Belly dancing has been around for thousands of years and there are theories as to where it started. One theory is that belly dancing is originally from ancient Babylonia in southern Iraq It was banned after the arrival of the Islam because it was considered ungodly and perverted. During the Ummayd and the Abbasid dynasties, belly dancing was promoted commercially. It became a thing of tourism so to speak, poor women and slaves from other countries (especially Persia, India/Pakistan and North Africa) danced to entertain rich men. Another Theory is that belly dancing is a reworked series of body movements of which aid women in child birth. Another theory is that it's ancient remnants of our animalistic mating dance/rituals Whatever you believe it came from, it definitely is a beautiful art of a dance. I suggest trying it out for yourself. This drawing is of a photo of the belly dancer Rachel Brice. You should look her up on youtube, she is an a-w-e-s-o-m-e dancer. If you like this! please rate me at 5 stars and/or leave a comment! thanks! ooh looky! my signature is on this one too.