Egyptian Belly Dancing is an oriental dance that features rhythmic hip movements. It can be performed in costume and with props such as swords and candles. Along with distinctive hip movements, Egyptian belly dancers use their arms, legs, head, shoulders and hands to express themselves in the choreography.http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/bellydancingcostumes.htm

In Egypt, belly dancers were called ghawazee.http://www.worldbellydance.com/history.html They performed at several different kinds of celebrations like weddings.http://www.worldbellydance.com/history.html These street performers could also be seen giving impromptu performances along the streets of Egypt as long as the paid taxes to the government.http://www.worldbellydance.com/history.html However, by 1834, religious groups pressured the government to ban public dancing.http://www.worldbellydance.com/history.html After 1856, belly dancing in Egypt was reserved for inside events.http://www.worldbellydance.com/history.html

The ghawazee version of belly dancing (also known as raks sharki) is more folksy than elegant.http://www.belly-dance.org/ghawazee.html They performed without a veil and often took their performances to the street so that they could make a living. Their style of dance included swift side to side hip sways.http://www.belly-dance.org/ghawazee.html As the dance went on, they began to create a faster rhythm with their castanets (finger cymbals).http://www.belly-dance.org/ghawazee.html Then, the dance sped up with the beat.http://www.belly-dance.org/ghawazee.html

The traditional ghawazee costume consisted of a shintiyán and a yelek.http://www.belly-dance.org/ghawazee.html They would line their eyes with black kohl.http://www.belly-dance.org/ghawazee.html The reddish brown dye henna would be placed on the bottom of the feet, palms of the hand, fingertips and toes.http://www.belly-dance.org/ghawazee.html The dancers could use props with their costumes such as candles, scarves, swords and sticks.http://www.worldbellydance.com/history.html>/ref>

Today, Egyptian belly dance is performed across the world. The costume used resembles the costume for other belly dancing techniques.http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/bellydancingcostumes.htm The simplest costume for belly dancing is just to tie a triangular beaded scarf around the hips on top of a casual outfit.http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/bellydancingcostumes.htm However, more elaborate costumes can contain sequined (or beaded) bra tops, belts, skirts and belly dancing dresses.http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/bellydancingcostumes.htm Some examples of belly dancing dresses are galabya and Se'edy balady dress.http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/bellydancingcostumes.htm