The oldest form of dance? Many experts say that bellydance has its roots in ancient fertility rites and religious worship, and was carried on by the gypsies that roamed in the middle ages from India, Egypt, Turkey and through to Spain.  So it is amazing with these ancient roots that bellydance is still a thriving international tradition that remains extraordinarily vital today.

The vast array of dance forms grouped together as "belly dance" have a variety of names in their countries of origin. In Greece, bellydance is the Citfe telli; in Turkey Rakkase; in Egypt Raks Sharki. Despite these differences there are shared recognizable features.

Bellydance has two sources of existence that of sacred dancing, and of "nightclub" eroticism. In ancient times belly dancing was often performed only among women in fertility rituals or with the intention to placate gods, ensure crop fertility and bring glory to a given city.

The ancient music used for this form of dance tends towards continuous flow, the development of rhythmic sound that envelops the listener in a large

complex pattern to provide space for contemplation. With an emphasis on the ripple of belly muscles and the sway of the hips, it is not based on patterns of steps, but continuous movement.

Bellydance costumes are flowing, colorful garments with flowing scarves and veils. finger cymbals dates back to 200 B.C. as does the exotic jewelry including intricate belts made of coins.

First introduced to Australians through movies with a Hollywood flavor, bellydance was first seen here at the turn of the century. Since then bellydancing has grown enormously in popularity across Australia. Festivals, workshops, seminars take place constantly across the country attracting a lot of interest from male and female audiences. And many dancers now study the art form intensively, travelling across the world to experience a range of teachers and techniques as they develop their expertise in different areas.

Many Styles of bellydance

Historical
It is believed that the tempo of the dance increased as the performance progressed until the dancers' feet flew over the mat so lightly that the soft thudding of their feet was scarcely even heard. Their foot movements were controlled and unimportant, the focus was the upper part of their bodies. Sinuous and supple, waving their arms gracefully backwards and forwards above their heads, while their fingers played with castanets almost like Spanish castanets and other times ringing like the chime of bells.

Gypsy
Gypsy dances reflect their great passion and zest for life with dynamic moves and riveting music melding to Gypsy form. The costumes of a Gypsy belly dancer vary greatly from an elaborate full body costumes to simple bra and skirt combination.

Danse Orientale versus Folkloric dance
Danse Orientale is considered to be the most graceful and complex form rich in detail. It is most often performed in a two-piece costume, or a Beledi dress. Considered the city dance of Cairo, it refines the raw energy of the country.

Folkloric dance is considered to get down and boogie compared to the elegant and refined Danse Orientale. Folkloric dance comes from the women of the country, with the cane dance the most widely known folkloric form.

Egyptian
Egyptian bellydance uses classical as well as modern music produced in Egypt with Arabic rhythms. Egyptian movements are very precise, with the hips held under the rib cage.

Greek
The Greek tsiftételi is not as slow and sensuous as the "chifti-telli", instead, it's lively and bouncy. Greek bellydance routines usually end in a rousing 9/8 kashlima, such as "Rampi, Rampi."

Turkish
With the Turkish style you will often see the upper torso back being leant back pushing the pelvis forward. Floor work is very popular in Turkish style. Sometimes Turkish harem pants are worn, they are extremely full and gathered tight at the ankles.

Persian
Persian dance has a specific style including lovely expressive hands, eyes and face, small understated hip and upper torso movements. Steps are light sometimes with intricate patterns. Veils and finger cymbals are often used to accompany the music.

Tribal
Usually this is about an appearance of being ethnic, without necessarily attempting to be "authentic". Costumes are based on Middle Eastern ethnic costumes. "American tribal" can be part Turkish, part gypsy, part Tunisian, part Moroccan, part Egyptian, part Algerian. There is no focus on being perfectly authentic.

American Cabaret
American bellydance comes in two styles Cabaret and Tribal. Cabaret style is glitzier and more flamboyant. Most U.S. dancers do not dance any pure form of the dance, rather they add other influences such as jazz, ballet, and Spanish and then call it American Style bellydance.