Bellydance Appreciation & The Zhagaroot
- Carmina de Alba
- Nov 1, 2019
- 2 min read
How to be a great audience member.
By tradition, belly dancers love an interactive audience.
The energy of the audience may affect a dancer's performance. Clapping, smiling at the dancer, calling out words of encouragement and admiration, and using the zaghareet are wonderful ways to create the best possible environment for an exhilarating experience.
Clapping to the music or to a particular part of the performance encourages the dancer.
Body language such as smiling, moving to the music, and leaning forward in your seat indicates to the dancer that you are enjoying the performance. Don’t be shy about eye contact.
Voice/Calling Out is appropriate and usually much appreciated: Saying "Nice!" or "Go Girl!" will compliment the dancer. Better yet, use Arabic compliments:
Aiwa (aye-wah) – “Yes” or “We know what you mean”
Habibi (ha-bee-bee) – “Baby” or “Beloved”
Hizzi Hizzi – “Shake, Shake” or “Shake it” (Hizz Ya Wizz – Shake your booty)
Jameela (ja-mee-lah) – “That’s beautiful” (referring to a woman)
Opa: Joyful expression for Turkish or Greek performers. Dancers might also shout this out.
Y’allah (yah-lah) – Slang. Means “Oh, God” or “God help me” but as a slang it also means “Let’s go, Come on, or Give us more”
Ya Helwa (yah el-wah) – “You are beautiful” (Referring to a woman)
The Zhagaroot (or Zhagareet, plural):
Women in the Middle East and North Africa continue the tradition of the zhagaroot, which is a loud trilling that sounds something like "la la la la la...." The sound is made in celebration at weddings, births, and other auspicious events. Women also make this sound while participating in belly dancing as observers.
Women usually cover their mouths while zaghareeting. Some say this prevents evil spirits from entering. Others say its to be polite and cover the inside of the mouth.
There is also hissing, done in appreciation of serpent-like movements.
Tipping is also appropriate and appreciated.
Dancing: the audience can engage after a performance and is encouraged by the performer.
The most important thing is to HAVE FUN!!!
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