The Ancient Art of Egyptian Dance

Oriental dance is uniquely designed for the female body, with an emphasis on abdominal muscles, hip moves, and chest moves. It is firm and earthy, with bare feet connected to the ground. It is a dance characterized by smooth, flowing, complex, and sensual movements of the torso, alternated with shaking and shimmy type moves.


Belly Dance originates from the tribes of North Africa as a birthing ritual. It was performed by the women who were preparing their bodies for the demands of childbirth. The women would surround her, encouraging her to push using movements of the pelvis and abdomen called shimmies and undulations.

Belly Dance was also a form of entertainment for the women. In ancient Egypt, there was a highly respected group of women called the Awalim, who were proficient in music, dance and literature. They would perform this beautiful art form only for other women.