Belly Dance is a very ancient form of dance, said to date back to prehistoric times. There are various theories about it's origins- some of the oldest evidence are paintings of dancers in tombs of Ancient Egypt. One theory is that Belly Dancing is the last vestige of goddess worship and fertility rites, as movements from the dance are still used in North Africa and other parts of the Middle East as a preparation and aid to childbirth. Another theory is that Belly Dance was spread by gypsies from India or Egypt who travelled all around the Middle East and Mediterranean- there is plenty of evidence linking styles and techniques of Arabic Dance with Flamenco, North African and Indian Dance. Middle Eastern dance continued to travel and develop contributing to many other dance genres. It has moved in and out of focus and popularity depending on the political, religious and social influences of the time, right up to the present day.

There are also two separate theories about the origin of the term 'Belly Dance'- the dance was first brought to the West in 1893 at the Chicago World Fair, and when one of the dancers, 'Little Egypt', was asked what her style of dance was called, she replied 'Baladi',(dance of my country). This was pronounced 'Bel-a-dee' which was mistranslated into 'belly dance'.The other theory was that the French called it 'Danse du ventre'- literally 'dance of the stomach'.

Although the term belly dance is commonly used to describe it, the correct term is 'Raks Sharqi', meaning 'oriental dance'. The dance was first seen in Europe at the World Exhibition in Paris, where western spectators, brought up in the Victorian era, were shocked by the flowing, natural and unrestricted movements of the dancers. These dancers wore traditional costumes which consisted of layers of skirts, blouses and vests- no skin showed.

Many folk dances of the Middle East still favour a covered up, layered costume. The shocked reaction of western audiences then began the rumour that this dance was outrageous. Misunderstandings about cultural, social and religious customs also added to its reputation, and it became reduced to burlesque and consequent disrepute. Other influences included the fast growing movie industry in America, from which emerged the cabaret form of the dance.

Modern oriental dance, which is a mixture of traditional and western influences was mainly created by Badia Massabni who opened an Egyptian Cabaret in Cairo in the 1920's. The familiar contemporary two piece costume (a bedleh) with a bare midriff was invented by her. Today, there are many varying styles of costume that can be worn to accompany dances from different traditions.

Traditional Middle Eastern dance is performed by both sexes. Historically, there has always been a tradition of women dancing mainly in their homes with other women- a celebration of femininity and family. This is still true today, although in Egypt oriental dance as performance is mainly seen in night clubs and hotels. However, men often perform folkloric dances, sometimes with sagat (finger cymbals) and sticks, but because of strict Islamic laws, men and women do not perform together. Music and dance have always been a part of everyday life in the Arab world, and is still an important part of special occasions such as weddings, festivals and events.

Belly dance today is being embraced world wide by women of many cultures. In the Arabic world, a dancer is respected and admired if her technique is strong, precise and accomplished, but at the same time expressing deep emotions and inner spirit.

Today there is a huge range of styles being taught, from modern cabaret to the folkloric tradition, with teachers offering dances from different disciplines, areas of Egypt and other countries such as Persia, Turkey, Morocco, Tunisia, Armenia, to name but a few. New styles and techniques are developing all the time: ranging from the elegant and refined influence of Egyptian dancer Suraya Hilal, to the earthy and eclectic contemporary celebration of American Tribal dance.