What is Belly Dancing?
Belly Dance, which originated in the Middle East, is identified by swaying hips, an undulating torso, and articulated isolations employed in a range of dynamic and emotional expressions in interpreting both classical and popular Middle Eastern music. Characteristic movements in the dance include curving patterns, undulations, thrusts, lifts, locks, and drops, and shaking or quaking body movements (typically called a shimmy).
The focus is on isolated movements of individual parts of the body that can be layered for further complexity. Arms and hands move fluidly while unusual strength and control is demonstrated in the belly area. Accents using "pop and lock" movements, where a dancer either shimmies or makes a striking motion in her shoulders or hips, are common. Other popular moves are feats of flexibility, rolling one's stomach muscles, balancing various props like baskets, swords, or canes, and dancing with chiffon or silk veils.