In Egypt, where belly-dancing was once celebrated as an ancient tradition, performers are fighting to dance against an increasingly conservative society.
Amie Sultan started her career as a ballerina but became interested in belly-dancing when foreigners would ask her about the Egyptian belly-dancing tradition. She takes inspiration from old movies and film-stars and wants to restore belly-dancing to its golden heyday, when Cairo was the capital of entertainment in the Middle East.
"I love going on stage performing for people and when it comes to the music, I decide what I want to dance to and all of that to me is beautiful,” said Amie. “But the thing I love the most is when I know I have done a good job from people's reactions. And then I feel all the obstacles I faced have been worth it."
Amie is not the only one who loves the old-school glamour of belly-dancing. For the last two years, Yasmine El Maghraby has been exclusively designing belly-dancing costumes, drawing inspiration from the mega stars of classic black and white movies while adding her own modern twist.
Yasmine, the owner and designer of Sagaat, works closely with the dancers and choreographers to bring the performances to life. "Every dancer wants to present her personality on stage,” she said. “So with each one we work according to what she likes and the vision of what she wants to present."
But it is not all sequins and sparkles for Egypt's belly-dancers. Their love of dancing may keep them going, but they face increasing criticism from a conservative society dominated by men.
Luna is an American belly-dancer who has lived in Cairo for six years and become a well-known face in the profession, regularly performing in big hotels and at weddings. But she was recently kicked out of her home after her landlord discovered that she was a dancer.
"This duality, or what a lot of people call hypocrisy, that some Egyptians exhibit unfortunately exists,” said Luna. “While their culture and religion tells them this is something that is shameful and wrong, at the same time they are human beings. And how can you not appreciate art?"
Luna does not let society's criticism put her off. She continues to perform up to five shows a night for crowds of thrilled spectators. But she knows it takes a woman of strength and courage to face up to Egypt's double standards.
"Belly dancing is a hallmark of Egyptian culture, but it is facing a growing wave of conservatism that threatens to damage its image. But devoted fans and talented dancers like Luna and Amie, will fight to keep the tradition alive.
"I love going on stage performing for people and when it comes to the music, I decide what I want to dance to and all of that to me is beautiful,” said Amie. “But the thing I love the most is when I know I have done a good job from people's reactions. And then I feel all the obstacles I faced have been worth it."
Amie is not the only one who loves the old-school glamour of belly-dancing. For the last two years, Yasmine El Maghraby has been exclusively designing belly-dancing costumes, drawing inspiration from the mega stars of classic black and white movies while adding her own modern twist.
Yasmine, the owner and designer of Sagaat, works closely with the dancers and choreographers to bring the performances to life. "Every dancer wants to present her personality on stage,” she said. “So with each one we work according to what she likes and the vision of what she wants to present."
But it is not all sequins and sparkles for Egypt's belly-dancers. Their love of dancing may keep them going, but they face increasing criticism from a conservative society dominated by men.
Luna is an American belly-dancer who has lived in Cairo for six years and become a well-known face in the profession, regularly performing in big hotels and at weddings. But she was recently kicked out of her home after her landlord discovered that she was a dancer.
"This duality, or what a lot of people call hypocrisy, that some Egyptians exhibit unfortunately exists,” said Luna. “While their culture and religion tells them this is something that is shameful and wrong, at the same time they are human beings. And how can you not appreciate art?"
Luna does not let society's criticism put her off. She continues to perform up to five shows a night for crowds of thrilled spectators. But she knows it takes a woman of strength and courage to face up to Egypt's double standards.
"Belly dancing is a hallmark of Egyptian culture, but it is facing a growing wave of conservatism that threatens to damage its image. But devoted fans and talented dancers like Luna and Amie, will fight to keep the tradition alive.
- CNA/ec
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