| Belly dancing is a western term used to describe a | | | | performed for in modern days. |
| form of dance that was developed in the Middle East. | | | | The hip belt used in belly dancing can be made in any |
| It has become very popular in the US, especially as a | | | | style and from most any fabric, but is usually made in |
| form of exercise for women to perform to keep | | | | silks, wool or even a coin belt. The style and fabric are |
| physically fit. | | | | determined by the style of belly dance being |
| The dancing includes primarily curves and twists, | | | | performed and the preference of the dancer. The |
| thrusts and drops that are more important than the | | | | main purpose of the hip belt is to draw attention to the |
| actual footsteps that are used. The focus is always on | | | | hips. The belly dancing hip belt helps keep the possible |
| the belly in belly dancing. The dance is known by | | | | multi-folds of a skirt in their proper place during the |
| different terms, such as Middle Eastern dance, Balady | | | | routine. |
| or Raks Balady, Egyptian Raks Al-Sharqi, Danse du | | | | If desired, a belly dancing hip scarf can replace the hip |
| Ventre, and the Oriental Dance. | | | | belt. It has the same purpose, to draw attention to the |
| Many experts claim this dance is the oldest dance of | | | | hips and therefore must complement the skirt in color |
| all and has been around forever. Its roots originate in | | | | and style. It can be work low on the hip and drape |
| ancient cultures from India to the Middle East. A | | | | lower on one side. Be creative with the belly dancing |
| common misconception is that the dance was originally | | | | hip scarf and bring even more enjoyment to your |
| intended to entertain men. | | | | audience. |
| All through history, this dance has been done by | | | | As the dancer moves, you are taken in by the colors |
| women to entertain women and is based on fertility | | | | and style of the swirling fabric and the sounds of the |
| rites or parties that are held to prepare young women | | | | fascinating jewelry as it moves with the body. The |
| for marriage. In most cases, men are not even | | | | movements are sensuous and hypnotic and |
| permitted to attend these rites or parties. | | | | mesmerize the audience. |
| The belly dancing attire is meant to show off the | | | | If you plan to take a belly dancing class, don't plan on |
| midriff and the hips which gyrate with constant | | | | the usual sweats that are acceptable at most fitness |
| movement. The original costumes consist of a bra and | | | | classes. Belly dancing is always performed in standard |
| a hip belt worn over a floor length skirt. The floor | | | | belly dancing attire to show off the important body |
| length skirt helps to hide the feet; movements which | | | | parts and to get the dancer into the mood of the |
| are not considered important as the focus remains on | | | | dance. |
| the midriff and hips. The costume embellishments are | | | | Belly dancing is a great way to stay in shape and |
| selected based on the audience the dance will be | | | | have fun while doing it. |