When you think of belly dance music, what kind of songs come to mind?
Many people probably imagine Arabian-style tracks.
It’s true that Turkey and Egypt are the heartlands of belly dance, so there are indeed many songs from those traditions.
However, in modern belly dance, which has become widely known around the world, dance music that blends in avant-garde genres is also used.
This time, we’ve selected staple belly dance songs, both classic and contemporary!
- [2026] The Beautiful World of Ambient: A Curated Collection of Must-Listen Masterpieces
- Classic and popular recommendations in ethnic music
- [2026] India’s Greatest Songs: Latest Hit Tracks & Timeless Classics [New and Old]
- Recommended Latin Music | Introducing Stylish Masterpieces
- [Nostalgic Collection] Classic oldies masterpieces. Recommended popular songs
- Classic salsa songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- Flamenco masterpieces. Recommended popular songs.
- Popular Western dance songs [Western music ranking]
- Mexican Music | Energetic Latin Tunes Make an Appearance!
- Western music that gets you pumped. Recommended up-tempo tracks.
- Carefully selected Japanese songs with a Latin flavor! Recommended J-POP brimming with exotic vibes
- [Classic Song] A staple track for dance battles
- [Classics] Famous waltzes: recommended popular pieces
Belly dance music. Masterpieces of sensual dance music, recommended popular tracks (1–10)
Shik Shak ShokHassan Abou El Seoud
Hassan Abu El Sabout is one of Egypt’s most famous composers.
In addition to providing songs for many well-known artists, he also composes film scores.
His classic piece “Shik Shak Shok” is a quintessential staple of belly dance—used not only in Egypt but also widely across the belly dance scenes in countries like the United States and Japan.
Be sure to check it out.
Khidni HabibiElie Attieh
Aleia Ataya is a DJ from Lebanon.
She is very famous in the Middle East and known as one of the pioneers who blend Arabic folk music with contemporary sounds.
One of her signature tracks is “Khidni Habibi.” It’s a striking piece that showcases her distinctive style of updating traditional music with a modern touch.
Belly dance continues to evolve even today, and dancers perform to contemporary tracks like this as well.
Be sure to check it out.
Akbar KazabahIwan
Mr.
Iwan, a singer-songwriter from Lebanon who enjoys immense support in the Middle East.
He originally worked as a music producer, providing songs to famous Lebanese artists, and is renowned for his exceptional composition skills.
One of his masterpieces is Akbar Kazabah.
While many belly dance performances are set to contemporary music, this piece is among the most popular even within that category.
The difficulty level is on the higher side, but we encourage you to give it a try.
BasbousaGizira Band
Gizira Band is a highly acclaimed group on the HOLLYWOOD MUSIC CENTER label, popular among belly dancers.
They work across a wide range—from traditional pieces rooted in Egyptian folk music to club tracks that translate folk elements into electronic music.
Among their releases, a particularly recommended one is Basbousa.
While retaining a strong traditional folk atmosphere, it incorporates programmed beats in places, making it an accessible and enjoyable listen.
ArabiaHanine
Hanin El Alam is a female violinist from Lebanon.
She is one of the world’s most renowned violinists and has gained popularity for her traditional style inspired by Arabic folk music.
Her works are often used for belly dance, and among them, “Arabia” is particularly popular.
It’s a highly upbeat piece that, while centered on percussion and violin, delivers remarkable power and stands out as a highly polished work.
ÇiftetelliHüsnü Şenlendirici
There are broadly two styles of belly dance: the Egyptian style and the Turkish style.
Both are danced to their own countries’ traditional music, and the piece I’m introducing here, “Çiftetelli,” is a classic that’s often used in the Turkish style of belly dance.
It’s performed by Hüsnü Şenlendirici, a clarinet and trumpet player known as an interpreter of traditional Turkish music.
This work is packed with the finest elements of Turkey’s traditional music, so if you dance in the Turkish style, be sure to give it a try!
ŞımarıkTARKAN
Tarkan, a Turkish male singer affectionately known as the “Prince of Turkey,” enjoys popularity not only in Turkey but also high acclaim across Europe and North America.
Among his works, the one I recommend for belly dance is “Şımarık.” It blends traditional Turkish music into a contemporary track, featuring an impressively upbeat structure.
It’s a perfect piece for energetic belly dancing, so be sure to check it out.