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. Similarly, In Turkish it is referred to as oryantal dansi (Dance of the East). Some American devotees refer to it simply as ''Middle Eastern Dance''.
In the Arabic language it is known as raqs sharqi (eastern dance) or sometimes raqs baladi (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.
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 African and the Middle East. Much of the support for this theory stems from the similarities between poses in 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 Sharki 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 all 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.
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