By Dania Karina (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-06-13 08:57

Turkish Fatma Sule Sahin is captivated by Chinese dancing traditions as she introduces Turkey's belly dancing to Chinese people.

But Sahin was surprised to discover most foreigners are unaware there exists a distinct genre of Turkish belly dance. They seem to think there is only one style and it originated in Arabic countries. Many people see belly dancing as just another element of the 1001 Arabian Nights, according to Sahin.

The Turkish belly dance is strongly embedded in Turkish culture. It is performed at weddings, birthday celebrations and at gatherings of family and friends. The style evolved from the Turkish folk ciftetelli dance - a slow, languid dance with snake-like arm gestures and sensuous floor movements.

"The two better-known forms of Turkish belly dancing are the belly dance itself, and what we commonly call the Oriental dance, which is the one that is geared to public performances," she says.

The Oriental dance is called Oryantal dans in Turkish. It is a form of belly dancing that is a fusion of Turkish, Arabic, Egyptian and Indian influences.

The Turkish Oriental dance, however, has developed its own distinct flavor. Turkish dancers wear more revealing clothes and are more expressive in their movements. They also use zils or finger cymbals, to create extra rhythm.

"When people hear about belly dancing, they instantly think of the Oriental dance. Many can't distinguish between it and any other."

"I teach the traditional Turkish dance and not the Oriental dance. It is a lot more personal because you can dance any time and without a specified costume," she says.

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