Belly dancing is not something I’d always dreamed of doing. In the US, this style of dance has been pretty stigmatized and sexualized. Coming to Turkey, though, where it’s quite popular, my perspective changed a bit.
In Turkey, belly dancing is called oryantal dans and the Turkish style is actually distinct from other variations. At some events like birthdays or weddings, I encountered not belly dancing exactly, but that kind of Turkish social dancing that involves some combination of snapping and shoulder shimmying. I love that style because it’s so accessible – every generation does the same moves and the kids dance right alongside the grandparents. In the US, there isn’t really a standard dancing style that everyone can join in on; wedding dance floors often become breeding grounds for awkward boogie-ing.
Belly dancing actually functions as the social dance of choice in many countries in the Middle East; it’s considered traditional and commonplace. At weddings or other gatherings both men and women of all ages belly dance! (Or at least do some form of it). However, the professional dancers of today have taken this style and made it more of a performance while adding costumes and different moves.
There are lots of controversies surrounding belly dancing, including its sexualization and whether non-Arabs performing belly dance is cultural appropriation. While these are certainly important conversations, I really couldn’t do them justice in this small space. All I can say is that, for me, belly dancing is an interesting and different way to move my body, and I love the rhythms in the music. I miss dancing, which I used to do a lot when I was younger, and learning a different style is a fun and challenging experience. Belly dance is all about isolating different muscles in your body and making small quick movements that somehow magically end up looking graceful (if you’re lucky). Bonus: it’s great for your core and definitely helps the shimmy-challenged (moi).
For foreigners in Istanbul who develop an interest in belly dancing (or always have been keen to try), finding a course that’s suitable for English speakers is really difficult. Luckily, through a friend I found Megan Blackford’s belly dancing classes! Megan began belly dancing at the age of 20 and it was love at first shimmy. Megan has trained with some of the biggest names in the industry and won six gold medals in national dance competitions in her home country of Canada. Megan has been performing and teaching professionally for eight years and is looking forward to continuing here in Istanbul. Megan offers group and private lessons on request as well as performances for special events.
If you sign up for a trial class with Megan and tell her you’re a Yabangee reader, you’ll get 5 TL off your first lesson!
Contact Megan: megan_blackford@hotmail.com
Insider Trading is our new column sharing expats’ secret finds in Istanbul. These recommendations are unsolicited and uncompensated. Have a place you want to share? Send email to emma@yabangee.com.
