Belly dance, or bellydance, is a traditional Middle Eastern form of dance. In the Middle East it is known as Raqs Sharqi. There are two kinds of belly dancing, one which is a social dance and another which is more of a performance -- this second type is best known in America. Belly dancing is native to North Africa and Asia as well as the Middle East. Although belly dancers can be men or women, the stereotypical dancer is a woman dressed in what has become a traditional belly dance costume.

Belly dancers generally wear a costume that consists of a fitted top or bra, a belt and skirt, and sometimes a veil. The top and skirt are usually fringed with beads or coins that jangle during the dance. This costume is not traditional in the countries where belly dancing developed; instead, it derives from the costumes in Hollywood and vaudeville versions of Middle Eastern harems.

Belly dancing came to America at the 1893 World's Fair, when dancers from several Middle Eastern countries traveled to America to perform. The most celebrated dancers performed at the Egyptian Theater. As belly dancing made its way into burlesque halls and nightclubs, the dance began to gain a reputation as a racy activity, nicknamed the "hoochee coochee."

Hollywood perpetuated the idea of belly dancers as sex objects, so much so that today, belly dancers have a strong stereotype to overcome. Despite this, belly dancing is a quite popular activity. Many people in the Western world learn belly dance, whether out of an interest to perform or just for good exercise.