indian as India >.<
2007-12-20 12:30:25 · 4 answers · asked by ~Heather~ 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
Belly dance is a Western name for an Arabic style of dance developed in the Middle East. Some American devotees refer to it simply as "Middle Eastern Dance".
In the Arabic language it is known as raqs sharqi رقص شرقي ("eastern dance") or sometimes raqs baladi رقص بلدي ("national" or "folk" dance). The term "raqs sharqi" may have originated in Egypt.
The term belly-dance is a creation of Orientalism, and is first attested in English in 1899, translating French danse du ventre.
2007-12-20 12:37:21 · answer #1 · answered by Shay p 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Neither. The origins seem to go back to the Middle East, the Mediterranean and Africa, as evidenced by ancient art. http://www.wellesley.edu/Activities/homepage/wbds/page_folders/history_page/history.html
2007-12-20 12:37:59 · answer #2 · answered by Doethineb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Middle eastern. Don't forget Morocco. I'd say "Arabic," since I don't think Persians participate. North African and mideastern.
2007-12-20 12:37:16 · answer #3 · answered by going_for_baroque 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Neither. I believe it is generally Middle-Eastern, and I know for sure that it has been in Egypt for a looooong time.
2007-12-20 12:33:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