Belly dance has a long and rich history; blending influences from folk dances of the Middle East
and Northern Africa with Russian ballet and Hollywood's fantasies.

Its earlier origins are hard to chart. True historical data on belly dance is fragmented.

One theory is that gypsies from India brought it with them. Some say it was linked with the worship of the Goddess or to celebrate fertility and birth.

There are those who believe it existed only to pleasure men (Orientalism) and others who say it was performed only by women among each other.



Each of these beliefs may contain elements of truth.