Gothic belly dance variations
Within the gothic bellydance style, or Raks Gothique, there are some sub styles or trends, according to the preference of each individual dancer.
For example, some gothic belly dancers add a distinctive burlesque element to their dance; other dancers are inspired by 1920s vamps like they appeared in the movies of that time (see for example Theda Bara). There are gothic belly dancers who prefer 
to emphasise the ritualistic / spiritual elements as portrayed at the beginning of the 20th century by Ruth St. Denis. Also, there is the cyber / techno / industrial trend, with futuristic features.
Gothic bellydance music
Music for this belly dance style is a blend of western Goth music with world music from India and the Middle East. Some musicians, whose music gothic belly dancers dance to, include: Faith and the Muse, Vas, Dead Can Dance, Sisters of Mercy, Solace, Jehan, Collide, Knossos and Gypsy Caravan.
Gothic belly dance DVDs, events and performers
Gothic belly dancers or belly dancers who have experimented with gothic style include: Tempest, Sashi, Ariellah, Asharah, Ya Meena, Jeniviva, Ayshe, Jehan, Tanna, Blanca and Neon.
Gothic belly dance hafla are called gothlas; the first ones were organised in the USA, but there are now gothlas in other countries too, including the UK (see for example the annual Gothla UK in Leicester).
If you would like to learn more, on Amazon it is possible to find performance and instructional gothic belly dance DVDs, such as ‘Gothic Bellydance’ or ‘Gothic Belly Dance Revelations’, both produced by World Dance New York.
Continue to Gothic belly dance Part 1.
