About Bellydance and Flamenco
BELLYDANCE is originally called Raks sharki (or raqs sharqi)in Arabic, which literally translates to "oriental dance." There are many theories regarding the origin of the dance. As the ancient cultures were highly based on oral traditions, there are almost no written records regarding bellydance. It is conjectured that people danced using "bellydance" movements during important events, parties, and even as palace entertainment, as most regional and folklorique dances across Asia Minor and East Asia were observed to have played such roles in history.
The most agreed perspective is that bellydance is a folkloric dance, where its elements (or signature movements) are commonly observed in vast regions of Middle East and Northern Africa. The Roma people (known as Gypsies) are credited to have brought the dance from Rajasthan along with their journey through the Middle East, Eastern Europe, North Africa, and Spain. The Roma people take credit for the development of related dances, such as classical Indian dance forms and flamenco. There are many dances that form the repertoire of "Middle Eastern Dance" that are not the typical "bellydance," such as the Lebanese debke, Persian dance, and many diverse forms of regional dances stretching from the Middle East and North Africa. Even if bellydance is seen in many different cultures (most common forms being Egyptian, Turkish, Lebanese, and Greek), there are notable differences in costuming, use of energy, projection of feeling, and the overall expression.
Bellydance in the present has been highly influenced by ballet, jazz, and other Western dance forms, which is clearly seen even in the costuming. The typical glittery beaded bra and belt set (bedlah) is a relatively modern invention which started in the United States and Egypt in the 1930's. In the past, dancers traditionally wore fully covered tunics (caftans) with a simple hip sash to accentuate the hip movements. Nowadays, the caftan is mostly used as a cover-up for the costume, prior to and post performance. As well, nowadays, it is common to see bellydance in stage. In the past, bellydance has almost exclusively been a people's dance, much like the contemporary club or social dancing. Other forms that have branched out of North American bellydance are American Tribal Style (ATS) and Tribal Fusion, which stand out for notably dark, goth like elements in costuming and use of untraditional, often non-Middle Eastern music.
FLAMENCO has historically remote, yet common roots with bellydance due to being a dance form accredited to the Roma people. Andalucía, the Southern Region of Spain, is the home of flamenco. The Roma people used flamenco song, music, and dance to express their sorrows, and some joys of life, while being outcasted and prosecuted for centuries. The flamenco song form has heavy influence of Jewish, Castilian, Arabic poetry and song forms. Typically there is a singer, guitarist, palmista (person doing hand clapping to keep beat and create interesting percussive effect), and a dancer. As most dance forms, flamenco has evolved immensely in the last few decades with modern influence, but the traditional flamenco - the deep songs - still continue to hold a strong place in the discipline.