Mellilah’s Belly Dance Blog

Dances of Tunisia: Written by Mellilah

The traditional dance of Tunisia is characterized by sharp, horizontal twisting movements of the hips with flowing upper bodies, danced almost entirely on demi-point (on the toes) with arms held in a “w” shape. This dance is seen at weddings and parties, and in the southern islands of Kerkennah and Djerba, the dance is often performed with a clay water pot balanced on the head.

These dancers wear a blouse, a “khamisa,” underneath a large rectangular wrap, a “melia,” fastened at the shoulder with two large pins, with a belt of woollen yard around their waists. Additionally, married women wear a “khul-khal,” a famous Tunisian ankle bracelet, to ward off snakes with its rattle-like noise. (Unmarried virgins are believed to have inherent protection from snake bites.)

The Tunisians have another dance called the Stambali, a true trance dance, which is performed in sanctuaries and in people’s homes as a therapeutic remedy. This dance accompanies the sacrifice of an animal and is performed in regard to Sidi Saad, their patron saint.

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