American Gypsy Style (not to be confused with Romany Gypsy Dances)
The Romany people (Rom) migrated from north India’s province of Rajistan in 1000 AD. Generation after generation, they traveled all over the world with their crafts, music and dance trades, picking up a little of this and that from the cultures they encountered. This dance is reflective of what many call “gypsy style.” However, in America this style of dance is very eclectic.The Turkish Gypsies belly dance topless in the famous Sulukele district of Istanbul (which offends the sensibilities of dancers who are struggling to overcome sexist images of the dance and gain wholesome acceptability).

The American version of Gypsy style belly dance fuses many dance flavors together. The Spanish/Moorish influence manifests as “Zambra,” a form of flamenco employed by belly dancers, along with Indian Katak, Turkish Gypsy, folk dance, American spunk, vamp, and imagination. Typical costume characteristics include large, full, colorful skirts, fringe scarves on hips, flowing sleeves and Moorish art accents.

(Article Courtesy of: www.learn-to-belly-dance.com)