Why I dance...
It’s hot. Incense clouds the air, masking the scent of unwashed slaves and snaking white tails towards the domed ceiling high above the harem.
The drums beat out a steady rhythm as the dancer enters the floor. Slowly she sways side to side, her veiled body totally lost in the graceful glide. Sweat glistens on her smooth flesh. Her eyes are down cast, lost in the dream world she has created. A world she alone can see. A world every man watching dreams of entering.
The woodwinds carry the melody as her body tells a story. A young girl is awakened by her first lover. She is virginal, unsure, hesitant at first. But the notes seduce her, drawling out a passion never before touched. Tendrils of smoke from the incense dance with her, hiding then revealing her form. It caresses her body, a lovers insubstantial fingers twinning about her sheer garments.
She grows stronger. As her hips dip and her body undulates, the seduced become the seducer. Her arms, her hands, beckon. “Come closer,” her every move whispers, “Come see what joy you could find here.” She is supple as a serpent and exquisite as a dove in flight.
Her kohl stained eyes blaze as they find each watcher, daring them to try and tame the siren before them. Ivory teeth flash through the half smile teasing her stained lips. Her midnight tresses cascades over the scarlet silk clinging to her oiled flesh. Painted nails and bare toes accent each move. She’s Rati personified, the goddess of passion and lust.
The dancer dips and sways between the pillows thrown across the floor; the gold coins at her waist ring with the music of her body. The men reclining on the pillows pray for her to join them. Golden goblets of wine lay abandoned, trays of delicates go untouched.
With a flick of her wrist, a roll of her shoulder or the slightest glance each man knows she dances only for him. She exists only for him. Each man would give his kingdom for her, would war for her, kill and plunder for her. In a heartbeat they would die for her. For just a moment, she belongs to each man. But just as quickly she is gone, lost among the smoke and veils shielding the harem.