Updated FCBD®Style Terminology
(created June 2021)
Table of Contents
Purpose
Summary of Updates
Berber Walk replaced with Knee Walk
Official List of Alternative Movement Names
Frequently Asked Questions
Purpose
As part of our Moving Forward initiative, we’ve updated our language to improve FCBD®Style
instruction and move our community toward more culturally respectful practices.
Read our full statement on Updated FCBD®Style Terminology.
Summary of Updates
(1) Berber Walk replaced with Knee Walk
(2) Optional alternative names provided for specific movements
Abridged List of Alternative Movement Names
Original Movement Name Alternative Movement Name
Egyptian Basic Swivel Step
Arabic Step Rhythmic Undulation
Turkish Shimmy Forward & Back Shimmy
Ghawazee Shimmy Combo Ghawazee-Inspired Shimmy Combo
Taxeem Figure 8
Camelwalk Balancing Step
The complete list of alternative movement names is below, which includes naming
conventions for related variations.
Please note that we reserve the right to revise this document as we continue to learn and our
understanding evolves. Please contact us if you have any questions at studio@[Link].
Berber Walk replaced with Knee Walk
The indigenous people of North Africa reject the term “Berber” as derogatory and refer to
themselves instead as the Amazigh or Imazighen (plural). Out of respect for the Amazigh
people and in solidarity with their struggle for self-determination, we are abandoning the
movement name “Berber Walk” and replacing it with the more descriptive term “Knee Walk.”
Official List of Alternative Movement Names
Original Movement Name Alternative Movement Name
Puja or Moving Meditation Gratitude Meditation
Egyptian Basic/Egyptian Step/Basic Egyptian Swivel Step
● Egyptian 1/2 Turn ● Swivel Step 1/2 Turn
● Egyptian Full turn ● Swivel Step Full Turn
● Triple Egyptian ● Triple Swivel Step
● Egyptian Sevillanas ● Swivel Step Sweep Back
Arabic Step Rhythmic Undulation
● Arabic Shimmy ● Rhythmic Undulation Shimmy
● Arabic Shimmy with Arms & Turn ● Rhythmic Undulation Shimmy with Arms
(ASWAAT) & Turn
● Arabic 1-2-3 ● 1-2-3
● Arabic Hip Twist ● Hip Twist
● Arabic Hip Twist 1/2 Turn ● Hip Twist 1/2 Turn
● Arabic Hip Twist Flourish ● Hip Twist Flourish
● Arabic Orbit ● Orbit
● Arabic Do-Si-Do ● Do-Si-Do
Turkish Shimmy Forward & Back Shimmy
● Turkish Shimmy ¼ Turns ● Forward & Back Shimmy ¼ Turns
● Turkish Shimmy ½ Turns ● Forward & Back Shimmy ½ Turns
● Turkish Shimmy with Arms & Turn ● Forward & Back Shimmy with Arms &
(TSWAAT) Turn
Ghawazee Shimmy Combo Ghawazee-Inspired Shimmy Combo
Chico Four Corners Four Corners
Taxeem Figure 8
● Walking Taxeem ● Walking Figure 8
● Reverse Taxeem ● Reverse Figure 8
Camelwalk Balancing Step
● Camelwalk 1 Arm ● Balancing Step 1 Arm
● Camelwalk 2 Arms ● Balancing Step 2 Arms
● Loco Camel ● Balancing Step with Turn
Medusa: ATS Variation Medusa 1
Medusa: Indian Variation Medusa 2
Hand Floreo Wrist Rotation
2
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the problem with the original movement names?
Without additional context, movement names like Egyptian Basic and Arabic Step can be seen
as culturally insensitive because they appear to reduce an entire style of dance or group of
people down to a single movement. Similarly, references to camels and (in other styles) “snake
arms” can be seen as invoking a stereotype of the Middle East as “exotic.”
Other movement names, like Taxeem, Chico Four Corners, and Hand Floreo, have different
meanings in other languages that can be confusing to those who don’t speak English as their
first language.
How were the alternative names chosen?
The alternative names are designed to describe the movements in some way. For example, the
alternative name for the Egyptian Basic is Swivel Step because “swivel” describes the
movement in the hips. The alternative name for the Turkish Shimmy is Forward & Back
Shimmy, which describes the foot pattern.
Why aren’t there alternatives for all of the non-descriptive movement names?
We have elected not to provide alternatives for movement names that refer directly to
identifiable inspirations because it is important to us to credit and honor our sources. For
example, the Sahra Turn is named after the Cheb Khaled song that inspired it. Because the
origins and meanings of some movement names are not immediately apparent, we are sharing
the stories behind the steps so that all dancers know where they came from.
How do I incorporate the alternative movement names into my teaching?
We suggest introducing the alternative names to your students by using them concurrently with
the original names. Because the alternative names are descriptive of the movements
themselves, they are useful for helping students understand technique and mechanics.
Because the original names tie back to the origins and inspirations for the movements, they are
a great way to introduce students to the history and cultural context of FCBD®Style.
Will I get into trouble if I don’t use the new names?
Of course not! We hope that all FCBD®Style dancers and instructors will become familiar with
the alternative movement names but they are optional for those who wish to use them. We
recognize that there are differing opinions on this issue and want to empower people to use the
language that works best for them and their community.
Can I use other names for the movements or come up with my own?
The official list of alternative movement names were selected by Carolena and are the only
names that are recognized, accepted, and used by FatChanceBellyDance®. While you may
choose whether or not to use the alternative names instead of or in conjunction with the original
names, we do not support the creation or use of unofficial terminology for FCBD®Style
movements.
