Gothic belly dance
Gothic bellydance, also known as Raks Gothique, or abbreviated as GBD, is a relatively new phenomenon that started in the 1990s in the USA. Gothic belly dance blends the gothic culture with both cabaret and tribal style belly dance.
Gothic belly dance movements
The dance vocabulary of Raks Gothique incorporates elements of belly dance (tribal and cabaret) with some influences of various world styles, such as flamenco, Indian dance and gypsy. However, gothic belly dancers add an aura of intensity and drama to their performances, to express the mysteries of life, death and eternity according to gothic philosophy. Gothic belly dance performances are trance like and emotionally intense.
Raks Gothique can be performed in a group or as a solo and improvisation is considered very important. Mostly, gothic belly dancers like spontaneity and prefer at least an element of improvisation to a strictly choreographed 
routine.
Gothic bellydance costumes
Gothic belly dance costumes are inspired by 1920s Art Nouveau, punk, Victorian fashion, Cyber, medieval and ethnic.
There are some elements that are a must in every gothic belly dance costume, such as:
- Lace and fishnet.
- Metallic elements, like ethnic silver jewellery, chains and/or punk spikes.
- Dark colours. Black is predominant, but some accents of purple, dark red, metal or other similar tones may be present.
- Heavy make up, especially accentuating the eyes and the lips.
- Hair style: gothic belly dancers usually dye their hair and add unusual elements to it, such as various ornaments and fake hair.
BUY this DVD from our USA Shop or from our UK Shop
Continue to Gothic belly dance part 2: styles, music, dancers, events and DVDs
