While I sometimes teach belly dance through a lens of healing and personal wellness, I deeply honor and acknowledge the cultural origins and rich traditions of Middle Eastern, North African, and Mediterranean communities from which this art form arises. I strive to respect these roots by educating my students about the dance’s history, using traditional music when appropriate, learning the Arabic language, incorporating culturally accurate movements, and continuously learning from dancers and scholars within those communities. My partner, who is Egyptian, plays an important role in keeping me grounded and accountable—regularly reminding me to approach this dance with cultural integrity and humility. My intention is not to appropriate, but to celebrate and share this dance in a way that uplifts its origins, fosters embodied expression, and encourages cross-cultural appreciation.