The question often arises "what is bellydance?" Can it incorporate variations and dance forms derived from Middle Eastern dance, or should it be limited to use just to Middle Eastern dance? Perhaps the clue is in the name...bellydance as a word is a western invention in itself! There appears to be plenty of space to accommodate many different styles within the definition, reflecting the living nature of the dance, whilst spreading an understanding of where the different styles have arisen from, and their context in terms of both Middle Eastern and Western cultures.