belly dance

American  

noun

1. a solo dance of Middle Eastern origin, performed by a woman with midriff exposed, emphasizing movements of the pelvis and abdominal muscles.

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belly dance British  

noun

1. a sensuous and provocative dance of Middle Eastern origin, performed by women, with undulating movements of the hips and abdomen

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verb

1. (intr) to perform such a dance

Other Word Forms

• belly dancer noun
• belly dancing noun

Etymology

Origin of belly dance

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Rosen takes the history and culture of belly dance seriously, and her students understand that her classes benefit from that commitment.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 3, 2022

“I think it’s easier to cook vegetables over the Chinese New Year period,” said Darren Ho, 32, a chef and belly dance instructor in Singapore.

From New York Times • Jan. 21, 2022

Chookorian took advantage of the tiki and belly dance crazes of the 1950s and ’60s through revues that toured America and Canada.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 2021

When Egyptian women gathered to socialize in the 18th century, they would belly dance.

From New York Times • Jul. 25, 2020

Here Mrs. Taylor ventured into the Street in Cairo, open at last, and witnessed her first belly dance.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson