Belly Dancing

Dance since centuries has been used as a mode of expression; it helps in conveying feelings and emotions in an artistic and a beautiful way. Also dance has extensively used as a mode of entertainment. Either in social gatherings or privately, dance has been an important part of the human society. Initially dance was used as a source of entertainment as hardly any other source was available. But the force of dance as an activity was so strong that it soon became a passion for many.

One of the most popular forms of dance is Belly Dance. Primarily Arabic or more appropriately a Middle Eastern dance, Belly Dance has travelled far and wide since ages to become of the most popular dance types. The term “Belly Dance” is somewhat a misnomer as the dance involves movement of almost every part of the body, though the main emphasis is on the hips. Depending on the country and the region, the dance has many forms. The changes are seen in terms of both costumes and dance style. In the Western countries the dance styles have evolved considerably and have become more exotic. Although contemporary forms of the dance have generally been performed by women, some of the dances, particularly the cane dance, have origins in male forms of performance.

Raqs sharqi literally "oriental dance") is the style more familiar to Westerners, performed in restaurants and cabarets around the world. It is more commonly performed by female dancers but is also sometimes danced by men. It is a solo improvisational dance, although students often perform choreographed dances in a group.

Raqs baladi literally "dance of country", or "folk" dance) is the folkloric style, danced socially by men and women of all ages in some Middle Eastern countries, usually at festive occasions such as weddings.