Belly Dancing With Snakes

Snakes... you either love them or you fear them. Snakes are primordial and mysterious. They have been linked in a negative way to the underworld and in a positive way with life force and renewal. Snakes have fascinated people for thousands of years.

Throughout the world, tribal religion and art features the serpent as a symbol of great power, regeneration and inspiration. Many ancient tribes honored the MOTHER OF CREATION in the form of a serpent, paying tirbute to her eternal wisdom and ageless mystique. This was a vas influence in the origin of belly dance. At the lovely Hathor's temple at Dendarah, Egypt, in the innermost shrine, are long wavy serpents carved in black basalt and featured in places of honor among the other power symbols. For several millenia the caduceus, two snakes intertwining up an eternal flame or winged staff, has been widely used in the medical and healing professions.

In the pre-Christian era, snakes appeared in sacred places of power and respect throughout Africa and the near and Far East . Since then there have been many false rumours. They are not Satanic demons of temptation, nor are they cold and slimy. Their muscled bodies feel strong and smooth and beautiful. Snake dancing is not really a Middle Eastern tradition. I believe the origins were most likely from India, where temple dancers would dance with snakes as part of their worship. Now some modern American Belly Dancers work snakes into the act in a few different ways... 

Have you ever felt drawn to a slithering reptile and wondered if you could incorporate a snake into your dance performances? Before you run out to your nearest pet shop and purchase a snake, do some research. There are sources on the internet that can advise you from personal experience. There are many things to consider before you determine if snake dancing is truly right for you.

Take your time in determining what kind of snake you want to work with. A Ball Python can curl up on top of your head and create a dramatic crown. The bigger the snake, the heavier it is to bear. Awkward handling and fatigue reduce the length of your routine and restrict your movements. A boa constrictor and a python has no venom or fangs and is ideal to dance with as it naturally holds on. They are frequently arboreal and feel secure swaying in the upper limbs of the dancer, giving reasonable freedom of movement. Movements done with the snake should also be slow. Snakes, especially the large pythons and boas which are often used by belly dancers, have some personal do's and don'ts such as they don't like spins or fast moves.

Buy a young snake that you can raise yourself. That way you will know that it has a good disposition with no past history that includes mistreatment. Also, this gives you time to become familiar with handling the snake and learning about it. Most important of all, I make sure that they're warm and clean with fresh water. Many of mine spend a great deal of time at the bathes. I handle them often, so that we are sure of each other and i know they are healthy and happy. Snakes tend to do better if they are just a little bit hungry. This way they are more active, and the chances of getting pooped on or thrown up on are much less. i also take note of the colours in the scale patterns to see if they are bright or dull. If they are dusty or dry in appearance, or if the belly is pinkish, perhaps the eyes a milky blue, I let that snake rest, for the skin will be shed soon. You will generally be able to read the disposition from their response at first contact. My snake dances are not choreographed. The snakes won't hear of it!

Snakes are MOVERS! They exist in celebration of primordial atonement and natural "beingness", making them inspiring teachers and wonderful dance partners and it is important to not regard your snake as prop, but remember that it is your partner. It is a living entity that needs to be respected. Snakes are wild creatures that are not trainable. You cannot bribe them or reward them as you might with other pets. When you take it with you to a show, you are responsible for its safety. You must first take care that it is kept warm, but not overheated. You must pay attention to its feelings and movements. If the snake squeezes, it may mean that something has happened which makes it insecure.

For performances, I transport them in a basket which is often used in the dance. Bringing the snake out of the basket can be a sensitive moment. Remove the lid gently so as not to be alarming. Use a light, yet firm touch to hold the snake several inches behind the head, and use the other hand as necessary to support the rest of the body as your bring your snake out of the basket, or any other enclsoure as well. Target the audience. Some audiences really like it, others may not. This is not traditional Middle Eastern dance. Have an announcer tell people that they can expect to see a snake, especially in an indoor area.

The audience may want to touch the snake during or after the show. This is generally not advisable. You never know who you are dealing with in the public. You never know exactly how your snake will react.

Think about your costume and keep it simple. Don't give the snake lots of jewellery to tangle into, or belts that it can grab and break, or sequings that catch in the scales, or use colours that clash with the pattern. I make sure my costume is strong enough to support a snake tail seeking a good grip. Don't keep the snake out longer than necessary. After you come off stage lots of people will want to see the snake, hold the snake, pet the snake etc. The snake will not appreciate a crowd of people pinching and poking at it, and it's not fair to other dancers who are on stage while the audience is crowded around you and your snake.

When dancing, the smoother and more refined your isolations, the easier it is to hold the snake steady. When handheld, you can readily do turns, travels, hips, ribs and shoulders as well as arm work. This gives you opportunity for variety and dynamics. Once around your neck and shoulders, the ribcage and shoulders must remain stable, and only slower more flowing moves will keep your partner from being bounced around. Although this position confines your upper body expression, it does free the arms and hands. Sometimes if the proportions are inviting, your partner can feel secure by wrapping around your waist or hips. Your costume can give added support. In this case, upper body and arm or even head moves work very well, while only the most undulating slow hip work will be best.

Some snakes will enjoy holding a "crown" position on your head. The Royal, or Ball Pythons are known for this. The serpent crown is dramatic and excellent for slow or fast hip work. At times, an inquisitive snake head may appear at your cheek, or upon your brow. Never allow a snake to lose its grip or fall. Avoid sharp, uneven movements that shake them. When turning, hold them in close to you or centered above you so that the centrifugal force will be minimal. Although we can wrap and unwrap to place them, the touch that is used must be gently firm and insistent. To unwrap, begin at the head or the tail. 

it is important to understand that snakes are wild creatures of the first degree. Patience is a key element. We may work with them well by respecting their primitive nature. Snakes prefer to hold onto you, rather than be held by you. They are cold-blooded so a warm environment is essential to their well-being. The heat generated by our bodies when we dance is very attractive, making the neck a warm and comfortable place.

In conclusion...

For those belly dancers who cannot fathom performing with a snake, let alone touching one, take heart. You don't have to! If the closest thing you ever come to snake dancing is performing serpentine movements like undulations and snake arms, that's just fine. Snake dancing is not a requirement for a modern Egyptian cabaret routine. It is a specialty show -- truly special for the daring dancer, her well-loved snake and her mesmerized audience. Perhaps it is a new version of snake charming, one that charms all involved, the snake, the audience and the dancer!