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Belly Dancing

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Belly Dancing -- a.k.a. "Raks Sharki" or "danse orientale" -- is among the oldest continuing classical folk dances in the world, evolving from the fertility cults of ancient society. A product of the traditions of Eastern music, over time it spread from its beginnings in Asia and Africa into Western Europe and the Mediterranean, catching on in America after its introduction in Chicago at the dawn of the 20th century, where the name "belly dancing" was adapted from the French "dance du ventre" (dance of the stomach). Associated with both religious and erotic traditions, it is traditionally danced barefoot, and with its emphasis on abdominal muscles and movement of the chest and hips, is designed to be performed primarily by women. The music accompanying the dance is most influenced by the rhythms inherent in near- and middle-Eastern music, although contemporary belly dancers are increasingly open to the influences of Western music as well.