The History and Styles of Belly Dance: A Journey Through Time

The history of belly dance has always been shrouded in mystery. The earliest cave paintings depicting dance were discovered in Egypt and Mesopotamia. Since these frescoes are about 3000 years old, it's impossible to find concrete information about the dance's origins.

Various theories exist. One suggests that Eastern dance was practiced as a ritual to ease women's labor pains. Another claims it was performed in honor of the fertility goddess to ensure a bountiful harvest.

There are countless styles of Eastern dance, thanks to the many ethnic groups in the East adding their own flair. Thus, Eastern dance evolved from ritualistic to folk dance. When European merchants began traveling to Egypt, they admired the dances of Eastern beauties. In 1889, the first show featuring Arab women was staged in Paris. Just four years later, the dance reached America and transitioned from a private, domestic art to a public spectacle.

In the 20th century, a cabaret-style nightclub opened in Cairo, Egypt. Dance became part of the performances, and European choreographers were hired to train the dancers. This was driven by Lebanese dancer Badia Mansabni. She brought in choreographers who blended Eastern dance movements with European dance, creating a unique fusion. Arabic music was used in musicals and films. This cultural mix led to the global popularity of Eastern dance.

In the 1990s, the style's popularity shifted to Turkey because Islamic extremists banned women from performing publicly in Egypt, causing a sharp decline in tourists. In Europe, Napoleon is credited with spreading the dance; one story says he was so captivated by Eastern beauties that he surrounded himself with 400 dancers.

It's hard to count how many dance schools exist worldwide today, as Eastern dance offers great physical and emotional health benefits. The key movements—hip and belly shimmies—improve blood circulation, benefiting the female reproductive system. Metabolism is stimulated, leading to better hair and nail quality. Women of all body types feel attractive and desirable, while posture improves and the body becomes more toned.

Eastern dance became known as "belly dance" in the US to market its seductive appeal. The bare-midriff costumes were also invented in America. Originally, costumes were modest—long dresses with a hip scarf to emphasize hip movements—but the East was perceived as vibrant and glittering, so the costume evolved into the iconic bra and skirt combination.

Today, there are about 50 styles of Eastern dance and 8 main schools based on geographic and historical origins: Turkish, Pakistani, Thai, Bhutanese, Aden, Jordanian, Botswanian, and Egyptian. Many minor schools exist, but we won't list them.

The schools differ in performance style. For example, the Egyptian style emphasizes complete relaxation and a meditative state, while the Turkish style is more erotic. Lebanese style falls somewhere in between—performed to slow music but with more energy.

Main classical styles:

— Ghawazi (gypsy origin, brought from India)
— Baladi (Egyptian style, danced by women for women)
— Siwa (Bedouin dance)
— Andalusian (formed in Arab-occupied Andalusia)

The most popular sub-styles include Moroccan sword dance, Moroccan snake dance, and candelabra dance.