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What is Bellydance?

Egyptian Oriental dance, more commonly known as "bellydance" in North America, is an ancient art that celebrates feminine beauty and individuality. In Egypt, the modern cabaret style you are familiar with is called "Raks Sharki", meaning "Oriental Dance." The urban style of dance is called "Baladi" - or dance of the country people. The women's dances of the Persian Gulf are called "Khaleegy", the women's cane dances of Upper Egypt are called Raks Assaya, and the delicate hand and shoulder movements of Iranian women's folkloric dances are commonly known as Persian dance. In Greece and Turkey you may hear cabaret style dancing referred to as Ciftetelli or Rakasse. Each locale has it's own dances, and it's own names for both nightclub and folkloric styles of dance. In the Middle East today, dance remains a vital part of the culture and tradition of the people. In the West, women have been re-discovering this ancient dance for themselves.

There are many practical health benefits to bellydance: the graceful hip drops, rolls, and pivots of this dance form utilize muscle groups in the abdomen, pelvis, trunk, spine, and neck, thus helping circulation, improving posture and balance, and increasing stamina and flexibility. It's a no impact dance form, so it's easy on the joints. It's also weight-bearing, which is important for women in maintaining bone density. Your brain gets a workout as well, as you learn new steps and movements. An improved sense of self-esteem naturally follows as you connect with your body. Because Belly Dance complements the body, women of all ages, shapes and sizes are able to learn it, and to find physical, spiritual, emotional and creative fulfillment.

Bursting a few bubbles:

The Dance of the Seven Veils
I'm often asked about the Dance of the Seven Veils. Here's the scoop on this famous dance: The Biblical account of the young woman who danced for Herod does not identify her by name. It also does not say anything about what she did in her dance. It only says that her dance "moved" Herod. The notion that she did a "dance of the seven veils" was introduced in the 19th century by British playwright Oscar Wilde, who wrote a play about the loves of Salome. His story was then used as the basis for an opera called Salome, by Richard Strauss. Hollywood took it from there.
(quoted from www.shira.net )

Belly Button Jewels
I'm sorry to burst this particular bubble, but the infamous belly button jewel is also a 20th century Hollywood invention. Wearing a jewel in the navel came about because of the censorship laws of the 1920's. At that time, navels were considered too risqué to be shown in the cinema, so the navel was covered up with an ornament. How's that for getting around the rules! In real life, professional Middle Eastern dancers don't wear belly button jewels.

Bellydancers....Ooo la la!
When the American promoter Sol Bloom brought the first Egyptian dancers to the Cairo exhibit at the 1893 Chicago world's fair, he needed a gimmick to entice the audience to pay to see them, so he marketed them as "exotic bellydancers" from the Orient. The Western world was smitten with all things Near and Middle Eastern at that time, and dancers such as Little Egypt became famous. Traveling fairs and circuses were also very popular, and often included bellydancers in their shows. Label anything "exotic" and "for men's eyes only", and it quickly becomes burdened with a stereotype of being naughty and scandalous.