Belly dance is a Western name for an Arabic style of dance developed in the Middle East. Some American devotees refer to it simply as "Middle Eastern Dance".

In the Arabic language it is known as raqs sharqi رقص شرقي ("eastern dance") or sometimes raqs baladi رقص بلدي ("national" or "folk" dance). The term "raqs sharqi" may have originated in Egypt.

The term belly-dance is a creation of Orientalism, and is first attested in English in 1899, translating French danse du ventre.

                          

Belly dance is a Western name for an Arabic style of dance developed in the Middle East. Some American devotees refer to it simply as "Middle Eastern Dance".

In the Arabic language it is known as raqs sharqi رقص شرقي ("eastern dance") or sometimes raqs baladi رقص بلدي ("national" or "folk" dance). The term "raqs sharqi" may have originated in Egypt.

The term belly-dance is a creation of Orientalism, and is first attested in English in 1899, translating French danse du ventre.

General

The performance dance form known in the West as the belly dance is based on one of the oldest social dances in world history, native to North Africa,Asia and the Middle East. Much of the support for this theory stems from the similarities between poses in ancient Egyptian artwork and the modern dance.

In Palestine and Iraq, this social dance is called raks baladi, and is performed by people of all ages and both sexes during festive occasions, such as weddings, and other social gatherings for fun and celebration. It is the theatricalized version, performed by both male and female professional dancers and called raks sharqi in Arabic, that is most popular in America today.

In its native lands, boys and girls learn the dance from an early age. As with many social dances, it is learned informally through observation and imitation of their elders during family and community celebrations, as well as during informal gatherings with friends. Today, these ancient dances are taught in classes offered throughout the world, and skilled dancers are able to share their knowledge that has been passed down from the indigenous peoples who created them.

What is Belly Dancing?
Belly dance is a Western name for an Arabic style of dance developed in the Middle East. In Europe, it is sometimes called oriental dance.

Many experts say belly dancing is the oldest form of dance, having roots in all ancient cultures from the orient to India to the mid-East. Belly dancing is natural to a woman's bone and muscle structure with movements emanating from the torso rather than in the legs and feet. The dance often focuses upon isolating different parts of the body, moving them independently in sensuous patterns, weaving together the entire feminine form.

Belly dancing is generally performed barefoot, thought by many to emphasize the intimate physical connection between the dancer, her expression, and Mother Earth.

For an alternative form of exercise, Belly Dancing will tone your muscles and improve muscle control.

A stimulating workout with belly dance movements, you will learn to isolate muscles through belly dance basic movements. This custom-made program is developed to create a safe way of exercising, incorporating stretching exercises to increase flexibility.