Raks Sharki "Bellydance" disambiguation
	Raks Sharki (Arabic for Oriental Dance) is the proper name for the dance most Americans know as "bellydance".  The term "bellydance" was invented by Sol Bloom in 1893 to increase his business at the Chicago World's Fair.  The word is intended to be titillating and is phenomenally inapt for the actual dance.  See Morocco's page for further information. That said, the great majority of americans (at least that I've encountered) have never heard the phrase Raks Sharki.   While I fully support restoring the proper, respectful name for the art of Raks Sharki, I also wish to be quickly and clearly understood.  Hence, like very many other dancers who are aware of this issue, I try to strike some kind of balance between fighting the good fight and being pragmatic.