People have debated for years as to the origins of the belly dance. While most everyone can agree it was developed in the Middle East, it has not been determined what country gave this gift to the world. It may have been from the Persian countries, by maybe Egypt, possibly even from the Romans.

Another debate that has raged over the decades is what the dance was used for. Some scholars say that belly dancing or 'raqs sharqi' was used during childbirth. Others believe that is was practiced by Temple Priestesses in religious ceremonies. In several countries and cultures, belly dancing is a time-honored tradition. In the Middle East, most of the belly dancers are over forty years of age. The dance is used to celebrate the maturity and sensually of a woman.

It is believed that if she is not forty or over, she has not lived long enough to experience life. She may not be able to feel the music and will just go through the steps with little or no emotion. It has been shown that the movements used in belly dancing have been employed in the child birthing process. One thing is for certain, the 'raqs shariqi' or belly dance has been used through out history and in current times, as a form of entertainment.

There are two main types of belly dancing - tribal dances and Cabaret. While Cabaret dancers will be found in nightclub type establishments or even on the stages of Broadway and will be wearing flashy jewelry and lots of glitz, tribal dancers are more traditional. They will wear more ethnically accurate costumes and will use the same moves as found in the Middle Eastern, Oriental and Lebanese cultures.

The large amount of emotion and sensuality is one of the main reasons that belly dancing is so special. Although it is sometimes believed that the belly is the only part of the body that is working; it is actually the whole body that is needed to dance this way. And because it firms the thighs, hips and belly all at the same time, it is a wonderful form of exercise.

The thought of a male belly dancer still holds its shock value, whether in western cultures or elsewhere. The stereotype is that it is for homosexuals or the more effeminate males. However, it has become more popular among men who are confident and secure within themselves.

The key is not to try to do female movement with a male body. Because a man's and woman's bodies are built differently, the moves have to be modified. The key to being a male belly dancer is to not forget you are a man. When traditionally female moves are rendered with masculinity, the result can be just a breathtaking.

At one time, only virgin and possibly homosexual teenage boys were trained to belly dance for rulers in the Ottoman Empire, but no more. With Tarik, Jal Kimo and Zorba performing this art in the form of exercise and entertainment, it is becoming clearer that very masculine, muscle-bound men can belly dance and do it with a masculine flair. Men can be found belly dancing in gyms and in nightclub type establishments to crowds of adoring women.

Thomas Edison made a video in 1898 that featured the Turkish belly dancers Ella Lola and Crissie Sheridan. Through the years, there have been several belly dancers that have made it to the 'famous' category. Aisha Ali is very recognized as both a performer and a teacher. She has been practicing the ancient art form for more than thirty years and passing the gift to others through her teachings for a little over two decades. Neena and Veena, identical twin dancers, have been seen at Hollywood parties and teaching classes as well.

Summary:

Even though, in recent times, belly dancing has been recognized as a wonderful form of exercise, it is a time-honored tradition throughout many countries and cultures all over the world. This is because of the emotion and sensually that is ribboned through the dance. It can also be used to ease the child birthing process.