Belly dance is a dance that originated in Egypt but is now known around the world. Also known as Raks Baladi or Raqs Sharqi, this form of dance features the dancer moving their hips and lower torso extensively. It’s a dance style that’s practiced in different ways with various kinds of dress all around the world.

Nowadays, belly dancing is largely associated with the Middle East, but it has become popular in North America, Europe, and even Australia. This is why an international holiday is observed to celebrate this dance. This holiday is known as World Belly Dance Day and is observed on the second Saturday of May.

Belly dancing as an art form has been practiced in the Middle East for a long time. Although it’s not specifically named until much later, the motions associated with it have been found in ancient Roman and Greek manuscripts.