
Raqs Sharki translates as "Dance of the East,"
or "Oriental Dance". Raqs Sharki is also a form of Egyptian classical dance, but the expression has broadened in
meaning to include other forms.
The
central concept of the dance lies in a spiritually centered and earth grounded set of movements formalized by women. Some
believe the dance originated in temples during Goddess worship; some believe the dance came from women helping the birth mother
during her labor.