Is based on the idea of giving people an opportunity to meet with others that love to explore and learn this wonderfully sensual and mystically hypnotic form of dance that Bellydancing is today, bringing the bellydancers in our community together. And most importantly, have fun!
*At the Meetings*
Raffles, shows, mini golf, make your own jewelry , bowling, eating , dancing and much much more!!! And of course we're all ears to any of your ideas! Feel free to contact me TaTa ,or Steve or any of our other assistant organizers at absolutely anytime!
*The Website*
Can't make it to a meeting? No problem! Our website features:Message Board, where you can read our messages, reply, and even start your own discussion! Or go to calendar and see what we're up to! Also we have Photos with pictures of the best events going on in Central Florida! Or you can add your own pictures from events you have attended. And just remember that you don't have to live in Orlando to become a member!
*Is there a membership fee?*
Our group does not have any fee! That's right! You don't have to pay to be part of the fun. The one way you can help your organizer (if you like) is to buy as many raffle tickets as you want or bring a snack and a drink at some of our main meetups. And that's it!
*Where do we meet?* We meet in different places every month to get away from the routine! It could be either a restaurant, or a studio, or any other nice, fun and relaxing venue! Let us know if you have any ideas or know of a cool place to have a MeetUp.
*What to expect*
Dedication, enthusiasm, camaraderie and lots, lots of fun! My name is TaTa and I'm very proud to be the organizer of this group and see how well it is growing day-by-day, Steve, Elisha, Jackie and Grisel are your assistant organizers. Here at the Orlando Bellydance MeetUp Group, you will meet new friends, laugh and make many memories that will be cherished forever. We're very pleased you took a moment to read this and visit our site! If we haven't met yet, we hope we do soon! The place, the music, the feel and of course, the camaraderie, all provide the driving energy and force for this group. Come to one of our meetings and see it for yourself! "Take lots of pictures, and keep all the memories" -That's what the Orlando Bellydance MeetUp Group recommends! We hope this group will be beneficial to everyone. So just Sign up, it's fun and best yet, It's free!!!
Our Bellydancers of the Month! 2007/2008!
Wow! How time flyes! We're already 3 years old and have over 500 members and all because YOU, members, made it happen! And as one of our members herself said: "Just too much fun!!!! " This group has come a long way! This proves that we're a bunch of "bellydanceaholics!!!" "But no meetup group could possibly be successful if not for the sense of enthusiasm and daring of its members."Thanks you guys!!!
Many experts say belly dancing is the oldest form of dance, having roots in all ancient cultures from the orient to India to the mid-East. Probably the greatest misconception about belly dancing is that it is intended to entertain men.
Throughout history, this ritualized expression has usually been performed for other women?generally during fertility rites or parties preparing a young woman for marriage. In most cases, the presence of men is not permitted.
Belly dancing is natural to a woman's bone and muscle structure with movements emanating from the torso rather than in the legs and feet. The dance often focuses upon isolating different parts of the body, moving them independently in sensuous patterns, weaving together the entire feminine form. Belly dancing is generally performed barefoot, thought by many to emphasize the intimate physical connection between the dancer, her expression, and Mother Earth.
Belly dancing costumes are often colorful, flowing garments, accented with flowing scarves and veils. Finger cymbals (made of brass and known as zills) are common, dating back to 200 B. C. as well as exotic jewelry, including intricate belts made of coins that, in earlier days, comprised the family's wealth so that it might be portable in the event the woman needed to move quickly or flee. Other interesting accessories used during the dance are swords, snakes, large vessels, and even huge candelabras, complete with flaming candles.
In America, belly dancing enjoyed its first significant renown when the famous dancer Little Egypt performed at the Chicago World's Fair in 1893. Americans found themselves fascinated by the exotic body rhythms and music, eventually including them in many silent films made just a few years later. Costumes and dancing styles were given a distinctive Hollywood flare and, in turn influenced dancers in the Middle East, thus evolving the art form to a new level. For example, belly dancing with flowing veils hadn't been documented before the 1900s but is now quite popular throughout the world.
Since the turn of the century, belly dancing has grown enormously in popularity across the U. S. and worldwide. Belly dance festivals, workshops, and seminars take place constantly, attracting large audiences of interested, involved men and women. Many dancers now study the art form intensively, traveling to the mid-East and elsewhere to experience it where it originated.
*Satisfaction from achieving new levels of physical mastery *A feeling of camaraderie, community, making new friends *Strengthening, reshaping and renewed acceptance of one's body *Greater freedom and range of self expression *Relief from back pain *Familiarity with different musical styles and cultures *Spending time for yourself *Bringing joy to others *Girl time *Fun Fun Fun!
Let's not forget to thank meetup.com for the wonderful opportunity to network with others worldwide! Become a member of a meetup group of your interest or start your own now!
If Bellydance is your passion, then this is your place to be!!! We are waiting to meet you!