Back in the mid 1970’s I had the great pleasure and honor studying under Sultana Ebrahim. When I first started performing in the nightclubs of Hollywood most Middle Eastern people would ask if I had studied in Egypt. Egypt was in my own neighborhood, where Sultana had her dance studio.

Sutlana was my first inspiration to Classical Egyptian Dance. She first appeared performing with her two sisters known as “The Dolly Sisters” doing ballet and tap dancing at one of the most famous night clubs in Cairo “Badeia Masabny” in the late 1930’s. Soon after starting, she met Taheyya Karioka, one of the most famous stars of her time. Sultana had the great opportunity to learn from Taheyya.

Sultana in her own right has been an accomplished dancer, dancing for royalty from the late 30’s, 40’s and 50’s she performed through out the Middle East, India and Europe. Sultana introduced the Egyptian Dance in Venice, Italy in 1948 after World War II. In 1956 she was honored with dancing her Egyptian Dance for Prince Rainier and Princess Grace Kelly’s wedding reception in Monaco.