This work describes and analyzes the proliferation of Middle Eastern dance in the United States and the resulting subculture that has developed. Using participant-observation, interviews, and analysis of primary sources, this ethnographic study (originally submitted as the thesis for a Master of Arts degree in Dance at UCLA) looks at the history, people, dancing, media, events, and other aspects of la danse Orientale in contemporary society. It includes a detailed case study of Ibrahim Farrah, preeminent international leader of the dance subculture, featuring an analysis of his choreography and teaching methods.