![]() "Let's get into what makes the Moroccan Guedra and the Egyptian Zar so compelling for today's modern Bellydancer!" Photo of author, Ansuya Rathor 'Tis the Gothic Season!Clip of author, Ansuya Rathor, randomly responding to street art in Lake Worth, FL. Halloween is coming, which means many of the things I’m up to year round, now become common practice for the season. Gothic dress, paranormal intrigue, rituals, and wild dance parties are all a year-round weekly thing for me. So, in October, I’m inspired to venture into the wilder regions of my already rarified and fantastical genre of dance. Here is where we embark on a magic carpet ride to Morocco and Egypt to explore the empowering aspects of Guedra and Zar trance dances for their exalting power and otherworldly supernatural intrigue! This has got to be one the most unique and memory making ways to celebrate Halloween and Day of the Dead for the modern minded xenophile! Not to mention a rather scandalous way to view a hot bed of hot topics – all rolled into one party! Image found on Google Did You Say Party?Yes… but are these dances to be considered “party tricks” or how everyone “gets down” on the weekend in the cultures that they hail from? Yes and no. They do sometimes appear as a form of theatricalized entertainment at shows, festivals or gatherings that involve food, drink, socializing and relaxation. However, theses dances are also called upon in times of serious health crisis or as part of a religious ceremony. Some native practitioners are eager to share their knowledge and skills freely to promote and educate in order to support their culture. And some prefer these traditions to remain hidden, unseen and unchanged by foreign eyes or practitioners. So, let’s get into what makes them so compelling for today’s modern Bellydancer! "They do do sometimes appear as a form of theatricalized entertainment at shows, festivals or gatherings." This video beckons us to visit the Taralgate Festival in Morocco. This festival has featured the Guedra. See video below. A small taste of some of the movements of the Guedra as seen at the Taralgate festival in Morocco. |
About Author- Ansuya Rathor is a superstar of Bellydance, a certified Yoga instructor, and a writer who loves to share the empowerment that comes from unleashing the goddess within with women around the world! Archives
January 2023
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