Entertainment

Byblos is pleased to present live Belly Dancer Entertainment every Friday, and Saturday night throughout the Restaurant, Bar and Lounge. Shows are at 8pm and 9pm. Unwind to lively entertainment or join our Dancers for a few moves.

What is Belly Dancing?

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.