The term ‘belly dance’ is thought to have originated in Egypt and is thought to have been first translated into English in 1899 an then into the French word ‘danse du ventre’. In the Arabic language the word for ‘belly dance’ is known as raqs sharqi, which literally means ‘oriental dance’.
The word translated into Arabic can also be known as raqs baladi, which literally means ‘dance of country’, ‘national’ and ‘folk dance’. In Turkish, belly dance is known as cifetelli, in the Bulkans and Greece it is known as tsiftetelli.
Belly dancing is one of the oldest forms of social dancing and originated in Northern Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Ancient Egyptian art provides examples of belli dancing when comparing it to the modern forms.
There are two forms of belly dancing, the first being raqs baladi and the second being raqs sharqui. Both forms are preformed by men and women of all ages. Raqs baladi is generally preformed for fun at weddings and other social events. Raqs sharqui is the more theatrical version and is very popular form for Westerners
The ancient art of belly dancing is taught in the traditional cultural method. This is done in a community setting, usually at family and community gatherings where children learn by observation and imitation of the older people. Belly dancing can also be learned in a formal classroom where skilled dancers/teachers share the knowledge that has been passed down to them. See our website for all your belly dancing needs.
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