We use Belly Dance, but you might see different dancers and scholars use Bellydance. The term "Belly Dance" has persisted since the Western popularity of the dance in Vaudeville shows in the early 20th century. Dancers generally do not like the term as it does not give them any information. Does it mean we can only use our bellies? Most dancers consider themselves students of "Middle Eastern and North African Dances." (Try saying that 3 times fast!) Despite this, the term Belly Dance is the most recognized term for this type of dance and many dancers use it as it is the term that most non-dancers recognize.