Saidi dress belly dance

Types of Saidi dress belly dance

A Saidi dress belly dance is a long, traditional dress with a fitted upper part and a flared lower part. It is accompanied by a headscarf and a cane. The attire is worn specifically for the performance of the folk dance of Egypt known as the Saidi dance, which originates from the southern regions of Egypt. The dance is characterized by the use of canes or sticks by men and women in a rhythmic dance involving hip and shoulder movements. Here are some types of Saidi dresses:

• Traditional Long Dress: This dress is the most conventional and typical form of the Saidi dress used in the Saidi belly dance. It is long, covering the whole body but with a tight upper part that allows for freedom of movement and a flared lower part. The dress is accompanied by a headscarf and a cane. The dance involves lots of hip movements, and the long dress sways along with the dancer's hips, creating a beautiful visual effect.
• Modern Short Dress: The modern short Saidi dress is much shorter than the traditional one, coming down to the knees only. It is more fitted, with a tighter lower part. This dress is mainly used in performances and is not suitable for everyday use. The short dress allows the dancer to perform more complicated steps since the dress does not obstruct movement. The short length also allows the audience to see the dancer's legs, which are very active in this style of belly dance.
• Embroidered Dress: The embroidered Saidi dress is another type of Saidi belly dance dress. Embroidery, especially on the sleeves and neckline, gives this dress a more traditional look. This dress is suitable for those who enjoy classical styles. The embroidery also adds texture and visual interest to the dress, making it more eye-catching on stage. The traditional long design combined with intricate embroidery makes this dress a favorite among many dancers who appreciate the craftsmanship involved in the embroidery.
• Beaded Dress: Beads are incorporated into the beaded Saidi dress, which gives it a glitzy and glamorous look. Beads are mainly found on the bodice and the hem of the dress. This dress is ideal for those who prefer a modern and sophisticated look. The beads catch the light and create a sparkling effect, which is particularly stunning in stage performances under lights. The beading process is meticulous and requires a lot of attention to ensure that the beads are evenly placed and securely attached to the dress.
• Split-Dress: The split Saidi dress has a high slit that allows the dancer to show some skin. It is a modern dress with a more provocative look. The slit adds drama to the dance and is suitable for those who want to bring a bit of sexiness into their performance. This style is particularly appealing to audiences who appreciate contemporary interpretations of traditional dances. The high slit, however, requires the dancer to be confident and skilled to execute the moves gracefully without compromising the elegance that the slit aims to portray.

Design of Saidi dresses for belly dance

The Saidi style dresses have various designs that suit the dancers' desires. Here are some of the key design elements:

• Top design

  The top design of the Saidi dress is made of two parts. The bodice is tightly fitted to the upper body. It's usually low-cut in the front and back with long sleeves. The sleeves are sheer and they have decorations. The sleeves may also be short and fitted. They end at the wrists. The midriff part is left bare to show strength and control of the muscles. The belly part has the most elaborate decorations. It has beads, sequins, and coins. The decorations help in making sounds when dancing. The skirt part is separate and attached at the waist. It has a belt that holds the skirt and keeps it from falling off when moving. The top design enhances the dancer's movements and highlights the cultural aspects.

• Skirt design

  The skirt of the Saidi dress is long and flows to the ground. It has two layers that create a shape. The top layer is light and has a slight ruffle. The bottom layer is heavier and adds volume. The skirt has a split in the front that shows the legs when dancing. The split goes up to the thigh. The waist is high and accentuates the hips. There is a belt with coins that jingle when moving. The skirt design is practical for the Saidi style of dance. It allows the dancer to move freely and produce sounds with its bells and coins. The skirt looks good on stage and draws the audience's attention to the dancer's movements.

