A very brief history of Belly Dance

The development of Middle Eastern dance through history is complex. Some evidence suggests that the women's dances of the Fertile Crescent was the mother of the dance we know today. The movements of this dance may have developed from a symbolic enactment of both conception and birth. Dance, in many societies, is both an art form and a way of worship. The travels of the "Gypsies" and the mingling of women in harems has brought about the mixing of dance moves from different localities. In the West, the dance has been re-interpreted and re-defined in the modern Western context. Today the belly dance we experience may have in it a blending of Hollywood and even tribal American dance.

Other names for Belly Dance

Belly Dance may also be known as dance du ventre (France), chifti telli (Greece), rakkase (Turkey), raks sharki (Egypt), danse oriental (Middle Eastern), muscle dance, oriental dance. It covers a variety of styles, often with a common origin. Styles may vary between beledi, cabaret, Egyptian, Folk, Gipsy, Ghawazee, tribal, Lebanese, Turkish or Persian, to name a few! You will find that as you dance, you will discover the music and style of movers you prefer. Use these and be free to express yourself.