What Is Belly Dance?

What Is Belly Dance? A Complete Guide to the Origins, Styles, and Benefits

What is belly dance? Belly dance is a captivating Middle Eastern dance form known for its fluid torso movements, expressive hip work, and deep cultural history. Today, it’s practiced around the world—not only as a performance art, but also as a fun and empowering form of exercise. In this guide, we’ll explore the history of belly dance, its modern styles, its cultural significance, and the many benefits it offers dancers of all backgrounds.

What Is Belly Dance? (Definition)

Belly dance, traditionally known as Raqs Sharqi (“Eastern Dance”), originates from the Middle East and North Africa. The term “belly dance” became popular in the West in the 19th century, but the dance itself is much older and far more complex than the name suggests. Belly dance emphasizes isolated movements of the hips, chest, shoulders, and torso, often performed to rhythmic Middle Eastern music featuring instruments like the darbuka, oud, and qanun.

Although belly dance is often associated with performance, it is also a social dance in many cultures, performed during weddings, celebrations, and gatherings.

The History and Cultural Roots of Belly Dance

Understanding what belly dance is requires looking at its cultural history. Belly dance has roots in Egypt, Turkey, Lebanon, and other parts of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). While its exact origin is debated, historians believe it evolved from:

• Folk traditions and community dances

• Celebratory dances performed by women for women

• Cultural expressions tied to music, storytelling, and social rituals

In the early 20th century, Egyptian cinema popularized modern belly dance through stars like Samia Gamal and Tahia Carioca. Their elegant, expressive style eventually shaped what many people recognize today as classical Raqs Sharqi.

Key Belly Dance Movements

If you’re exploring “what is belly dance,” it helps to know the foundational movements that define the style. These include:

• Hip drops, lifts, and circles

• Shimmies (rapid vibrations of the hips or shoulders)

• Chest isolations

• Undulations and figure eights

• Snake arms and expressive hand movements

These movements allow dancers to match the intricate rhythm patterns found in Middle Eastern music.

Popular Styles of Belly Dance

Another important part of answering what is belly dance is understanding its wide range of styles. Here are the major categories:

1. Egyptian Raqs Sharqi

Elegant and expressive, with strong hip work, emotional storytelling, and flowing arms. Often danced to classical Egyptian music.

2. Turkish Oryantal

Energetic, dynamic, and athletic. Known for fast spins, high kicks, and dramatic stage presence.

3. Folkloric Belly Dance

Includes regional dances like:

• Baladi

• Saidi

• Ghawazee

• Khaliji

Each style has its own traditional music, costuming, and cultural history.

4. Tribal and Fusion Styles

Modern interpretations like American Tribal Style (ATS) and tribal fusion blend Middle Eastern dance with flamenco, hip-hop, Indian classical dance, and contemporary movement.

Costumes in Belly Dance

Costumes vary widely depending on the style:

• Raqs Sharqi dancers often wear fitted gowns or two-piece bedlah sets decorated with crystals, beads, and sequins.

• Turkish styles feature glamorous, high-slit skirts and bold accessories.

• Folkloric dances are performed in full skirts, kaftans, or traditional dresses that match regional heritage.

The costumes enhance the dancer’s movements and reflect the cultural roots of each dance style.

Health and Fitness Benefits of Belly Dancing

If you're searching “what is belly dance good for?” the benefits are impressive. Belly dancing is a low-impact, total-body workout, offering:

• Core strengthening and better posture

• Improved flexibility and mobility

• Stronger legs, hips, and back muscles

• Stress relief and mindfulness

• Boosted confidence and body positivity

• A welcoming, inclusive community

Many people choose belly dance as a fitness option because it is joyful, expressive, and adaptable for all ages and body types.

Final Thoughts: What Is Belly Dance Today?

Belly dance is more than a beautiful art form—it is a cultural tradition, a celebration of music, and a powerful tool for self-expression. Whether you’re exploring belly dance for fitness, artistic growth, or cultural appreciation, the dance offers endless possibilities to learn, connect, and enjoy movement in a new way.