It's true of many things, including the art of belly dancing: Perception often does not match reality. The most common misconception portrays belly dancing as a suggestive act performed by women for ...

For Ansuya Rathor, there was no questioning whether belly dancing would be a part of her life. Her mother, Jenaeni Rathor, was a blonde, blue-eyed belly dancer in the 1960s and '70s — an anomaly that ...

Hypnotic music from the Middle East pulsates through the room. Hips covered in sparkly skirts sway to the beat. Naked shoulders move up, then down, caressing the air. Arms gracefully flow in and out ...

SEQUIM — Laura Samperi-Ferdig has been studying belly dance since she was 8 and teaching since she was 16. “Belly dance is one of the oldest known art forms,” she said. “Its true name is Raks Sharki ...

They may have different reasons for attending, but the five women learning the ancient art of belly dancing agree on one thing — it’s a lot of fun. “I really enjoy it,” said Dorothy Dingee, who at 84, ...

When Malia Elmer first saw a belly dancing performance at the annual mango festival, she was captivated. The 15-year-old Konawaena High School sophomore said she fell in love with the movements, but ...

The city is witnessing the eighth edition of the International Belly Dance Festival — a comeback after six years. Today marks the closing gala of the event which started on September 26. The festival ...

Suzanna Del Vecchio is an Oriental Dance Artist whose work is celebrated internationally. She is a true professional seriously dedicated to the art of the dance, in which she has been totally involved ...

Belly dancing in Egypt faces stigma despite growing global popularity and heritage value Safy Akef, linked to a dance legend, has never performed on stage in Egypt due to lack of respect Choreographer ...

Graciela Pischner says professional belly dancers are not out to seduce people Dubai-based belly dancer and supermodel Graciela Pischner rues the many misconceptions around belly dancing and says it ...

Sciatica drove Bettye Ames to belly dancing. Beset with back problems, and at the behest of a friend, the Dayton resident took up the ancient art 10 years ago to strengthen her abdominal muscles. The ...