Raqs Sharqi Description

The movement of Raqs Sharqi is almost diametricaly opposite to most other forms of movement. Its expression is featured in what is not seen physically. The body part that is in motion in not the body part that is engaged. There are some lines that have been influenced by Europe, but in a more grounded and gravity bound form.

Effortlessness and subtlety are what is strived for. It is important that emotion and nuance attached to the music shines forth past any physicality. The use of strength and muscularity are discouraged and said to diminish the audience's experience of Tarab (bliss created by music). It is the artist's objective to give the audience a feeling of melting and bliss, or pure emotion that is both happy and sad at the same time.

If the audience can recognize what is happening physically, then the objective has not been fulfilled. If the audience only remembers magic, not steps, then the dance artist(s) has succeeded.