So very glad you enjoyed!!

I hope to work on that very soon

I have a limit on what I can write here in the comments, so I wanted to also say that of course Raqs Sharqi has evolved in places like Egypt and Lebanon and the music changes too, but Raqs Sharqi style will always have that traditional component to it in its orchestration. It may no longer be a full orchestra playing, it could be synthesized but it will follow a structure using more modern sounds like keyboard. You may hear all the rhythms you mentioned within a song used for Raqs Sharqi. The best way to get familiar with it would be to watch those Golden Era dancers and hear the different songs they danced to. We still dance to modern versions or covers of those same songs today. Shabbi would not be considered Raqs Sharqi per se, it is its own style. Also, all the westernized versions of Bellydance like "tribal" are also not Raqs Sharqi. I hope this helps. It can be a bit confusing but over time you will develop an ear for it.

Hello Laura, Sorry for the delay, I was hosting my costa rica retreat.What great questions you have. Raqs Sharqi is specific to Egyptian style bellydance that became famous between the 1930s-1950s when popular dancers were seen in Egyptian musicals and cinema. The music, costuming and dance moves we know today were all inspired by that time. There has been such a craze of bellydance around the world that it has changed a lot from its original format. So we now have many offshoots that no longer resemble Raqs Sharqi in music, costume or movements. Raqs Sharqi is Arab classical music either chosen by dancers or composed for dancers. It characterized by its complex rhythms and melodies known as maqamat, as well as its use of traditional instruments such as the oud, qanun, and nay. Of course in Raqs Sharqi the percussion or rhythm is very important for dancing and is also part of traditional Arab rhythms. Heres a bit more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raqs_sharqi

This set was made from a lovely designer in Italy, Conzia. However ot appears she is not as active these days. Maybe you can find out if she is still creating clothing: https://www.facebook.com/cinziabaraldi.mashalai

Hi Martiza, I love your goal!  You will be an amazing teacher!!!

Hi Cristina,Yes, that is also a possibility. Whatever works best for you. I have found for beginners making a very clear and defined weight transfer and not sharing weight is important.  Once that becomes comfortable putting a little pressure is fine.

❤️

Thank you Miriam Wolf. Keep up the great work

Layers are so exciting!  So happy for you