{"id":4403,"date":"2012-09-02T18:31:22","date_gmt":"2012-09-03T01:31:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.gildedserpent.com\/cms\/?p=4403"},"modified":"2012-09-02T18:32:34","modified_gmt":"2012-09-03T01:32:34","slug":"marwa-dance-community-chile","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.gildedserpent.com\/cms\/2012\/09\/02\/marwa-dance-community-chile\/","title":{"rendered":"An Emerging Dance Community \/ Una Emergente Comunidad de Danza"},"content":{"rendered":"

Chile\u2019s Belly Dance Scene \/ La Escena de la Danza Oriental en Chile<\/h2>\n

\"Map<\/p>\n

by Marwa<\/a>
\nposted September 2, 2012
\nClick for article in Spanish \/ Haga clic para art\u00edculo en espa\u00f1ol<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\n

Before portraying for you the status of Oriental dance in Chile, I feel that it is extremely important to highlight the fact that this country has one of the largest Palestinian communities in the entire world that is now accompanied by a Syrian, Lebanese, and a small (but growing) Egyptian community. <\/p>\n

The Palestinians immigrants began arriving at the end of the 19th century; additionally, a great wave of immigration was registered between 1910 and 1920, and it has kept growing until even our current days.<\/p>\n

This community of immigrants, among whom many were professionals, established itself as an important economic group in Chile, and Arabic people may be found nowadays in politics, art, mass media, sports and culture.<\/p>\n

It is the Palestinians and their descendants who have planted the original seeds of our fondness and love for both Arabic music and dance, through the Dabkah and also through the Oriental Dance. From this limited community, arose the first Arabic orchestra, called Conjunto Oriente<\/span>, that is in existence until today. Additionally, there is a famous master teacher, (who will soon be celebrating 35 years of dance and teaching) named Teresa Saba<\/span>, who has trained many of the most famous dancers and teachers that our country of Chile is proud to claim. <\/p>\n

Additionally, there are other instructors who appear to be channeling types of Bellydance that have been influenced by dance in the USA; also, there is another one that is being influenced by Argentina, as well as the colors and perspective of American Tribal Style and tribal fusion–to mention the most recognized influences that exist here.<\/p>\n

Just as has happened in other parts of the world, hundreds of people are drawn to this enthralling, special dance. Many of them do not intend to actually dance, but to watch it for its beauty and to listen to its distinctive music. TV programs, magazines, newspapers and radio programs in Chile have referred to Oriental dance and its physical and emotional benefits; its popularity is undeniable!<\/p>\n

\"TeresaThrough the year, especially in our capital city of Santiago, there are numerous events such as national and international festivals, competitions and events from different components of the community that feature our Arabic bands, dancers, companies and troupes. It should be noted, though, that this happens mostly in the capital area–a lack that presents a problem needing to be solved–but gradually, change is already happening.<\/p>\n

Our thanks go to Teresa Saba and also to the work of Ximena Mart<\/span> (who was the first teacher to engage and organize an international workshop here) together with the late master teacher Shokry Mohammed<\/span> in 1996. Through their efforts, we can see how much interest in Oriental and Middle Eastern dance has grown in our country, in terms of education, styles, quality, and artistic opportunity.<\/p>\n

Nowadays, Chile has a wide range of first-class teachers, many of whom travel regularly to perfect and improve themselves as dancers and teachers. Some of them have created virtual and paper magazines, TV and radio programs, and boutiques where we dance enthusiasts can find everything needed to teach, rehearse, and perform.<\/p>\n

However, I believe it is only fair to note that, just like everywhere else in the world, there are dancers and teachers who, for various reasons, continue to bring discredit upon our dance form as well as to contribute to detracting from our real feminine essence of generosity and warmth that should exist in a professional community of women who love the dance. I feel compelled to say that many recognized teachers, as well as quite a few students and dancers, including many of them who have chosen to keep a lower profile, are working together to raise the level of this dance; that effort includes not dancing just anywhere that is possible, choosing our costumes correctly, choosing a more thorough education, but teaching and studying all arts related to this dance form.<\/p>\n

To sum it all up, Chile is a country that is developing conscientiously and emerging as a country with independent thought and perspectives regarding dance art and body expression. Arabic dance will not be left behind as a poor stepsister as it has been in the past! <\/p>\n

Therefore, if you ever come to Chile, I encourage you to try these resources:<\/p>\n

\u00a0Directory of Teachers and more (in Spanish):<\/p>\n