range of quality that's out there -- good, bad, and ugly. It is very possible to get a great costume "long distance" but you'll increase your chances of being happy if you've shopped around first. That way when Fed Ex drops that box on your doorstep, you'll know whether you've gotten a great deal on a super high quality costume, or are the proud new owner of what will soon be an overpriced bunch of broken threads and loose beads!
	Classes with Karolinka - In Gainesville, Florida. See the Classes page for current schedule. Classes run in 6 week blocks. Generally there are Beginner, Continuing Beginner and/or Intermediate, and Advanced classes running. Location is a private licensed studio in Gainesville. Some instructors or classes we know personally are listed here; there may be other teachers in these areas. Jacksonville, Florida Julianne of the Sahara Silk Dancers teaches regularly; see the schedule at saharasilk.com. Simone - fellow performer at the Casbah Cafe in Jacksonville; teaches through Florida Community College Continuing Education Courses; check her web site at simonebellydance.com. Xena - fellow performer at the Casbah Cafe. Contact the Casbah (904-981-9966) for information on reaching her. Gainesville, Florida Classes with Karolinka - see the Classes page. Nicoma - Nicoma recently took over leadership of the Farhannah dancers when director and founder Bahijah moved to Germany; she teaches both belly dance and yoga. See her web site nicomadance.com. Zarifa Said, Global Dance Arts Center: www.globaldancearts.com St. Petersburg, Florida Karen Boon Von Ochssee, sunray.baylife2000.com Fellow member of the Sahnobar Dance Ensemble. Other Areas Try more than one of the options below. "Shira's Art of Middle Eastern Dance" Directory Listing - performers/teachers by location (one of many belly dance sites on the web). Check your local community college, many have belly dance classes Try running searches on any of the major Web search engines with variations on the term "belly dance" and your town or state name. Recommended: Google.
	Coming Eventually!
	Coming Eventually!

Karolinka - Professional Middle Eastern and Greek Belly Dance | Home Performance Schedule | Photo Gallery | Booking | Classes with K More About K | Music | Other Resources | (352)373-4991 | P.O. Box 90332 Gainesville, FL 32607 USA Copyright 2002. You may use images or text from this site, if you please 1) inform our Legal Department, 2) include identifying text next to them on your site and 3) provide a link back to bellydancewithK.com (subject to approval). Thanks!