raqs sharqi

raqs sharqi (or Eastern dance).The dominant solo dance form of Egypt. Rooted in pre-Islamic times it has always been taught within the family and performed on celebratory occasions but in the 10th- and 11th-century Islamic courts and 18th-century Ottoman courts it took on a more refined classical style. Characterized by sinuous, rhythmic hip movements and undulating arms, its debased form, belly dancing, has been popular in cabarets from the 19th century onwards. Since the mid-1970s there has been an international revival of interest in the traditional forms among both professional and amateur dancers.