Middle Eastern Dance, also known as Belly Dance or sometimes Oriental Dance, is thought to be approximately 5,000 years old. Today’s belly dance is a blend of many folk dances from Egypt, Syria, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, the Persian Gulf area, North Africa, and other Middle Eastern dance styles. It takes many years for dancers to become quality dancers and the art is studied intensely as one would study ballet or other classical dances. It is practiced for entertainment, fitness, and even to prepare women for child birth. It is appropriate for all age levels, men and women, and many types of gatherings/celebrations.

Due to the dynamic nature of Belly Dance, a full performance will display a variety of styles from different countries and eras. Dancers also incorporate props derived from both traditional folk dances and Hollywood influence. Traditional props may include finger cymbals, canes, or Shamadans (candelabras balanced on the head; usually done for wedding processions or receptions). Modern and Westernized props include veils and swords.

Belly Dancing is NOT:
-stripping/burlesque or even a g-rated version of it.
-a dance of seduction.
-a joke or an act.
-It is not the same thing as Hula/Polynesian dancing.
-It is not an Indian Dance form.
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SHOW ETIQUETTE FOR THE BELLY DANCE AUDIENCE:
When seeing a show at a restaurant or party, you may not be sure what is acceptable behavior and what is not. No problem; it is from another culture after all. Just follow the tips below…

Dancers love their audience to:
1. Clap along with the music; also after she finishes a song.
2. “Zaghareet”, a sound women sometimes make by moving the tongue quickly and using a loud, high-pitched voice. Sometimes Americans find this to be startling since it is usually so loud. But don’t be scared! This translates as, “Great Job!” and “We’re excited to see the dancer!”
3. Dance along with the dancer, especially if invited by her. Just make sure you…
-Keep an appropriate distance from the dancer, especially if you are male.
-If you’re not sure what to do, just follow her lead. Belly Dance is for EVERYONE after all.
-Do not approach the dancer if she is balancing fire or sharp objects.
-NEVER, repeat, NEVER touch the dancer for any reason besides a hand shake.
4. Take Pictures of the performances. If you would like a posed picture with you and/or your friends, please wait until the dancer is done with her song before asking.
5. Videotaping, with a cell phone or otherwise is usually fine. But because some dancers are protective of their choreographies, musicians of their music, and other intellectual property, it is best to ask first. Most dancers will not have a problem with it. You can always ask your server/hostess to ask the dancer for you.
5. TIP! – a traditional part of the Belly dance experience.
TIPPING- Info and how to’s
-In restaurants, tips are generally welcomed either as a gift after the dancer is done or as a money shower during the performance, depending on the restaurant.
-Some restaurants prefer dancers to receive tips as a gift during a break or in a tip jar if one is available. Ask your server what the etiquette is.
-Please do not hand the dancer money while she is performing and expect her to take from your hand.
-Linda’s policy is NO TIPPING IN THE COSTUME for ANY public events or restaurants!
-Different cultures have their own traditions in regards to tipping which may be observed at a private party, bridal shower, or wedding. They may include tipping in the costume, showering the money over the dancer, or even sticking the money on the dancers arm and then letting it fall to the ground.

How to do Money Showers:
-If needed, get some change from your server/friends (usually 1’s and 5’s).
-Please stand up and shower the dancer with bills over the head either one at a time or throwing all of the bills into the air.
-Or you can ask the server to do the shower for you.
-Afterwards, sit back and relax: the restaurant staff will pick everything up after the show.

If the dancer does accept tips in the costume:
-It is generally unacceptable to tip anywhere in the dancer’s bra (even if you’ve seen it in movies). If anyone was to tip in the bra, it should be a woman and only in the bra strap, preferably in the back.
-The hip belt or a decorative arm band (if she is wearing one) are usually the only acceptable places to tip in a costume.
-When tipping in the hip belt, only tip in the sides, even if there is already money there.
-The dancer will generally present her hip to you if you are holding tip money and she prefers costume tipping. If she does not present her hip to you for tipping, just do a money shower or wait and hand it to her after the song.