Belly dance is a Western name coined for a style of dance developed in the Middle East and other Arabic-influenced areas. In the Arabic language it is known as Raqs Sharqi and in Turkish as Oryantal dans?, which is translated as "Dance of the East". For Europeans, this translation sounded like a perfect fit, hence it was also known as "Oriental dance", "danse Oriental", "Exotic oriental dance", "Oriental belly dance" and the like. The term "Raqs Sharqi" is claimed to be originated in Egypt. The name suggested an exotic dance originated elsewhere - and so it had a higher status than the local dance.In Egypt, three main forms of the traditional dance: Baladi, Sha'abi, and Sharqi associated with belly dance.

Raqs sharqi is performed by women - and men - usually solo, for entertainment of spectators in public or private settings. Despite its alias, "belly dance", Raqs Sharqi dancing involves motion of the whole body, from head to feet. Basically, it is an improvisational dance (although based on a certain vocabulary), rhythmic and fluid at the same time.

Even though Turkish belly dancing has deep roots in the Sultan's palatial harems of the Ottoman Empire, Turkish belly dance today is closer to its Romany (Gypsy) heritage than its Egyptian and Lebanese sisters, developing from the Ottoman rakkas to the oriental dance known worldwide today. The most important non-Egyptian forms of belly dance are: the Lebanese belly dance and the Turkish belly dance.

Another distinguishing element of the Turkish style is the use of the Karsilama rhythm in a 9/8 time signature, counted as 12-34-56-789. Turkish belly dance costumes can be very revealing, with the belt sometimes worn high up on the waist and split skirts which expose the entire leg, although dancers today are costuming themselves more like Egyptian dancers and wearing more modest "mermaid"-style skirts. The Turkish style is emphasized further by the dancer wearing high heels, and often platform shoes, to perform. Famous Turkish belly dancers include Tulay Karaca and Birgul Berai.