There are different styles of dance and a variety of costumes associated with regional variations. In the US, we generally see a combination of styles, but probably more Turkish than anything, particularly in costuming.

I am fully willing to be objectified by an comely females who so desire.

I'm not gay. I'm not even male. But I know that I was drawing pictures of naked people, and occasionally making with the hand party, by the age of five. Children are curious about sexuality-- some more than others, but there's nothing wrong with that. While I'm irked at the mothers who let their children buy low-cut vinyl pants (seriously, they were selling them at The Children's Place a few years ago) or visit build-a-whore for their birthday, but the natural progression of sexual awakening starts early. Traci, I think your goal of not suppressing him-- but teaching him respect-- is an excellent one.

Anyone got an extra-large belly dancing outfit? I have some dollar bills I need to dispose of.

6 yrs old.
:)

Hmm, I don't know that playing with ones bits is the same as sexual awareness. I know I was always "hands on", but it was a purely physical/fidgety kinda realtionship (oh, look, if I poke it it gets all long and hard!). I didn't connect any of that to anything sexual until much much later (probably in the 11-12 range).