Sultana Ebrahim

     Sultana Ebrahim, famous for her performance at the wedding of Prince Rainer and Princess Grace Kelly in 1956, was my first dance teacher who taught me Classical Egyptian Cabaret (Raks Sharki). In the mid 70's I took hours of dance lessons from Sultana. I studied every wonderful dance step technique and movements that she taught, always emphasizing arms and hand movements in being a graceful dancer.

     Sultana was born in Alexandria, Egypt. In the 30's as a young girl she and her two sisters danced ballet and tap at "Casino Badia" a.k.a "Casino Opera" in Cairo, Egypt where Sultana met "Tahia Carioca". Tahia Carioca was Sultana's dance teacher in Raks Sharki.

     Tahia Carioca was one of the first pioneers in Classical Egyptian Cabaret who aspired to elevate Raks Sharki to an elegant and beautiful art form, as we know of it today.

Sultana in her own right is an accomplished dancer, dancing for royalty throughout the Middle East and Europe. She is fluent in several languages. A very charming person to know, I speak to her often, always getting advice and wisdom.