Belly dance, also known as “raqs sharqi” or “oriental dance,” has a long and complex history that is difficult to trace. It is believed to have originated in the Middle East and North Africa and has roots in ancient fertility and harvest rituals. It was also traditionally performed by women at social gatherings, such as weddings and parties. In this article we have listed Top Belly Dancers in the World 2023.
During the 19th century, belly dance began to be performed in public spaces, such as cafés and theaters, and it eventually spread to other parts of the world, including Europe and the United States. In the early 20th century, it was popularized in the West as a form of exotic entertainment and was often performed by dancers of non-Middle Eastern descent in a highly sexualized and stereotypical manner.
Here’re the top 10 belly dancers in the world
Randa Kamel
- Randa Kamel is a renowned Egyptian belly dancer and choreographer. She is known for her technical proficiency and stage presence.
- Randa began her dance training at a young age and has had a successful career, performing and teaching both in Egypt and internationally.
- She is known for her elegant and classic style, which draws heavily from the traditional Egyptian dance repertoire.
- She is also known for her ability to convey emotion through her dance, and her performances are often described as powerful, expressive, and captivating.
- Randa is also a highly respected dance teacher and choreographer, known for her ability to teach complex dance techniques and her dedication to preserving the traditional Egyptian dance style.
- Randa Kamel has also appeared in many films and tv shows as an actress and dancer.
- She continues to be an important figure in the belly dance community, both in Egypt and around the world.
Dina
- Dina is a Lebanese belly dancer and choreographer known for her dynamic and expressive performances.
- She is known for her dynamic and expressive performances, which often showcase her playful and sensual energy.
- Dina began her dance training at a young age and has had a successful career, performing and teaching both in Lebanon and internationally.
- She is known for her unique style, which combines traditional Lebanese dance with contemporary and fusion elements.
- She is also known for her ability to convey emotion through her dance, and her performances are often described as captivating and engaging.
- Dina is also a highly respected dance teacher and choreographer, known for her ability to teach complex dance techniques and her dedication to preserving the traditional Lebanese dance style.
- Dina continues to be an important figure in the belly dance community, both in Lebanon and around the world, and she is considered one of the most popular dancers in the middle east.
Aida Nour
- Aida Nour is an Egyptian belly dancer and choreographer known for her classic and elegant style.
- Aida is considered one of the most respected and accomplished dancers in the Middle East, known for her technical proficiency and stage presence.
- She is known for her elegant and classic style, which draws heavily from the traditional Egyptian dance repertoire.
- She is also known for her ability to convey emotion through her dance, and her performances are often described as powerful, expressive, and captivating.
- Aida is known for her ability to teach complex dance techniques and her dedication to preserving the traditional Egyptian dance style.
- Aida Nour has also appeared in many films and tv shows as an actress and dancer.
- She is considered one of the most influential dancers in the Middle East and continues to be an important figure in the belly dance community.
Leila
- Leila is a Turkish belly dancer and choreographer known for her powerful and dramatic performances
- She began her dance training at a young age in Turkey
- She has had a successful career, performing and teaching both in Turkey and internationally
- Known for her unique style which combines traditional Turkish dance with contemporary and fusion elements
- Leila is known for her ability to convey emotion through her dance and her performances are often described as captivating and engaging
- She is a highly respected dance teacher and choreographer
- Dedicated to preserving the traditional Turkish dance style
- Considered one of the most influential dancers in Turkey and the middle east
- Continues to be an important figure in the belly dance community
Loretta
- Loretta is a Dutch bombshell and an international belly dancer.
- Considering her popularity and talent, she is invited to become a judge in professional dance programs and shows.
- Presently Loretta is working as a dance teacher in an international school.
- And it is evident to all that she is an inspiration to many budding belly dancers.
- She knows all the traditional and modern moves of belly dancing. Also, she has the ability to teach dance moves to others.
Ansuya
- Ansuya is an American belly dancer known for her fusion of Middle Eastern and American styles.
- She began her dance training at a young age and has had a successful career, performing and teaching both in the United States and internationally.
- Known for her unique style which combines traditional Middle Eastern dance with contemporary and fusion elements.
