belly dance costumes - male bellydance costume
Belly dance is a Western term for a traditional Arab dance form. Some American devotees refer to it simply as "Middle Eastern Dance." In the Arabic language it is known as raqs sharqi (literally "oriental dance") or sometimes raqs baladi (literally "dance of country", and so "national" or "folk" dance). The term "raqs sharqi" may have originated in Egypt. In Greece and the Balkans, belly dance is called tsiftetelli , çiftetelli in Turkish. The term "belly dance" is a creation of Orientalism, first used in English in 1899, and translating in French to "danse du ventre."

Belly dancing is one of the oldest forms of social dancing and originated in Northern Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Ancient Egyptian art provides examples of belli dancing when comparing it to the modern forms.

There are two forms of belly dancing, the first being raqs baladi and the second being raqs sharqui. Both forms are preformed by men and women of all ages. Raqs baladi is generally preformed for fun at weddings and other social events. Raqs sharqui is the more theatrical version and is very popular form for Westerners.

In cultures where belly dancing is a part of life, young people learn how to dance by observing older family members during family and community celebrations. Belly dancing is also taught through many cultures in classrooms where skilled teachers share the knowledge that was passed down to them.

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