BellyDance and Blue People

Well with a new year, (as per the 'wheel of time'), I figured it was time for me to begin something new as well. There was something that I had set out to do a year or so ago, but something else came up and I never made it, so I let the goal sit idle. But in order to overcome my disappointment at another year having flown by so quickly, I decided to revisit my goal. So I can now proudly say, that I have officially begun taking Bellydance lessons! Hooray!

I love everything about the dance, from the beautiful movements, to the exotic costumes to the international flavor of the music. In fact, my house is decorated in an Eastern/Gypsy vibe with Moroccan lanterns, scarves and Buddas....so it was only natural for me to gravitate towards that style of dance. It is sensual, but more than that....I find it expressive and feminine! And I have to admit that it is not easy. My body is a bit sore, but it's worth it.

While doing some research on Bellydancing, I came across something new, that I found rather interesting. Apparently in Morocco, there is an ancient form of the dance called 'Guedra' which is about "Spreading soul's love and peace to the beat of the heart." And to my surprise, I found that it has a few things in common with 'Witches' or perhaps Paganism in general. First of all, a 'Guedra' is actually a cauldron, over which an animal's skin is stretched, to make it into a drum. 'Guedra' is also what the dance is called, and the dance itself is actually a sort of ritual, performed by a female, also known as a 'Guedra'. The word 'Guredra' appears to be quite versatile and multi-functional here.

This dance ritual belongs to the "Blue People" of the Tuareg Berbers in the Sahara desert. They get the name 'Blue People' from the indigo dyed garments that they wear. And they just happen to be a 'Matriarchal' society, which is rather rare in that region of the world. The women go unveiled, while the men cover their faces, due to the belief that evil spirits can gain access to them through the mouth and nose. Women however, already knowing the 'secret of life' because they are the only ones who can conceive and give birth, are assumed to have a natural protection against the evil spirits. The aim of the Guedra is not to exoricse evil spirits, but rather it is to envelop all present with 'good energy', peace and spiritual love, transmitted from the depths of the Guedra's soul through her fingers and hands.

Guedra is a nighttime ritual performed around a fire, under the light of the moon. It is most often performed in a circle to a backdrop of drums, throbbing in a heartbeat rhythm, clapping and chants. The Guedra salutes the four corners with hand to head motions...North, South, East and West. This is followed by obeisances to the four elements....Fire (the sun), Earth, Air and Water. She then touches her abdomen, heart and head, and quickly flicks her fingers towards all present, in life or spirit, sending blessings to them from the depths of her soul's energy. Time is a circle. And the Blue People consider Guedra their direct contact with the elements, spirits and universe.

Of course there are many more elements to this dance and ritual, but essentially, dance is a way of life for them, as it is with many people. They use dance to pray and send blessings, to celebrate harvests, holidays, seasonal changes and births. Many also use dance to meet and court, challenge one another and seal marriages. Dance is assimilated into the normal course of family and tribal life. And it is the ultimate form of the soul's expression. I will enjoy learning this new art form and I will also attempt to envision it as another form of my own soul's expression. Happy Hump Day Everyone!
Photos © Wendy A. (All Rights Reserved)