To understand Gothic Fusion Belly Dance we must first look to its roots.

Traditional Belly Dance or Raks Sharki as it is traditionally known, is not only an ancient form of expression, but also a way to prepare the body for pregnancy, birth and motherhood. The exercises performed separate the different muscle groups. Toning the stomach and other muscles used in pregnancy and childbirth.

This comes as a surprise too many people as the popular misconception is that belly dance is sleazy. Pictures of harems with beautiful scantily clad belly dancers arranged around a sultan are what most people will think of when the word belly dance is mentioned. This couldn’t be farther from the truth; in fact historically men were not permitted into the harem, as this was the domain and sanctuary of women.

In the Middle East, men were not permitted to watch the women belly dance. This is still the tradition is some parts of the Middle East today. This is the women’s time after a hard day cooking and cleaning to get together to gossip and dance for each other.

Belly Dance comes in many styles – Turkish, Gypsy, Hungarian, Egyptian, and Folkloric just to name a few. These different styles have different costumes for instance Egyptian dancers are not permitted to show their bellies and often wear evening/cocktail style costumes; others are abayas and more folkloric dress. Turkish Dancers are very brightly coloured and bare much more skin.

In recent years there has appeared fusions of Belly Dance, such as tribal, Australian Jazz Ballet, Goddess and of course Gothic Fusion. Gothic Fusion is very new, especially in Australia. Gothic Fusion is a combination of Traditional Belly Dance and elements of the Gothic subculture. A Gothic fusion dancer will have an aura, a darker stage presence that can be dramatic, theatrical, intense, mysterious, passionate and at times sultry powerful, sometimes a little dangerous and trance like.

Gothic Fusion performers draw inspiration for their dancing from Cabaret, Turkish, Gypsy, Tribal, Bollywood, Hindu, Voodoo and trance dancing. At times ritual elements, extensive floor work and intriguing hand movements such as mudras will be incorporated in a Gothic choreography. Accents of the head, eyes and hair tossing are also used to convey passion, intensity and mystery.

As with most minority, misunderstood subcultures – the Gothic lifestyle has a stigma that it is suicidal, evil, shocking. In actual fact “true Goths” are often well educated, Intelligent, passionate, happy, artistic people. They have a love of dark literature, film, and music – In truth they are very cultured. There are some who use this subculture as a way of getting attention or to shock and they are reason behind the negative misconceptions society has of Gothic’s.

This stigma and fear does extend through the Gothic Fusion Bellydance. I am very much passionate and insistent that this fusion must be done in a way that is tasteful and beautiful. Shock value and being scary has nothing to do with Gothic fusion or the subculture.

Gothic fusion Bellydance is very personal and is a journey. Music and costuming are crucial as is skill, persona and atmosphere on order to convey the dark imagery and emotion of a Gothic choreography.

Something to note is that not all dancers will wear black or the white face, black lipstick all of the time. Many inspirations will go into a Gothic costume and the look will depend on what the dancer wants to portray. Music is not always heavy metal but can be ambient, electronic, ethnic, music is very personal to a Gothic Fusion Dancer– one common element in Gothic fusion is that is hauntingly beautiful and mesmerising. It is an Art form.



I have been exploring Gothic fusion Bellydance since early 2005; it has been a journey of growth, constantly evolving. Recently, my dance has gone beyond Gothic fusion to something far more deeply, personal, dramatic and soulful.

My work now reflects a very personal view through dance that comes from the depths of the immortal soul. Through dreams, meditation, self-discovery I have developed - Khalida Raks Sharki or Immortal Bellydance. Khalida is currently in its infancy and has been conceived through my love of creative movement in Bellydance.

I play with the raw energies and light of the soul in order to give to the audience my joy of dance.

My name has also been conceived through meditation – Saahirah meaning of the moon and stars or enchantress. Ravyn is an acknowledgment of my spirit guides, one of which is a Raven. To the Druids – the raven represents Initiation, healing and protection.

The raven marks the death of one thing and the birth of another, bringing the deepest form of healing via a process called - The resolution of opposites. Through this process comes the possibility of resolving conflicts long buried in your unconscious or your past. The Raven is also a misunderstood creature and like the Gothic subculture, carries a stigma of fear and evil.

You do not need to be Gothic to enjoy my dance. I have danced for audiences ranging from children to the elderly as well as Goths. People from all walks of life enjoy the different emotive feel to Traditional Bellydance. When done in a tasteful and with subtly – Gothic Fusion and Khalida can be very strong and moving.

Saahirah Ravyn