In Egypt 'Oriental dance' is what the West refers to as 'belly dance'.
The expression refers today to a modernisation of the dance in terms of adapting it's elements for a broader and more modern audience especially designed for the stage or as entertainment at functions.
We witness a dance that has become more cabaret in style as well as costume, especially in costume, which owes its adaptations to western influence and imagination.
It is possible, I believe, to say this term originated with the western Orientalist movement which was inspired by travellers to the east. I find this name misleading because to my mind it suggests an incorporation of dance cultures originating from China, Thailand and Japan.
If you'd like to find out more about Oriental dance costume then please click here.
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