History

Bellydance is actually an "umbrella" phrase for dances focusing on pelvic and hip movements. In fact, this term does not exist in the Middle East. Bellydance has many names and is also known as Raks Sharki, Middle Eastern Dance or Oriental Dance and can be traced back to ancient civilisations.

Many experts believe that bellydance is one of the oldest forms of dance, beginning as a childbirth ritual. Throughout history, the dance was usually performed for other women - generally during fertility rites or preparing a woman for marriage. Bellydancing was never intended to be used to seduce men. In fact, men in some part of the Middle East were prohibited from watching. Evidence suggests that bellydance spread widely due to traveling gypsies who brought the dance with them. In each region, the dance developed it's own style.

Initially, there were no specific bellydance costumes. Women would dance in normal clothes and just added scarves around their hips. Inspired by Hollywood in the early black and white films era, the Egyptian film industry added sparkly sequins, beads and flesh (bare bellies and sheer skirts). Today, the most popular type of costume is the bedlas, a heavily beaded bra and belt set worn with a sheer skirt, cut high up on the thigh. However, there are many other types of costumes that are more modest, but still retain the essence of bellydance.

The movements in bellydance are distinctly feminine. Natural to a woman's bone and muscle structure with movements emanating from the torso, bellydance often focuses on isolating different part of the body. However, in the Middle East, many men also do bellydance and have become excellent teachers and choreographers. They rarely perform in public, but have become masters in their field.