Attending a belly dance show in Turkey can be a very enriching experience during your trip, as the musical and folk performances add a relaxed touch to an itinerary rich in cultural visits. If you agree and would like to see one of these dances on one of the days of your tour, please pay attention to the information below.
What we mean by belly dance in Turkey
With uncertain origins but widespread throughout the countries of the Middle East and the Mediterranean Levant, belly dance is a performance that combines rhythm and sensuality. In fact, it is believed these were performances that delighted the sultans in their harems. After the fall of the Ottoman Empire, this dance remained as a cultural expression and an ode to feminine beauty.
Belly dancers in Turkey wear outfits that vary in color and details, but they all share some common elements: they usually wear a long, flowing skirt, with sparkling elements and layers with sheer fabrics (for example, tulle) or slits. And for the upper part, a richly decorated bra with sequins, gemstones, fringes, and similar details.
Therefore, they leave the abdomen exposed, hence the name—an area of the body that they also move with frenetic hip accents in some cases, with undulating movements in others, all in time with the rest of the body.
Where to see a show in Turkey
Seeing belly dance in Turkey is relatively easy, especially in certain cities and tourist destinations, as it is a performance that generates a great deal of interest among international travelers. In such cases, a common option is to buy tickets for a performance with a drink included, or even with dinner included if the organizer is a restaurant.
Without a doubt, the city with the greatest variety is Istanbul. This megalopolis of 15 million inhabitants has numerous theaters where this show is often on the bill, and sometimes even daily. There are also smaller restaurants or venues where the performances are more intimate, for a smaller audience.
In other tourist destinations it is also possible to see belly dance shows. For example, those located on the Aegean coast, such as Kuşadası, or on the Mediterranean coast, such as Antalya. In these cases, they are usually shows arranged by high-end hotels, which may even organize them on their own premises.
By contrast, belly dance is less characteristic and popular in inland, traditional destinations, such as Cappadocia or Konya, where the most traditional dance is not this one but that of the whirling dervishes.
Shows through a trusted agency
It is always more advisable to arrange or book a belly dance show in Turkey through a trusted agency, such as ours, for various reasons. If what you are looking for is to attend a public show independently, it is best to choose carefully, as in some cases the quality or originality is not what one would expect, and in other (few) more extreme cases, the show may turn out to be a real “trap” if the on-stage style goes beyond the expected limits of sensuality. Therefore, relying on the advice of an experienced professional in the city—whether a guide or a personal assistant—is useful to avoid embarrassing situations.
And on the other hand, if the idea is to organize a private, exclusive show, our agency can take care of devising the plan, hiring the dancers, and providing a suitable space for the experience. So, whatever the idea, do not hesitate to discuss it with our agents so that we can include a performance in your tour.
