Raqs sharqi
Encyclopedia
Raqs sharqi is the classical Egyptian style of belly dance
that developed during the first half of the 20th century.
Based on the traditional ghawazi and other folk
styles and formed by western influences such as marching bands, the Russian ballet
, Latin dance, etc., this hybrid style was performed in the cabarets of interbellum period Egypt
and in early Egyptian cinema.
The style is often considered the classical style of belly dance
, although that term historically referred to the ghawazi style, and today covers a much wider range of Middle Eastern dance
as well as Western styles developed from them.
, Tahiya Karioka
, Naima Akef
, and other dancers who rose to fame during the golden years of the Egyptian film industry. This has come to be considered the classical style of dance in Egypt by the 1950s. These dancers were famous not only for their role in Egyptian films, but also for their performances at the "Opera Casino" opened in 1925 by Badia Masabni.
This venue was a popular place for influential musicians and choreographers from both the US and Europe.
Later dancers who were influenced by these artists are Sohair Zaki, Fifi Abdou
, and Nagwa Fouad. All rose to fame between 1960 and 1980, and are still popular today. Some of these later dancers were the first to choreograph and perform dances using a full 'orchestra' and stage set-up, which had a huge influence upon what is considered the 'classical' style.
Though the basic movements of Raqs Sharqi are unchanged, the dance form continues to evolve. Nelly Mazloum and Mahmoud Reda are noted for incorporating elements of ballet, and their influence can be seen in modern Egyptian dancers who stand on relevé as they turn or travel in a circle or figure eight.
today are foreigners, both from Europe and from elsewhere in the Arab world (particularly Lebanon
).
State television in Egypt no longer broadcasts belly dancing. A plan to establish a state institute to train belly dancers in Egypt came under heavy fire in 2009 as it "seriously challenges the Egyptian society's traditions and glaringly violates the constitution," said Farid Esmail, a member of parliament.
Belly dance
Belly dance or Bellydance is a "Western"-coined name for a traditional "Middle Eastern" dance, especially raqs sharqi . It is sometimes also called Middle Eastern dance or Arabic dance in the West, or by the Greco-Turkish term çiftetelli...
that developed during the first half of the 20th century.
Based on the traditional ghawazi and other folk
Beledi
Baladi is a rhythmic style common in Middle Eastern music, and the associated traditional dance raqs baladi.This is the most common rhythm among music used for oriental dancing, including Arabic pop and...
styles and formed by western influences such as marching bands, the Russian ballet
Russian ballet
Russian ballet is a form of ballet characteristic of or originating from Russia. In the early 19th century, the theaters were opened up to anyone who could afford a ticket. There was a seating section called a rayok, or 'paradise gallery', that consisted of simple wooden benches...
, Latin dance, etc., this hybrid style was performed in the cabarets of interbellum period Egypt
Kingdom of Egypt
The Kingdom of Egypt was the first modern Egyptian state, lasting from 1922 to 1953. The Kingdom was created in 1922 when the British government unilaterally ended its protectorate over Egypt, in place since 1914. Sultan Fuad I became the first king of the new state...
and in early Egyptian cinema.
The style is often considered the classical style of belly dance
Belly dance
Belly dance or Bellydance is a "Western"-coined name for a traditional "Middle Eastern" dance, especially raqs sharqi . It is sometimes also called Middle Eastern dance or Arabic dance in the West, or by the Greco-Turkish term çiftetelli...
, although that term historically referred to the ghawazi style, and today covers a much wider range of Middle Eastern dance
Middle Eastern dance
The traditional dances of the Middle East span a large variety of folk traditions throughout North Africa, Southwest Asia, Central Asia , sometimes also to the inclusion of the Balkans and South Asia ."Belly dance" is a western term properly applied to raqs sharqi, which is the Arabic for...
as well as Western styles developed from them.
History
Raqs sharqi was developed by Samia GamalSamia Gamal
Samia Gamal was an Egyptian belly dancer and film actress.Born in the small Egyptian town of Wana in 1924, Samia's family moved just months later to Cairo and settled near the Khan El-Khalili bazaar. It was many years later that Samia Gamal met Badia Masabni, the founder of modern Oriental dance....
, Tahiya Karioka
Tahiya Karioka
Tahiya Karioka also Tahiya Mohamed , was an Egyptian belly dancer and film actress. Born in the Egyptian town of Ismaileya in 1920 to Mohamed Kareem, Tahiya was discouraged from performing as a dancer by her family...
, Naima Akef
Naima Akef
Naima Akef was a famous Egyptian belly dancer during the Egyptian cinema's golden age and starred in many films of the time. Naima Akef was born in Tanta on the Nile Delta. Her parents were acrobats in the Akef Circus , which was one of the best known circuses at the time...
, and other dancers who rose to fame during the golden years of the Egyptian film industry. This has come to be considered the classical style of dance in Egypt by the 1950s. These dancers were famous not only for their role in Egyptian films, but also for their performances at the "Opera Casino" opened in 1925 by Badia Masabni.
This venue was a popular place for influential musicians and choreographers from both the US and Europe.
Later dancers who were influenced by these artists are Sohair Zaki, Fifi Abdou
Fifi Abdou
Fifi Abdou is an Egyptian belly dancer and actress. She has been described as "synonymous with belly dancing in the years she was performing." In her acting career, she is known as the woman-empowering type where, rarely in Egyptian culture and film, she beats up and overpowers men.-Early life...
, and Nagwa Fouad. All rose to fame between 1960 and 1980, and are still popular today. Some of these later dancers were the first to choreograph and perform dances using a full 'orchestra' and stage set-up, which had a huge influence upon what is considered the 'classical' style.
Though the basic movements of Raqs Sharqi are unchanged, the dance form continues to evolve. Nelly Mazloum and Mahmoud Reda are noted for incorporating elements of ballet, and their influence can be seen in modern Egyptian dancers who stand on relevé as they turn or travel in a circle or figure eight.
Costume
Since the 1950s, it has been illegal in Egypt for belly dancers to perform publicly with their midriff uncovered or to display excessive skin. It is therefore becoming more common to wear a long, figure-hugging lycra one-piece gown with strategically placed cut-outs filled in with sheer, flesh-coloured fabric. If a separate bra and skirt are worn, a belt is rarely used and any embellishment is embroidered directly on the tight, sleek lycra skirt. A sheer body stocking must be worn to cover the midsection. Egyptian dancers traditionally dance in bare feet, but these days often wear shoes and even high heels.Respectability in Egypt
Professional belly dancers in Egypt are not well regarded. Egyptians do not consider it a respectable profession, despite attempts by several groups to change the perception, and despite the fact that most Egyptians nevertheless continue to employ native Egyptian dancers for wedding receptions and other celebratory events. Most belly dancers performing for tourists in EgyptTourism in Egypt
Tourism is one of the most important sectors in Egypt's economy. More than 12.8 million tourists visited Egypt in 2008, providing revenues of nearly $11 billion. The sector employs about 12 percent of Egypt's workforce. -History:...
today are foreigners, both from Europe and from elsewhere in the Arab world (particularly Lebanon
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
).
State television in Egypt no longer broadcasts belly dancing. A plan to establish a state institute to train belly dancers in Egypt came under heavy fire in 2009 as it "seriously challenges the Egyptian society's traditions and glaringly violates the constitution," said Farid Esmail, a member of parliament.