Where does sword dancing come from?
Sword dancing, or Raks al sayf, was not a widespread dance style in the Middle East. Men in Egypt performed a dance called el ard, a martial arts dance involving upraised swords, but women were not widely known to use swords as props during their dancing. Here in America and in other western countries, sword dancing is much more common anddue to its dramatic naturevery captivating. Dancing with a sword illustrates the strength and power of a woman, as well as her poise and balance. Note: Belly dance swords must be specially balanced and are usually dull to protect the audience. Also, should you use a sharp sword, depending on your local laws, that might qualify as a weapon!
