Historical Belly Dancer

Oriental dance (belly dance) is the oldest recorded dance in the history of mankind. It can be seen the hieroglyphics of Egypt dating from 4000 B.C. During the nomadic days, dance was performed primarily by women for the purposes of entertainment and ritualous reasons. It thrived until 600 A.D., when Islam became popular and banned all music and dance. Yet, during this time and for 500 years thereafter, Arabic music and dance found a way to survive. During the Ottoman Period, particularly in the caliph's courts in Baghdad, the dance was protected and nurtured. This time period is described as the "golden age" of Arabic music. The music and dance was artistic, creative, and enjoyed for the effect it had on the human soul.

The complicated musical scales and modes produced during this age largely remain the same today. Egypt is the major trendsetter for the costuming and presentation of oriental dance, but Turkish style belly dancing has developed a unique flavor of its own and is more famous in the Western World than the Egyptian style.