belly dance

noun

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

belly dance

noun

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

verb

1. (intr) to perform such a dance

Other Word Forms

• belly dancer noun
• belly dancing noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of belly dance¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

The statue, which took five months to complete, shows Shakira wearing a maroon outfit and performing her famous belly dance.

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

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Just in the past few months, Kuwaiti authorities shut down a popular gym hosting belly dance classes.

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“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.

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

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