bellydance-Belly dance is a Western term for a traditional Middle Eastern dance form. Some American devotees refer to it simply as “Middle Eastern Dance.” In the Arabic language it is known as raqs sharqi (رقص شرقي; literally “oriental dance”) or sometimes raqs baladi (رقص بلدي; literally “national” or “folk” dance). The term “raqs sharqi” may have originated in Egypt. In Greece and the Balkans, belly dance is called tsiftetelli (τσιφτετέλι). The term belly-dance is a creation of Orientalism, and is first attested in English in 1899, translating French danse du ventre Native to North Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, belly dancing is based on one of the oldest social dances in world history. Much of the support for this theory stems from the similarities between poses in ancient Egyptian artwork and the modern dance.[citation needed] There are two forms of belly dancing. The first is called raqs baladi, a social dance performed by people of all ages and by both sexes, during festive occasions- such as weddings- and other social gatherings for fun and celebration. The second form- the more theatrical version- is called raqs sharqi, and it is this type that is most popular in America today. Like raks baladi, raks sharqi is performed by both male and female dancers. Where belly dancing is a native dance, boys and girls learn it from an early age. As with many social dances, children learn it informally, by observing and imitating their elders during family and community …

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