In modern times, the folkloric dances of Arabia have faded into the background of low-grade commercial entertainment inspired by colonial fantasies of harems and scandalous dancers of the “Orient”. Most people today experience what they believe to be Middle Eastern dance at restaurants, clubs, and sideshows, much like where the Western-fantasy was first introduced. The boom in what is seen as a sub-culture has attracted many whose primary objective is to profit from cultural distortion and the objectification of women, with productions and circus-like shows that aim to titillate and entice, directly catering to the lowest common denominator. The genre has in fact been exported back to the Middle East, first as entertainment for colonial officers and settlers, and now as an attraction for tourists seeking to experience “harem dancers” or “the dance of the seven veils”. These commercial endeavors in no way represent the true ancient dances of the Middle East or the rich history of tradition and ceremony of cultural expression. The misnomer “belly dance” is akin to describing ballet as “leg dance” or tap as “foot dance”.

In the 1960’s and 1970’s, particularly in America, many sought to learn and experience authentic Middle Eastern dance by traveling to the region, observing the local dances, and learning the elements and phrases of movement. As a cultural tradition, Middle Eastern dance is rarely taught formally, but rather passed down from one generation to the next (with the exception of a few dance troupes and conservatories). It was these early explorers who introduced some authentic elements of Middle Eastern dance to Western belly dance, and created their own formal instruction process in practice today. Others sought to create a new form of belly dance expression, inspired by both Eastern and Western elements from all over the world, resulting in American Tribal Style belly dance, American Cabaret belly dance, and a melting pot of many sub genres such as goth, gypsy, goddess, etc. Belly dance, with its Western roots, has become a haven for self expression, fusion of genres, and a forum through which women of all shapes and sizes can connect with their feminine identity and sensuality. It has also become a popular form of low-impact exercise, offered at health clubs around the world. Despite appearances, belly dance remains a Western innovation and a fusion form of expression.

Much like the history of Flamenco and Irish Dance, it is incumbent upon us to ensure that the traditional art of Middle Eastern dance is preserved and that its unique language of expression, with all its elements of cultural fusion, is finally properly introduced to the world. A DREAM OF ARABIA™ is a revival of the true ancient art of Middle Eastern dance, fused with elements of global cultures and dances, much like the historic fusion that created it.