Belly dance, known as Raqs sharqi in Arabic, is a vibrant Middle Eastern dance form that originated in Egypt, celebrated for its intricate hip and torso movements. The popular Western name "belly dance" first appeared in French in 1864 and in English in 1883, contrasting with indigenous terms like Raqs Baladi for its folk variant.

Unlike many Western dance styles, it primarily focuses on isolated movements of the torso and hips, masterfully executing fluid undulations, sharp percussive accents, and rhythmic shimmies. Thanks to Egyptian cinema, the unique styles and costumes of Egyptian belly dance have achieved global recognition, making it a widely taught and performed art form across the world.