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Middle Eastern Dance: The Spiritual Connection

© Shira

In fall of 2000, a new book titled The Belly Dance Book made its debut, containing several chapters I had written. Unfortunately, the book was published using an early draft instead of the final version. Here on Suite101, I would like to present to you the chapter the way it was intended to appear in print.

From ancient shamans to energetic gospel choirs, movement has long been integrated into spiritual practices. The Middle East has several traditions of movement for spiritual ends. Many modern-day dancers have incorporated movement into their own spiritual expressions. Some borrow from the traditional Middle Eastern forms, while others apply modern-day dance moves to creating their own new spiritual practices. People often refer to these as "trance dances", but "movement meditations" or "rituals" would be a more accurate description.

Movement Meditation Traditions

Spiritual movement has taken many forms throughout the traditions of the Middle East and northern Africa. People in these regions continue to practice these rituals today. Morocco, from New York City, has spent extensive time in the Middle East studying the dance traditions there, and through her work she has shared her knowledge with the rest of the Western dance community.

Guedra

In Morocco, the Guedra is performed as a ritual of blessing. According to oral tradition, it is many thousands of years old, part of the traditions of a sub-grouping of the nomadic Tuareg known as the Blue People because of the indigo powder they use to dye clothing. This powder also coats their skin as it comes off their apparel, thus literally turning them blue. "Guedra" is the classical Arabic word for the cauldron or cooking pot used by the Blue People. When they stretch a skin over it and beat it, it serves as a drum, also called a "Guedra". Finally, the term "Guedra" also refers to both the blessing ritual and the woman who actually performs it.

The primary physical movements of the Guedra are simple hand and finger flicks. Members of the extended family accompany her with drumming based on the human heartbeat, clapping, and chanting. The repetitive background sounds and movements lead the Guedra and often some of the participants into a trance.

Like many esoteric traditions, the Guedra begins by acknowledging the four points of the compass. She also acknowledges fire (the sun), earth, wind, and water. As the ritual progresses, she may repeat these acknowledgements if she chooses. Most of the ritual involves sending out blessings and good wishes through these finger motions to all present, either in person or in spirit. Over time, the Guedra eventually sinks to her knees and performs the remainder of the ritual from there. When more than one woman is prepared to perform the Guedra, the one who has just finished may move out of the center of the circle to sit on the sidelines while another takes her place. Once started, a Guedra may go on for many hours.

The copyright of the article Middle Eastern Dance: The Spiritual Connection in Middle Eastern Dance is owned by Shira. Permission to republish Middle Eastern Dance: The Spiritual Connection in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.