What is Gothic Belly Dance - The Complete FAQ

What Defines the Dance...

Attitude of Movement:
Gothic Belly Dancers access the whole vocabulary of moves found in belly dance, but more often than not, there is an additional aura to the performance. Some of things you'll see in Gothic Belly Dance: a trance-like feeling to the movements, a mysterious, sultry, and/or passionate intensity to facial expression and actions, often the use of mudras (sacred hand gestures) and other classical Indian dance accents, unabashed use of floorwork, and the application of ritual elements. A more Industrial or Cyber performance will often feature harder accents to traditional movements, incorporating moves from the Gothic club scene (what we often like to call "stompy! stompy! moves). And yes, there's a very specific kind of dance found on the Gothic dancefloor. If this is news to you, you've probably never been to one---but if you visited on in San Francisco, New York, Chicago, and everywhere in between and beyond (I've got confirmations in the UK, Australia, and Japan), you'll see a similar grasp of the music.

Also, it becomes clearly apparent to the viewer that a story is unfolding before their eyes. This storytelling is the result of consideration for the movements made and the purpose and intent of the performance.

Going Deeper...
Gothic Belly Dance is a complete entity, from all sides. It's not just dancing to "gothic" music in bedlah, or dressing goth and dancing to standard/traditional Middles Eastern music...and believe it or not, it's not just looking the part and dancing to gothic music either---there is a third element that is vital to the performance: a sense of theatrics, emotional intensity, drama, and purpose. The Gothic Belly Dancer part actress, part vamp, part gypsy, part rebel, part sorceress, and part priestess---and all focused on a known or perhaps unknown (occult) intent. I would liken this third element to phenomenon known as duende in flamenco: a possessive, present, yet ethereal spirit/power, where both the dancer and subsequently, the audience, fall under its spell.

(does the dancer perform the dance, or does the dance, dance the dancer?)
How does one achieve this state? Well, it tends to fall into the realm of you only know when you see it or it happens to you. But that's not much help, so we'll outline a pattern elements that coax it:
-the dancer's connection to the music...being able to know, not just mentally, but instinctively with your body--the accents as well as the subtle undertones.
-to know your body and feel the metaphysical connection between the body, spirit, and soul.
-allowing spontaneity and interaction. Gothic Belly Dance is very "in the moment" and doesn't necessarily rely on a strict choreography. There has to be room to feel the music while it's happening, not just by planning ahead. While you're out there, anything is subject to change.


	What Defines the Dance... Attitude of Movement: Gothic Belly Dancers access the whole vocabulary of moves found in belly dance, but more often than not, there is an additional aura to the performance. Some of things you'll see in Gothic Belly Dance: a trance-like feeling to the movements, a mysterious, sultry, and/or passionate intensity to facial expression and actions, often the use of mudras (sacred hand gestures) and other classical Indian dance accents, unabashed use of floorwork, and the application of ritual elements. A more Industrial or Cyber performance will often feature harder accents to traditional movements, incorporating moves from the Gothic club scene (what we often like to call "stompy! stompy! moves). And yes, there's a very specific kind of dance found on the Gothic dancefloor. If this is news to you, you've probably never been to one---but if you visited on in San Francisco, New York, Chicago, and everywhere in between and beyond (I've got confirmations in the UK, Australia, and Japan), you'll see a similar grasp of the music. Also, it becomes clearly apparent to the viewer that a story is unfolding before their eyes. This storytelling is the result of consideration for the movements made and the purpose and intent of the performance. Going Deeper... Gothic Belly Dance is a complete entity, from all sides. It's not just dancing to "gothic" music in bedlah, or dressing goth and dancing to standard/traditional Middles Eastern music...and believe it or not, it's not just looking the part and dancing to gothic music either---there is a third element that is vital to the performance: a sense of theatrics, emotional intensity, drama, and purpose. The Gothic Belly Dancer part actress, part vamp, part gypsy, part rebel, part sorceress, and part priestess---and all focused on a known or perhaps unknown (occult) intent. I would liken this third element to phenomenon known as duende in flamenco: a possessive, present, yet ethereal spirit/power, where both the dancer and subsequently, the audience, fall under its spell. (does the dancer perform the dance, or does the dance, dance the dancer?) How does one achieve this state? Well, it tends to fall into the realm of you only know when you see it or it happens to you. But that's not much help, so we'll outline a pattern elements that coax it: -the dancer's connection to the music...being able to know, not just mentally, but instinctively with your body--the accents as well as the subtle undertones. -to know your body and feel the metaphysical connection between the body, spirit, and soul. -allowing spontaneity and interaction. Gothic Belly Dance is very "in the moment" and doesn't necessarily rely on a strict choreography. There has to be room to feel the music while it's happening, not just by planning ahead. While you're out there, anything is subject to change.
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