Egyptian Style Dance

Oriental Dance or Raqs Sharqi, is the classical Egyptian style. It is a characterised by an elegant, flowing style and precise powerful movements.

The style has been developed to be more stage presentable and characteristics will often include flowing

travelling movements. Props are not a traditional part of performance, although often a veil may be used as an entrance

piece to display a dramatic visual effect for the audience. Egyptian dancers have created a 2 piece costume with a bra top

and close fitting skirt with a side or front slit.

The beading /patterning is usually very simplistic and tasteful, again reflecting the elegance of the dance. As mentioned previously in Egypt it against the law for a belly dancer to expose her midriff so often a body stocking is worn (usually a light sheer mesh) to maintain modesty.