Aside from the raks-sharki or traditional belly dancing that started in Egypt, another type known as gypsy bellydance from Turkey is making waves nowadays. Classic belly dancing has its roots from Middle Eastern Folkloric dance and believed to have originated from Turkey during the Ottoman Empire. Later, a group of people from other lands like India and Europe combined their own belly dance techniques that later became gypsy bellydancing.

Although gypsy belly dancing is considered as a deviation from the traditional belly dance, it still retains some movements from the original form. Even the old folkloric steps from Middle East are incorporated into the dance program. Aside from this, gypsybelly dance uses the same jargon from the tradiitonal belly dance to identify the movements so same “raks-sharki” moves are familiar. A very distinctive feature found in gypsy belly dancing the liveliness of the dance which requires high spirits and some fast steps. Although traditional belly dance is slow and sensual which makes it very expressive, gypsy belly dance is filled with flair. Usually, additional props such as tambourines, finger cymbals and musical accompaniment from different instruments are usually included. The dancer can use middle Eastern music but with live violin music in the background. Aside from violins and tambourines, the handy guitar can also provided rthythm from the background which really make sthis dance unique. Seeing a gypsy belly dance performance brings memories of country fairs and carnivals that greatly attracted attention of all types of people. Music is more lively and upbeat while the dancer is highly-energetic and entertaining.

Aside from the music and the instruments used, this type of bellydance also uses different costumes. Most often, a gyspy skirt or a frilled skirt is worn by the dancer which is different from the traditional belly dance costume of silk pants or long skirt. Gypssy bellydancing costumes have an extra pizazz on them as swirling ruffles and frills mesmerize the audience just like a flamenco dancer. The skirts are made of heavy fabrics and does not make use of velvet hips scarves with coins. Instead, belts are made of metal or fringe scarves. The top garment of this dance requires an open back that is usually tied by a string as contrasting to “choli tops” that have closed backs in classical belly dance. Apparently, the traditional belly dance does not require tops that expose the back since hips are given much emphasis. When it comes to accessories, gypsy belly dance is more colorful and unique as ethnic jewelry, stones and intricate designs are added to the costume that completes the uniqueness of the dance. Most gypsy belly dancing costumes and accessories are available in online shops. In fact, we are one of the biggest stockists of these products that can fulfill your wish to do belly dance like a gypsy.