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Step 1
Know the types. In the US, for example, you typically encounter either classic Egyptian or tribal belly-dancing styles. So you can usually focus on distinguishing between these two styles rather than trying to remember the differences between five or six different styles. When overseas, you can expect to see mostly Mediterranean styles with slight variations in music and costumes.
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Step 2
Look at the costumes. Egyptian belly dancers typically wear costumes with vibrant colors and lots of glitz, while tribal belly dancers wear costumes that would fit in with early American tribes. Their costumes may involve natural colors and materials. Asian belly dancers typically wear Asian-inspired silks in reds and blacks. Arabic belly dancers are always seen wearing face covers that usually match the rest of their costume.
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Step 3
Use your ears. Egyptian music is heavy on the cymbals, while tribal belly dancing centers around a lot of drum work. You find different variations based on the dancers' personal style preferences as well. Generally speaking, the music is one of the easiest ways to distinguish the point of origin in the belly dancing.
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Step 4
Pay attention to the numbers. Egyptian belly dancers may dance in groups or alone, but each one typically dances to her own choreography. They engage with the audience and do their own thing. Tribal style belly dancers, on the other hand, always dance in a group with no choreography. They feed off of each other and work together to produce on the fly a dance that's pleasing to the audience. Elsewhere, you'll see either groups or solo dancers depending on the dancers' preferences.
