Belly dance has its origins in Egypt but it is no more limited to its country of origin. What was once known as country/folk dance, is today a global craze. Also, the new dancers have evolved it to suit their country or region. So, we’ve new belly dancers leading the top 10 list and they aren’t only from Egypt.

Belly dancing involves the movement of the belly and torso. It requires greater control over the abdominal muscles and it is possible only after hardcore workouts and practice. Today belly dancers are called to perform in movies, stage shows, and social and cultural functions.

Here’re the top 10 belly dancers in the world

1. Amelia Zidane

One of the finest belly dancers in the world, Amelia Zidane deserves to be at No. 1 on the list because she opted for dancing despite stiff opposition from her family. Few people know that she studied psychology and that she is trained in kids’ psychology. Like others her parents also wanted her to make a career in psychology. But she found her interest in belly dancing and went on to become one of the most popular belly dancers in the world. Today she choreographs and directs her programs.

2. Alla Kushnir

Second, on the list of top belly dancers is Alla Kushnir but she is second to none in dancing. Her command over oriental dance is excellent and her performance is fuelled with passion and vitality. Also, she has performed in many countries and created great echoes in belly dancing. She believes that dance has the power to change one’s attitude toward their identity and surroundings. Alla Kushnir has won many international awards and titles including the championship of the Ukrainian Festival of Oriental Dance in 2007, 2008, and 2009.

4. Amar Gamal

Amar Gamal learned dancing while studying at the New World School of the Arts and it is surprising to know that she is trained in jazz, flamenco, tap, and ballet. But she chose belly dancing and excelled in her chosen dance field. And this Cuban dancer took little time in getting world recognition in belly dancing. Amar Gamal started dancing during her teens and became a great dancer by the time she achieved adulthood. Today she teaches belly dancing in several institutions and training schools.

5. Amani

There are a few belly dancers that have a distinctive style and Amani is one of them. In 1993, this Lebanese dancer showcased two historical stories in a corporeal form and her performance was recognized as a hallmark of the history of oriental dancing. Also, Amani is credited with improving belly dancing from nightclubs to formal theaters. She is given the title of dance ambassador in the Carnival of Dancing. Amani has mastered different dancing arts including Indian, jazz, and theatrical.

6. Rachel Brice

Rachel Brice is a regular performer of the Bellydance Superstars and a choreographer. She is also a director at the Indigo Belly Dance Company. In short, she is a professional dancer and a popular face in theaters, television, and social media. Rachel Brice says that she decided to become a belly dancer after watching the performance of Hahbi Ru. Soon she got registered in a dance class and learned different dance forms including Kathak, Odissi Classical, African Haitian, and American tribal-style belly dance.

7. Loretta

Loretta is a Dutch bombshell and an international belly dancer. Considering her popularity and talent, she is invited to become a judge in professional dance programs and shows. She’s No. 7 on our list but she deserves a better rank. Presently Loretta is working as a dance teacher in an international school. And it is evident to all that she is an inspiration to many budding belly dancers. She knows all the traditional and modern moves of belly dancing. Also, she has the ability to teach dance moves to others.

8. Sadie Marquardt

If Instagram is a meter of popularity, Sadie Marquardt is the best belly dancer in the world. She’s over 111K people following her on social media and this number is growing with each passing day. Her success story is quite interesting. She got into stardom after winning the reality show America’s Got Talent in 2010. But it will be an injustice to her to say that she is popular only because of the reality show. Sadie Marquardt is a good gymnast and swimmer. She has the talent to become one of the best belly dancers in the world.

9. Amie Sultan

Any list of top belly dancers won’t be complete without including Amie Sultan. An Egyptian by birth, she is trained in jazz, contemporary dance, and classical ballet. Also, she has been practicing belly dancing since she was 4 years old. If you check her social media profile, you will find that she has a large fan following of 471K people on Instagram. They like her posts and share her pictures showing dance moves.

10. Syrena

Syrena is an American belly dancer. She is also a great singer and actress. But belly dancing is her first passion and this is evident from the awards and recognition she has gotten from the world over. Syrena was attracted to dancing at the age of 3 but her passion for belly dance grew only after she started taking professional training in belly dancing. Today she has 12.2K people following her on Instagram where she inspires and teaches people different moves of belly dancing.