While the origins of belly dancing remain shrouded in mystery, it is generally agreed that it can be traced to the Middle East, the Mediterranean and Africa. Although it is known that it was not originally meant to be viewed by men, but rather as a birthing ritual to stengthen the hips and abdomen.

Egyptian tomb paintings dating back to the 14th century BC depict partially clad dancers in positions which appear to be similar to those used in belly dancing. Persian miniature paintings from the 12th and 13th centuries also contain images of belly dancing.

The connection between belly dancing and exotic harems is largely due to artists of the Romanticism movement of the 18th and 19th centuries depicting their interpretations of harem life of the Ottoman Empire. But for Saudi women, the dance itself was considered sacred, not intended to be seen by men at all.

The term 'belly dancing' (believed to be an incorrect translation of the term Beledi, or Baladi) is generally credited to Sol Bloom, the entertainment director of the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago where the dancers in the Egyptian Theatre gained notoriety. The rapid hip movements (and the fact that the dancers did not wear corsets!) shocked Victorian sensibilities, resulting in attempts to have the Egyptian Theatre closed.

Although it is believed that a dancer named Fatima, (also known as Little Egypt) stole the show at the 1893 World's Fair, there is no evidence to support this. The fact is that rather than a solo dancer, there was an entire troupe performing in the Egyptian Theatre. Their popularity resulted in dozens of imitators, the most well known was Farida Mazar Spyropoulos who became generally known as Little Egypt.

The fact that belly dancing could only be seen at vaudeville and in burlesque shows gave belly dancing a questionable reputation. Hollywood did nothing to help - there were only three roles for a belly dancer: a slave to be saved; a background dancer while the main characters talked; or a woman who uses the dance to trick and deceive the hero. These stereotypes have led many dancers to use the term 'Middle Eastern Dance' rather than 'belly dance'.

While classical belly dance is still popular, many dances have helped the dance form to evolve by creating fusion forms such as Tribal and Flamenco.

Many women today see belly dancing as a tool for empowerment, strengthening the body, mind and spirit.