Belly Dancing for Everyone

Belly dance—a Western term for “solo, improvised dances based on torso articulation”—is performed in the Middle East as a social or folk dance and as performance art. This recording, subtitled “Basic Rhythms for Beginners to Advanced,” is a collection of ten instrumental melodies originating in Greece, North Africa, and the Middle East. Performed by the Ensemble Sharqi under the direction of percussionist Chris Kalogerson, the music provides a range of rhythms from the slow to medium Tsifte–Telli to the upbeat rhythms of Debka and Karsilama. The oud (an 11–stringed instrument) and bouzoukee (a metal–stringed instrument), coupled with violin, clarinet, and flute, give this recording its distinctive Middle Eastern sound.

Track Listing

101	Raksat Ala Al Oud (Dance to the Oud Sound)	Chris Kalogerson Ensemble	04:22
102	Rampi-Rampi	Chris Kalogerson Ensemble	04:05
103	Shish-Kabob	Chris Kalogerson Ensemble	02:47
104	Monaagah	Chris Kalogerson Ensemble	03:49
105	Haso-Eliniko	Chris Kalogerson Ensemble	03:15
106	Banat Iskandaria	Chris Kalogerson Ensemble	02:53
201	Raksat Al Souk	Chris Kalogerson Ensemble	04:18
202	Maharayias	Chris Kalogerson Ensemble	04:44
203	Baklava	Chris Kalogerson Ensemble	03:49
204	Opa	Chris Kalogerson Ensemble	03:45
205	Raksat Al Neal	Chris Kalogerson Ensemble	03:15
206	Mustafa	Chris Kalogerson Ensemble	02:49