Belly dancing has many regional variations. Turkish belly dance music for example is characterized by the dominant sounds of the oboe, clarinet, oud, ney, kanoon, finger cymbals (known as the aka zills) and hand drums.

The belly dance costumes of Turkish dancers are at the more risque end of the cabaret styles, showing plenty of leg and cleavage. They are often beaded, but may have coins as well. Veils are another popular part of the belly dance routine, along with the finger cymbals. Many belly performers are also able to dance while balancing swords, brass trays, or even shamandan - candelabrum, complete with lighted candles.