Any good middle eastern and north african dance styles?

Question

I'm a male and I am fascinated with the culture of the middle east and north africa. Are there any good dance styles from that region that are somewhat masculine and that you could perform by yourself in a resturaunt or club? We all know of belly dancing and I read somewhere that many men in those regions (especially Turkey) still belly dance. The problem is my mom doesn't want me to be belly dancing so is there any style that is just as amazing and dazzling as belly dancing but performed by men. Also, if you have any links to sites that have information or show how to perform the dance style, please post them. Thank y'all so much. BTW, I'm already aware of the stick dance and whirling dervishes and those aren't as fun to watch as a belly dancer. I also know about moroccan tray dancing, but I can't find any information on it.

Answer 1

Hmm... I'd recommend looking for folk dance classes (egyptian, lebanese, greek, etc.). Some of what you'll learn will have a lot in common with the more formalized oriental ("belly") dance you're not allowed to take. Universities often have folk dance clubs. Debke is a very masculine dance (although women do it too sometimes), which uses a lot of stomping. Really dramatic.

I'm sorry your mom won't let you bellydance. If she does change her mind, make sure that you find a teacher who has taught men before. Men have a higher center of gravity than women, and so you may need different posture guidance than female students, to avoid hurting your back.


Good luck!

Answer 2

i took a mozambique(african) dance thing for a day and..it was pretty masculine but u need a drum for the music

Answer 3

aferican dance is good to dance but it hers some direction. whiles middle eastern is simple

Answer 4

DANDIYA.....watch this movie bride and predijuice (or something) i luv that kind of dance

Answer 5

Sure is and they sound right up your street fellah!