Belly dance or as it is known in the Middle East and North Africa, Raqs Sharqi (Dance of the East), is a beautiful and ancient art form that traditionally adorns family and community celebrations. The movements of Raqs Sharqi originate in the folk dances (Raqs Sha’abi, Raqs Beledi) of both men and women, making this dance form, very much, “the people’s dance.” Contemporary Raqs Sharqi contains elements from Persia, India, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Mediterranean countries of Turkey and Greece, and today is performed world-wide. Raqs Sharqi technique depends on fine muscle control of the torso, arms, and hips, and on the interpretation of intricate music. This dance is an expression of feeling: joy, love, sorrow, friendliness, passion, contemplation, and all the complex emotions of life.

~Photographs by Adam Peiperl