Is Iraqi dance actually belly dance?

As an Iraqi, this question is deeply personal to me. Iraqi dance shares some technique with what the West calls belly dance, but it is its own cultural tradition with its own rhythms, costumes and history.

From Kawleeya hair work to Chobi line dances, Iraqi dance is grounded, powerful and social. It belongs at weddings, in celebrations, in community. It is not originally a stage spectacle. It is a living expression of identity.

For me, dancing Iraqi style feels ancestral. It feels proud. It feels real.

And now I am so excited to share my brand new Iraqi Dance course, where you will learn authentic foundations, hair technique, musical understanding and a full choreography, so you can truly feel the soul behind the movement.

Belly dance is often seen as performance, but its roots run far deeper. This ancient movement practice was created for the body, supporting strength, mobility, and wellbeing long before modern fitness existed. In this article, I explore the history, the science, and my own journey with belly dance, and what it truly does to your body.

Looking to hire a belly dancer for Christmas or New Year’s Eve. Professional belly dance entertainment has become one of the most popular choices for luxury Christmas parties, NYE events, corporate end of year celebrations, and Arabian themed nights. My first ever performance was during Christmas and I remember wondering why anyone would want belly dance entertainment at a festive event. Now it is one of the busiest seasons of the year because clients want unique entertainment that brings sparkle, glamour and unforgettable energy. I have performed for Barclays, Lyca, football clubs and countless private Christmas parties and NYE celebrations, and the reaction is always the same. Pure excitement. Hiring a belly dancer or a group of belly dancers is the perfect idea for anyone searching for high quality Christmas entertainment, winter gala entertainment, New Year’s Eve performers, luxury event entertainment, corporate Christmas party performers or Arabian themed show nights. With professional choreography, stunning costumes, group dance options, custom music sets and tailored performances, a belly dance show instantly transforms any event into a spectacular celebration. If you want the best Christmas and NYE entertainment, get in touch to book a professional belly dancer for your next festive celebration.

Mahraganat is Egypt’s bold street born dance style that blends electronic beats, rap, and traditional Shaabi roots. I fell in love with it the first time I heard its wild energy. It felt like Egyptian street dance with pure attitude and joy. In this blog I share how Mahraganat began, why it’s become one of my favorite styles to perform, and how you can try it yourself with my Do You Love Me choreography on BellyFit by Leilah.

Discover the beauty and history of veil dancing in belly dance — from its origins with pioneers like Ruth St. Denis to its rise in Egyptian cinema with stars like Samia Gamal. In this blog, I share how modern belly dancers use veils, what types of fabric work best (like silk veils), and how you can avoid common mistakes when starting out. I’ll also share my own veil mishaps (yes, I looked like a ghost more than once), give you essential veil dance tips, and tell you how to learn veil with me through my belly dance veil course on Bellyfit by Leilah. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced dancer, this is your guide to mastering the art of veil in belly dance.