Definition

Noun: 1. A Middle Eastern dance form: A style of dance originating in the Middle East, characterized by fluid, isolated, and often undulating movements of the torso, especially the hips and abdomen. It is traditionally performed by women.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • The restaurant featured live music and belly dancing every Friday night.
  • She took classes to learn the art of belly dancing.
  • The costume for belly dancing often includes a decorated bra, a hip scarf, and flowing skirts.

Advanced Usage

• As a gerund/verbal noun: The term can function as a verbal noun to describe the activity.
  • Belly dancing requires significant core strength and coordination.

Variants and Related Words

• Belly dance (noun): An alternative, often interchangeable form.
  • She performed a traditional belly dance.
• Belly dancer (noun): A person who performs this dance.
  • The talented belly dancer captivated the audience.
• Raqs Sharqi (noun): The Arabic term for this dance form, often translated as "Dance of the East."
• Oriental dance (noun): Another common name for the same artistic tradition.

Synonyms

• Raqs Sharqi: The direct Arabic term.
• Oriental dance: A broader, sometimes historical, synonym.
• Middle Eastern dance: A more general descriptive term.

Related Phrases and Contexts

• Belly dancing music: Music typically featuring complex rhythms from instruments like the darbuka (goblet drum) and the oud.
• Belly dancing costume: The specific attire worn for performance.
• Tribal belly dance: A modern fusion style that incorporates elements from various folkloric dances.

Noun

1. a Middle Eastern dance in which the dancer makes sensuous movements of the hips and abdomen