Beauty world: The Recent History of Arabic Dance

During the 1800s European writers, while traveling to different countries became fascinated with the traditions, colors and smells of the Orient and specifically with this ancient dance which is wrapped in mystery and shows the passion that connects each part of the body with rhythm and music. The Middle East became a place of inspiration for many artists (painters, writers alike) and as a consequence the development of tourism was formed. People from Europe visited the exotic Middle East to discover and admire the landscape and the people. Oriental Dance became one of its tourist attractions. The first night-club in Cairo, Egypt and then in Beirut, Lebanon. In Turkey there wasn't time for such luxuries due to the political problems.

Around 1940 the first movie industry sprang up in the Arab world with Egypt and Lebanon being the centers of the venture. Cairo was the movie making center. Beirut was the place of conservatories and theater. Arabic dance and music changed considerably. A new music market has been created.The music stars like Farid al-Atrache and Mohamed Abdel Wahab emerged as well as the dazzling stars of Arabic dance like Tahia Carioca, and Samia Gamal in Egypt plus Nadia Gamal in Lebanon. Oriental Dance ceased to be performed at family celebrations behind closed doors. It became more glamorous, and a significant part of the Arabic culture. This advancement did not occur in Iran, Iraq and Turkey. That's why the term "Arabic dance" prevails.

In 1960 another change. The civil war in Lebanon made Egypt the place for many stars. Soheir Zaki, Nagwa Fouad, Lucy, Nadia Hamdi and Fifi Abdo performed at the most luxurious hotels. Egypt became the most famous place on earth for someone to enjoy authentic Arabic Dance. That's why the Egyptian style has been considered so important. This was also the time when Arabic Artists started to emigrate to Europe, the Americas and Australia. Seeking a better and brighter future and contributing at the same time to the enormous publicity and to the improvement of the art's image. Unfortunately, since 1990 the Arabic Dance has created problems for Muslims, in particular the extremists who have forced many Arabic artists to give up their craft. The slump in dance as it was performed exclusively at shady bars in Turkey and other areas also added to this. Stars such as Soheir Zaki and Nagwa Fouad resigned from the stage because according to their beliefs the violence wasn't worth the effort. Others like Fifi Abdo and Dina hired personal bodyguards to protect themselves.

In the 21st century, the Oriental Dance entices people around the world so much so that the quality and the standards of the dance has gone up considerably. On entering the beautiful world of Arabic Dance, one is surprised by the numerous styles inherent to this craft.