Raqs Sharqi is based on the traditional dances of Egypt and is increasingly popular in the West as an alternative way of keeping fit. Featuring both sinuous and percussive movements, Raqs Sharqi is accompanied by the hypnotic rhythms of the tabla and douff: drums that have barely changed for many centuries.

There are three main forms of Raqs Sharqi:

• Sharqi (classical – based on dances originally performed in the Ottoman courts combined with influences of the takt or 'enchantment'music)
• Sha'abi (folk – based on the dances of the Ghawazee gypsies, the Fellahin or farmers, and from the Said or Upper Egypt)
• Baladi (sophisticated, urbanised folk which evolved during the early part of the 20th century and often called Egyptian jazz).

Each form has its own style of music, emotional 'feel' and costume, but like many things in life these distinctions are far from clear cut. Raqs sharqi isn't narrative, nor do the movements have particular meanings. It is interpretive and expressive and could be described as 'music seen in 3D'.

One of the main features of Raqs Sharqi is 'groundedness'. A good way to define this is to say that if ballet is a 'horizontal' dance (lots of travelling around the stage and a feeling of lightness), Raqs Sharqi is 'vertical' (very centred and with movements rarely straying from a connection to the earth).

The dance is constantly evolving: new styles have emerged mixing 'bellydance' moves with those of other cultures including Indian, Flamenco, Thai, hip-hop and even Gothic. These Tribal and Fusion styles originated in America and offer a different look and feel to the more Egyptian-based styles. I guess it's horses for courses!