Belly Dance

Belly Dance or Belly Dancing is a traditional Middle Eastern dance, particularly the Raqs Sharqi (Oriental Dance) style. In the West, it is also known as Middle Eastern Dance or Arabic Dance, and in some cases, the Greek-Turkish term çiftetelli (sifte-telli) is used.

The term "Belly Dance" is a translation of the French phrase "danse du ventre", which was used to describe dance during the Victorian era. This name is somewhat misleading because it implies that only the belly is moving, when in fact, all parts of the body are involved; the hips are often used most prominently.

Belly dancing has many different forms and styles depending on the country or region, as well as the type of clothing worn. As its popularity has spread worldwide, new styles have been developed in the West. While contemporary forms of belly dance are typically performed by women, some dances such as Ken Dance have their roots in male performances.

Raqs Sharqi (Oriental Dance) is a style that is more widely known in the West and is often performed in restaurants and cabarets around the world. It is usually performed by female dancers, but sometimes men also perform it. This dance is an improvisational performance, although choreographed group dances are often performed by students.

Raqs Baladi (Folk Dance) is a folkloric dance that is performed socially by both men and women in Middle Eastern countries, particularly at events such as weddings.

Origin and Early History

The origins of belly dancing are diverse and have been influenced by various dance styles from the Middle East and North Africa. One theory suggests that the roots of belly dance lie in ancient Arab tribal rituals dedicated to a fertility goddess. Another theory proposes that belly dance has always been performed as an entertainment, with some people believing that depictions of girls performing similar movements can be seen in Pharaonic-era carvings.

Given the broad range of forms and styles encompassed by the term "Belly Dance", it is difficult to pinpoint a single origin. Another theory suggests that belly dance was originally performed by women for women, particularly in Lebanon and North Africa. The book "Dancer of Shamahka" is widely cited; this is a romantic biography written by Armenian author Armen Ohanian in 1918.

In Middle Eastern societies, two specific belly dance movements have been used to aid childbirth for generations. Because belly dancing is an individual performance, its history is diverse and still evolving. Some people believe that the origins of belly dance lie with migrants from the Mediterranean region.