ABSTRACT
This chapter explores why and how many participants construct spiritual meaning within belly dance. It addresses spirituality because people increasingly are creating spiritual meaning in their everyday lives, which is sometimes referred to as 'lived' religion. Lived religious practices may draw from mainstream religious communities, and they may also occur in mundane settings outside of traditional religious boundaries. Belly dance is one artistic leisure site that offers a variety of tools that many participants use to infuse the activity with spiritual meaning in highly creative ways. Furthermore, considering spirituality sheds light on gender dynamics within belly dance because there is a large mythos surrounding female-centered spiritual roots and belly dance. Along with considering whether and how this mythos has any relevance for female dancers today, it is also meaningful to consider how men navigate spirituality within an activity that is heavily dominated by women.
