Oriental Dance has many different names from our western Belly dance to Egyptian Raks Sharki, which is modern day cabaret to folkloric dance Beledi (Balady). Many Middle Eastern country claims the dance originated from their country, but known really knows for sure. This ancient dance started long ago in ancient time. I do know that most Middle Eastern people prefer Egyptian style dancing. I also share that feeling.

     I do know that when you begin to dance to the ancient rhythms and hear the music it takes you to a wonderful place. You begin to feel free, like a bird flying for the first time or the wind blowing in your hair and the sea breeze in your face. The dance lifts your spirit and lets you feel love for everything around you. All I can say is the dance can have very special meaning for everyone.

     The dance is a beautiful sensual form and when dance with class and style it can bring joy to your life and a lot of fun. If you were in a Egyptian home were the women of the household had complete their daily task you would fine them dancing for one another, mothers, sisters, aunts, cousins, daughters, and their sons. They all love to dance on any special occasion.

     Just a note when I was a young dancer in Hollywood I work at the Turkish nightclubs and at that time I was required to perform floor work, which is not part of the Egyptian dance.

     It important to listen to the music and try and understand the beat, the different instruments, rhythms, its also important to dance to music that turns you on, that you really like. We all come from different background that make up this wonderful world that the dance and music becomes universal giving this dance away to express ourselves.