Belly dancing is a much sought-after show on any tour exploring the main cultural features of Morocco.
Although this dance originated in Egypt and only spread to Morocco later, it’s probably in this North African country that it found its most fertile ground, as it’s still often performed today at celebrations and festive gatherings.
The elements of belly dancing
Belly dancing follows a fairly structured ritual, starting with the dancer’s costume, which is made up of three elements.
The first is the belt, decorated with coins, fringes and/or beads that move and jingle with every flick and shimmy of the hips. The second is the bra, with the same decorations as the belt, which follows the movements of the hips.
Finally, there’s the skirt, designed to highlight the dancer’s movements and make the sequence of moves look even more fluid.
The rest, of course, is up to the dancer: her skill in performing harmonious, sensual movements, together with a series of classic gestures, creates a truly unmissable show.
Speaking of which, where can you see belly dancing in Marrakech?
I’ve picked out five unmissable venues that, each in its own way, let you admire this art up close in a truly unique way.
Palais Jad Mahal
Let’s start this quick roundup with Palais Jad Mahal, probably the most famous place in the city to have dinner and watch skilled belly dancers.
The price of a dinner with a show is fairly competitive (around €50 at the time of writing), while the play of darkness and lighting effects on the dancers creates a truly enchanting atmosphere.
Evenings at Palais Jad Mahal are a real landmark for anyone wanting to see the most experienced belly dancers, and as such they’re always very popular with tourists keen to see this side of Moroccan culture in general, and of Marrakech in particular.
It’s open every day from 7 p.m. until late.
Comptoir Darna
A good alternative for anyone who wants to see belly dancing up close while also enjoying good Moroccan and international cuisine is Comptoir Darna.
The venue is quite chic, set over two floors with exotic furnishings. You can also eat at outdoor tables: since it’s very popular, booking is practically a must.
Like Palais Jad Mahal, it’s open every day from 7 p.m. until late.
Le Salama
The third place I recommend if you want to see belly dancers at work is Le Salama, near Jemaa el-Fna Square and therefore in an area very popular with travelers and locals alike.
The setting is truly enchanting and, unlike the other two venues I mentioned a few lines above, it opens at 9:30 a.m., so you can have lunch (outdoors, too) or enjoy a cocktail at any time of day.
The belly dancing shows, however, only take place in the evening, when most of the audience comes.
Dar Essalam
Another venue with an evening belly dancing show, inside the medina, is Dar Essalam, a restaurant in a historic palace, also famous as a film set for some scenes of Hitchcock’s The Man Who Knew Too Much.
Restaurant Chez Ali
I’ll wrap up this quick list of must-visit venues with Restaurant Chez Ali, one of the most popular places for travelers who want to enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner with folk shows, belly dancing included.
The restaurant also hosts other forms of entertainment, such as fireworks or performances by local musicians: the program changes often, so you’ll hardly get bored!
Belly dancing and more
Although belly dancing is probably Morocco’s best-known dance, there are other performances worth discovering and enjoying during your trip to this North African country.
First and foremost is Ahidous, a traditional dance of Berber origin which, thanks to its local roots, its importance and how widespread it became, is considered today Morocco’s true national dance.
Another is Ahouach, a dance that follows a set ritual, in which women gather around the musicians, answering the refrains sung by the men while dancing and clapping.
I hope these few ideas have helped you learn more about traditional Moroccan dances. If you’d like to know more, feel free to get in touch: together we’ll put together all the best tips to make the most of your next trip to Marrakech or the rest of Morocco!
Lisa