- Ansuya is known for her ability to convey emotion through her dance and her performances are often described as captivating and engaging
- She is a highly respected dance teacher and choreographer
- Dedicated to preserving the traditional Middle Eastern dance style
- Considered as one of the most influential dancers in the US and internationally
- Continues to be an important figure in the belly dance community
- Ansuya has also been featured in various media outlets such as magazines, newspapers and TV shows.
- She is known for promoting belly dance as a form of self-expression, body positivity, and empowering women.
- She has also released several belly dance instructional videos and produced her own belly dance shows and festivals.
Kaeshi Chai
- Kaeshi Chai is an American belly dancer known for her contemporary and fusion style
- She has had a successful career, performing and teaching both in the United States and internationally.
- She is the founder of the “Kaeshi Chai Belly Dance Company”
- Known for her unique style which combines traditional Middle Eastern dance with contemporary and fusion elements.
- Kaeshi is known for her ability to convey emotion through her dance and her performances are often described as captivating and engaging
- She is a highly respected dance teacher and choreographer
- Dedicated to preserving the traditional Middle Eastern dance style
- Considered as one of the most influential dancers in the US and internationally
- Continues to be an important figure in the belly dance community
- Kaeshi has also been featured in various media outlets such as magazines, newspapers and TV shows
- She has also released several belly dance instructional videos and produced her own belly dance shows and festivals.
- She is known for promoting belly dance as a form of self-expression and empowering women.
Rachel Brice
- Rachel Brice is an American belly dancer known for her contemporary and fusion style
- She has had a successful career, performing and teaching both in the United States and internationally.
- Known for her unique style which combines traditional Middle Eastern dance with contemporary and fusion elements
- Rachel is known for her ability to convey emotion through her dance and her performances are often described as captivating and engaging
- She is a highly respected dance teacher and choreographer
- Dedicated to preserving the traditional Middle Eastern dance style
- Considered as one of the most influential dancers in the US and internationally
- Continues to be an important figure in the belly dance community
- Rachel Brice is also known for her unique style of belly dance called “8 Elements”
- She has been featured in various media outlets such as magazines, newspapers, and TV shows
- She has also released several belly dance instructional videos and produced her own belly dance shows and festivals.
- Rachel Brice is also known for promoting belly dance as a form of self-expression, body positivity, and empowering women.
It’s worth noting that this list is subjective and based on the dancer’s popularity, recognition, and influence in the belly dance community. There are many other talented and accomplished belly dancers around the world and this list are not exhaustive.
In the 1960s and 1970s, a resurgence of interest in traditional forms of belly dance emerged, led by dancers and choreographers who sought to reclaim the dance as a form of cultural expression and to distance it from its exploitative past. Today, belly dance is performed and studied by people from all over the world, and is valued for its beauty, artistry, and cultural significance.
It’s worth noting that belly dance is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of styles, which vary depending on the country, region, and culture. Each region has its own specific characteristics and nuances.
Top 10 Belly Dance
Egyptian style: This is considered the “classical” form of belly dance and is known for its fluid and elegant movements.
Lebanese style: This style is characterized by its use of shimmies and undulations, and is known for its sensual and playful energy.
Turkish style: This style is known for its sharp and dramatic movements, as well as its use of finger cymbals (zills).
Persian style: This style is characterized by its use of intricate hand and arm movements, and is known for its grace and elegance. Tunisian style: This style is known for its use of hip drops and shimmies, and is considered one of the most athletic forms of belly dance.
Moroccan style: This style is known for its use of shimmies and undulations, and is characterized by its earthy and sensual energy.
Gulf style: This style is characterized by its use of undulations and shimmies, and is known for its elegant and fluid movements.
ATS (American Tribal Style): This style is a fusion of different belly dance styles, and is characterized by its use of group choreography and improvisation.
Fusion styles: This style is a combination of belly dance with other dance forms such as hip hop, jazz, and contemporary dance.
Tribal Fusion: This style is a fusion of belly dance with tribal dance forms, and is characterized by its use of bold and dramatic movements.
It’s worth noting that this list is not exhaustive and there are many other styles and sub-styles of belly dance. Additionally, the popularity and recognition of a style may depend on the region and the local culture.