| Belly dancing in Istanbul is big business for the tourism | | | | not easy to play four cymbals and dance at the |
| market. The nightclubs of Istanbul offer belly dancing | | | | same time. |
| shows that are special for tourists to the country. It | | | | There are not as many restrictions on Turkish belly |
| is not just meant for the tourists, however. Belly | | | | dancers as there are on Egyptian dancers. There are |
| dancing has been a part of Istanbul's culture and | | | | restrictions on the movements that the belly dancers |
| tradition for centuries. It has changed over time, but | | | | in Egypt may perform. There are no such restrictions |
| the dance that is seen today has its roots in culture | | | | in Turkey and you will frequently see dancers using |
| and history of a rich and diverse country. | | | | pelvic thrusts among other restricted moves. The |
| Belly dancing in Turkey has many characteristics that | | | | dances of Turkey are very energetic and physically |
| make it unique to this country. It started out as a | | | | challenging while other countries use a more slow |
| dance that was meant for women to view. It has its | | | | dance. |
| roots in ancient fertility rituals. Women in Turkey | | | | The Modern World |
| danced for the benefit of other women. | | | | Belly dancing is an integral part of Turkish culture |
| The Costumes | | | | today. Weddings will often have a belly dancer |
| The costume that is traditionally worn in Turkey has | | | | perform at the celebration. Circumcision ceremonies |
| a long skirt with very high slits. The leg is shown off | | | | are another venue for a belly dancer. There are a |
| and emphasized in a Turkish belly dance routine. The | | | | number of famous and celebrated belly dancers in |
| belly dancers of other countries will typically perform | | | | Turkey. They appear on television and all over the |
| their routines without shoes or anything on their feet, | | | | country performing their art form. |
| but in Turkey it is quite different. Although some of | | | | Turkish and Egyptian belly dancing are dramatically |
| the dancers wear a slipper for their dance routines, | | | | different. When you get a chance to view a Turkish |
| many women wear high heels and platform style | | | | belly dancing performance you will be taken away by |
| shoes. | | | | the show. It is a show that is based on flexibility, |
| A Turkish belly dancer will often play finger symbols | | | | grace and great showmanship. It will be a fun time |
| while they are performing their dance routine. These | | | | for everyone when you decide to take in a show. Be |
| tiny cymbals are called zils. It has been said that the | | | | careful, when you view a show you might just want |
| skill of a dancer can be determined by her ability to | | | | to learn this art form yourself. |
| dance and play these cymbals at the same time. It is | | | | |