Bellydance in the Present

Editorial by Bebe Dahl

Every person from Middle Eastern decent or identifiable with the culture is familiar with this traditional dance, whether they know the history or knowledge about the belly dance is questionable. To accomplish a successful performance, each and every movement requires precision, and tact, presentation counts, as well as being in a harmonized co-ordination with the music. What makes it a fine art is the complexity of the dance and the method along with the dancer's skill, in other words, "It's not as easy as it looks!" It may take years and years for one to become an expert. Many of today's bellydancers in the Middle East still are devoted to teaching the classical style of bellydance, where as here in the West we are so fortunate to be culturally enriched allowing us to infuse all forms of dance styles.

Famous Bellydancers every dancer should know:

Early 1900's - Samia Gamal, Tahiya Karioka, Naima Akef, Nadia Gamal.

Later 1960's - Sohair Zaki, Nagwa Fouad, Fifi Abdou

Present  - There are many dancers performing in Egypt abroad cruise ships and in Hotels. Some are over rated in my opinion, but overall they all follow the same classic style of bellydance as introduced by the first ladie of bellydance.