Bellydance vs. Hoochie-Koochie
The term "bellydance" is actually a misnomer. Some will argue that it's a corruption of the term "beladi", which refers to one of the drum rhythms used in the dance. More likely, however, the term originated at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair where the dancer known as Little Egypt scandalized the masses with what a canny marketer dubbed "belly dance."
Unfortunately, for years many people have considered bellydance to be synonymous with striptease or hoochie-koochie dancing. Nothing could be farther from the truth!
Middle Eastern dance (or belly dancing as it is commonly called) is a dance form that pre-dates written history. The dance as performed in the United States today combines steps and rhythms from all across the Fertile Crescent: Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon; as well as North Africa and India. The term belly dance became widespread with the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago, when Sol Bloom brought the Egyptian Street Scene, including Little Egypt, to the U.S. and scandalized the Victorian-era folk (and became very wealthy). This name and image has stuck in the minds of Western culture due to writers and filmmakers who have continued to present this mis-guided concept.
The true origins of what has come to be called belly dance has been lost in the passage of history. Some common beliefs are that it started as a dance to worship the Mother Goddess and to celebrate childbirth; others believe that it was a dance that began in celebration of life and living. As this dance has roots in many cultures and countries all of these beliefs have some factual basis. Indeed some cultures were (and still are) dancing for women giving childbirth. A performance of the dance is sensual, but not sexual, in nature. This dance is not just for women; historically it has been performed throughout the world by men for various reasons.
Today you will also see dancers using props in their dancing. Swords and canes were traditionally used by men in war and the incorporation of these symbols into the dance is a way for women to show their equality. Baskets, a symbol of the working side of life, show off women's strength and grace. Veils, while representing women’s separation from male society, have also become common. Having been introduced by Russian ballet influences to improve the upper body carriage of dancers in Egypt, the veil is used only in the opening presentation and is then put aside for the remainder of the performance. In American dancing, the veil has become a more significant part of the dance, often lasting for a complete song. Other common props include: candles, candelabra, snakes, and tea trays.