Little Egypt

Princesses… Great Exhibitions..Side Shows…Charmers…and…

What happens when Men get all up in our Dance….

I was fascinated when I discovered some YouTube clips from the late 1800′s and early 1900′s of Oriental Dance ( then named Belly Dance.. the English version of the French phrase ‘Danse du ventre’… Dance of the stomach)…when it was first introduced to the West…it seems that Thomas Edison not only found a way to put a ‘meter’ on electricity but through film also helped put a ‘meter’ on our lovely dance! You want to ‘Play’ you gotta ‘Pay’ !!!!!

 We have all heard of ‘Little Egypt’ , The Chicago World Fair, and Promoter, Sol Bloom…if not, here is a brief rundown…from Molly Crabapple’s Blog

” Sol Bloom (Pekin, Illinois, March 9, 1870–1949), was the son of Polish Jews. He started in show biz at seven, managing theatres by his early teens. At the age of twenty-two, he talked his way into the Midway commission at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. Initially conceived of as an anthropology exhibit, under Bloom’s lead the Midway became a fleshier, more sinful counterpoint to Chicago’s White City. He imported hookahs, African villages, and the belly dancer Little Egypt, who entertained in a special “men only” tent. Bloom composed his most famous tune after Little Egypt complained about not being able to dance to classical waltzes. He never trademarked it, much to his regret.”

We don’t have a film of Little Egypt…but…here are Thomas Edison Company’s silent black and white clips of ‘Belly Dance’!

This first one is Princess Ali.. circa 1895..seems this is an Algerian..Berber Scarf Dance..

Brief yet wonderful!

Then from 1898 here is a clip of a ‘Turkish Dance’ by Ella Lola….is she Turkish? Not Sure… but she gives it a whirl! 

And Last but certainly NOT least is the ultimate..filmed by ‘American Mutoscope and Biograph Company…of Princess Rajah…Warning!!! “Don’t Try This At Home”!!!
Read the rest of this entry »

Suhair Zaki

An’ Authentic Love of Dance’ always shines through!

A truly great Dance Artist is so much more than moves, steps, a perfect sense of rhythm,  awesome costuming and delightful looks! As much as these attributes are  necessary they are only the external ‘container’ for the true element that comprises ‘star quality’! The magical element that creates greatness is ‘Love’…and a Dancer’s ‘True Love of the Music and Dance’…expressed authentically…is the elixir that keeps us coming back for more!

Egyptian Dance legend Suheir Zaki has been gracing the stage and capturing our hearts for many years. In the Middle East she is loved so dearly that many refer to her as the ‘Oum Koulthoum of Dance’ ( rumour has it that late President of Egypt, Anwar Sadat, gave her that title). That is quite a title considering that Oum Koulthoum is the ‘High Priestess’ of Arabic song! I don’t think you will find anyone in any Middle Eastern country that will deny the Great Talent of Oum Koulthoum…and, of course, you will find those that would take affront to giving even second billing to a ‘Dancer’..yet, for those who recognize Raqs Sharqi as Art…Suhair Zaki is a beloved Artist!  Suheir is also KNOWN to be the first dancer to perform on Oum Koulthoum’s music,( it is said … with her personal blessing).  Suheir Zaki has set the standard for the approach to Egyptian Dance on these classic treasures.  

Suheir Zaki’s sweet dance persona has remained with her throughout her career. Here is a clip from an Egyptian Movie when she was a VERY young teenager!
Read the rest of this entry »