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Middle Eastern dance, sometimes calledoriental dance, comprises a variety of dancing styles historically associated withethnic groups in the Middle East. It may include influences from other parts of the world, such asWestern dance, and may also be present in regions that have overlapping or shared ethnic or cultural demographics with theMiddle East (namelyNorth Africa, which is part of theArab world)per se.[1] The Middle East is generally understood as a region that comprises the majority ofWest Asia, albeit includingEgypt and excluding theCaucasus.
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Middle EasternArab dance encompasses historical dancing styles amongArabs in theArabian Peninsula and theLevant, as well asIraq andEgypt. It includes the following:ardah,baladi,belly dancing,dabke,deheyeh,fann at-tanbura,hosa,khaleegy,mizmar,raqs sharqi,shamadan,tahtib,tanoura, andyowlah.
TheArmenians are an ethnic group who, while indigenous to theArmenian highlands, have historically inhabited and culturally impacted parts of modern-dayTurkey,Lebanon, andIran, among other countries. Consequently,Armenian dance has been present in the Middle East for centuries, including:berd,kochari,shalakho,tamzara, andyarkhushta.
See:Greek Cypriot dance andTurkish Cypriot dance.
A highly stylized, graceful form that evolved from19th century Qajar court dances. It emphasizes fluid upper body movements, intricate hand and finger work and expressive facial gestures. Modern versions often incorporate elements ofballet.[2]
Persian dance:classical Persian dance.
Turkish dance is a diverse art form shaped by Central Asian roots, Anatolian history,Islamic influence, and the expansion of theOttoman Empire. It ranges from highly spiritual rituals to high energy regional folk dances.
Turkish dance:Çiftetelli,halay.
Jewish dance:Hora,Tza'ad Teimani,Israeli folk dance
