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