• Color and fabric

  Saidi dresses come in vibrant colors. Bright red, green, and blue are common. The fabrics used are cotton and silk. Cotton is airy and light. It keeps the dancer cool. Silk has a smooth texture and shines. It enhances the dress's look. The sleeves are long and flow to the wrists. They may have sheer fabrics that show the arms. The bodice has beads and sequins that catch light and draw the eye. The skirt has two layers that create a shape. The first layer is light, and the second is heavier. Together, they add volume and movement. The dress is practical for the dance and highlights the cultural aspects of the Saidi style.

• Embellishments

  Saidi dresses have various adornments that enhance their beauty. They include beads, sequins, coins, and embroidery. Beads and sequins make the dress sparkle. They reflect light in different ways. Coins are attached to the skirts and tops. They jingle with each move, adding sound to the dance. Embroidery forms patterns on the fabric. It tells stories and shows the skill of the maker. These embellishments serve practical and aesthetic purposes. They help the dancer by creating sounds and drawing the audience's attention to the movements and the culture of the Saidi.

Wearing/Matching suggestions of saidi dress for belly dance

Matching a Saidi dress for a belly dance performance involves attention to detail to ensure a cohesive and authentic look. Here are some wearing and matching suggestions:

When wearing the Saidi dress, pairing it with a beaded bra is ideal. The bra complements the dress and highlights the dancer’s upper body. Go for a bra that fits perfectly and has beads or sequins that match the dress fabrics. The hip belt is another essential accessory that should be worn with the Saidi dress. Choose a belt that has coins or beads since it produces sound when the dancer moves, adding to the performance’s rhythm. Ensure the belt fits well on the dancer’s hips and does not slide down during movement.

Accompanying the Saidi dress with a matching headpiece is a great way to honor traditional Egyptian belly dance. Opt for a headpiece with beads or sequins that correspond to the dress and bra. A veil can also be added for a more traditional and elegant look. It should be attached to the headpiece or held in one hand while dancing.

Makeup and hair also need to be considered when wearing and matching the Saidi dress. Style the hair in a way that complements the dress, such as braids adorned with beads. Alternatively, put the hair up in a bun and decorate it with flowers or a headpiece. The makeup should be bold and dramatic, focusing on the eyes and lips. Use dark eyeliner, smoky eyeshadow, and red or deep-colored lipstick to create a striking appearance.

Lastly, consider the shoes when wearing and matching the Saidi dress. Wear dance shoes with a flexible sole that allows easy movement. Ensure the shoes are comfortable and provide adequate support for the feet during the performance. If the dress is long, consider wearing shoes with a low heel to avoid tripping over the fabric.

Q&A

Q1: What are the essential components of a Saidi dance?

A1: The Saidi dance includes the following key components: strong hips, chest, and shoulder movements, with a focus on the cane or stick. The men move in a masculine way, while the women move in a feminine way. There are two levels of the hips: the upper level moves in a circular way, and the lower level moves side to side. The chest and shoulders move in a strong, powerful way. The arms are long and extended, giving the dance a vertical look.

Q2: What is the purpose of the Saidi dress in the performance?

A2: The Saidi dress serves several purposes in performance. It allows for free movement of the hips, a must for executing the dance's many hip movements. The long sleeves and high neckline offer modesty, while the long, flowing skirt adds to the dance's visual appeal. The fitted bodice enhances the dancer's ability to isolate and move various body parts, particularly the upper body, adding to the performance's overall expression and authenticity.

Q3: Can the Saidi dress be worn for other forms of belly dancing?

A3: Yes, the Saidi dress can be worn for other forms of belly dancing. Its design and style are appropriate for various Egyptian folkloric dances and other forms of belly dance. However, some specific dances might have particular costumes that better suit their unique movements and style. Generally, the Saidi dress's capacity to facilitate hip and upper body movements makes it suitable for many belly dance forms.

Q4: Where did the Saidi dress and dance originate?

A4: The Saidi dress and dance originated in Upper Egypt, particularly in the Sa'id region. This area is known for its unique folkloric dances and music, with the Saidi dance being one of the most prominent. The region's cultural heritage has significantly influenced the dance's style and the design of its costumes, particularly the long, traditional dresses worn by women performers.