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 and The Ensemble Sharqi	04:22
102	Rampi-Rampi Chris Kalogerson and The Ensemble Sharqi	04:05
103	Shish-Kabob Chris Kalogerson and The Ensemble Sharqi	02:47
104	Monaagah (Arabian Serenade) Chris Kalogerson and The Ensemble Sharqi	03:49
105	Haso-Eliniko (Greek Hasapiko) Chris Kalogerson and The Ensemble Sharqi	03:15
106	Banat Iskandaria (The Girls of Alexandria) Chris Kalogerson and The Ensemble Sharqi	02:53
201	Raksat Al Souk (Market Dance) Chris Kalogerson and The Ensemble Sharqi	04:18
202	Maharayias (The Maharajah) Chris Kalogerson and The Ensemble Sharqi	04:44
203	Baklava Chris Kalogerson and The Ensemble Sharqi	03:49
204	Opa Chris Kalogerson and The Ensemble Sharqi	03:45
205	Raksat Al Neal (Dance of the Nile) Chris Kalogerson and The Ensemble Sharqi	03:15
206	Mustafa Chris Kalogerson and The Ensemble Sharqi	02:49