The history of belly dance is a much-debated topic and shrouded in mystery to some extent. Belly dance consists of a mixture of different dance styles with different origins. Many experts say belly dancing is the oldest form of dance, having roots in all ancient cultures from the orient to India to the Middle East. A popular theory is that belly dance began as a traditional birthing practice to help ease the pains of childbirth.

Leena Viie at the Hipnosis International Belly Dance Festival, Bengaluru