| The origin of belly dancing has been an issue that has | | | | a dance exclusively for women, as most people today |
| been long debated by professionals because there is | | | | believe. There is plenty of evidence to suggest that |
| no clear answer to where the origin of belly dancing | | | | dancers of both male and female variety participated |
| actually was born. Some professionals such as | | | | in such erotic dancing that was accompanied by a |
| anthropologists believe that perhaps it was Egypt as | | | | blissful rhythm from the African drums. |
| there is evidence indicating this by the carvings left that | | | | In just the opposite of the African tribes who used |
| seem to indicate the same movements and pictures | | | | belly dancing for the erotic dance form that is became |
| that would be similar to belly dancing. Others believe | | | | the people in India took the origin of belly dancing and |
| that it originated from the Middle East and even Africa | | | | interpreted them as an act of worship. In fact, if you |
| and there is significant evidence left behind by these | | | | visit India it would be well worth your time to go to |
| ancestors that would seem to support that belief. | | | | Konarak to see the temple wall. It is an Indian shrine |
| The beginning of oriental dancing, can be better defined | | | | that dates back to the 13th century and displays |
| and understood when you appreciate what the | | | | dancing girls that are carved in the stone in a variety |
| purpose was for and who performed them. Many | | | | of erotic poses. This is even one of the still standing |
| cultures of this day lived with the earth, as one with | | | | remnants of years ago when the origin of oriental |
| the earth and it is these societies that gave way for | | | | dancing were beginning. |
| the origins of belly dancing. It is believed that these | | | | As with every art form that is studied for years, the |
| cultures utilized oriental dancing to provide sensuality | | | | origin of belly dancing also suggest that many dancers |
| much in a way as today's society would call foreplay | | | | were banished from these temples because their |
| and it stimulated sexual senses. It was also largely | | | | dances became far more erotic than they were |
| used in sacred ceremonies as well as initiation rites and | | | | spiritual and were even involved in prostitution. It is from |
| fertility rituals as it was a helpful tool in creating | | | | this bit of history that people associated oriental |
| spirituality. | | | | dancing with strippers and other undesirable |
| In countries such as Polynesia and Africa the origin of | | | | professions. |
| this style of dancing don't show that it was specifically | | | | |