With feminist groups in Europe and America now espousing it, this really is a danse sans frontières.
This new compilation covers a wide field, ranging from traditional Turkish Taksim to modern tribal fusion. Its local name, raqs sharki, means literally "dance of the East", with the European notion of "la danse du ventre" (reflecting the undulations of the torso) indicating a focus on just part of it. American exponents figure here, and musicians from the Caucasus.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Bookmark popover
Removed from bookmarks