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Quiz about The Sensual Art of Middle Eastern Dance

The Sensual Art of Middle Eastern Dance Quiz

Middle Eastern Dance is a very misunderstood art form. Test YOUR knowledge of this beautiful and sensual dance.

A multiple-choice quiz by grazel. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Author
grazel

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
132,299

Updated
Nov 19 23

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
7 / 10

Plays
823

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. Middle Eastern dance goes by many different names. Which of the following terms is considered acceptable by most dancers? Hint

All of these

Raqs sharqi

Oriental dance

Oryantal tansi

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Question 2 of 10

2. "Belly dance" is another term for Middle Eastern dance accepted by most dancers.

True

False

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Question 3 of 10

3. Dancing is a way to visually express music. What part of a Middle Eastern dancer's anatomy does she (or he) rely on the most? Hint

Abdomen

Arms

Chest

Hips

4. When most people think of a "belly" dancer, chances are they envision a sultry woman clad in sparkly bra and matching belt, swirling skirts and diaphanous veil. What do dancers call the bra and belt? Hint

Bedlah

Harem outfit

Sultana suit

Beladi

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Question 5 of 10

5. Dancers in Egypt are required by law to keep their bellies covered while performing.

True

False

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Question 6 of 10

6. The origin of Middle Eastern dance remains a mystery, although dance researches and historians have put forth many theories. One interesting theory holds that a tribe of nomadic people brought the dance out of India to the Middle East. Who are these wandering People?

Answer: (The common name for these people came from the European name for Egypt.)

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Question 7 of 10

7. Many dancers choose to play small instruments on their fingers while performing. What are they called? Hint

Sagat

All of these

Zils

Finger cymbals

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Question 8 of 10

8. Many dancers use "props", such as veils, when performing. Which of the following is NOT a prop? Hint

Snake

Fruit

Sword

Candelabrum

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Question 9 of 10

9. The ideal physique for a Middle Eastern dancer consists of wide hips, narrow waist, and large bust.

True

False

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Question 10 of 10

10. Men typically don't dance in the Middle East.

True

False

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Middle Eastern dance goes by many different names. Which of the following terms is considered acceptable by most dancers?

Answer: All of these

"Raqs Sharqi" is Arabic for "eastern dance", commonly translated as "Oriental dance". In previous centuries Europeans referred to the region we know as the Middle East as the "Orient". "Oryantal tansi" is the Turkish expression.

2. "Belly dance" is another term for Middle Eastern dance accepted by most dancers.

Answer: False

Although many dancers in the western world use this term, nowhere in the Middle East (including North Africa and the Mediterranean) is the dance called "belly dance".

3. Dancing is a way to visually express music. What part of a Middle Eastern dancer's anatomy does she (or he) rely on the most?

Answer: Hips

Yes, we do dance with our bellies (though not as much as you might think). When it comes to fully expressing the music, the hips are it.

Answer: Bedlah

Bedlah is only one of many costume options for the Middle Eastern dancer. Many of us eschew baring our midriff, choosing instead to wear folkloric, historic, or more modern caberet style outfits that cover more than a bra and belt.

5. Dancers in Egypt are required by law to keep their bellies covered while performing.

Answer: True

When faced with this restrictive law, clever dancers began wearing "shabaka". A shabaka is a (usually) flesh-colored, see-through stocking that fits over a dancer's abdomen, giving her the appearance of wearing nothing while at the same time adhering to the law.

Answer: Gypsies

Rroma still perform in Egypt and Turkey to this day. Incidently, most Rroma dislike the term "Gypsy", as it is often used in a derogatory manner.

7. Many dancers choose to play small instruments on their fingers while performing. What are they called?

Answer: All of these

Finger cymbals are known in Egypt as "sagat" and in Turkey as "zila" or "zils".

8. Many dancers use "props", such as veils, when performing. Which of the following is NOT a prop?

Answer: Fruit

Performing with snakes and swords is an American invention (although some Orientalist paintings depict women dancing with swords). Dancing with a candelabrum on your head, known as raqs shemadan, is an Egyptian tradition often performed for newlyweds.

9. The ideal physique for a Middle Eastern dancer consists of wide hips, narrow waist, and large bust.

Answer: False

There is no "ideal" physique. Middle Eastern dance can be performed beautifully by women of any size, shape, and age.

10. Men typically don't dance in the Middle East.

Answer: False

Middle Eastern dance is a folk dance that has evolved into a performance art. And to quote a very famous and talented American dancer, Morocco, "The last time I checked, men were folks too!".

Source: Author grazel

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor Bruyere before going online.
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