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!

What a cutie!!! Sweet And Frisky!

As Suheir’s career developed and her dance deepened she took command of the stage and the hearts of the people. Her classic movement to the beloved music of Oum Koulthoum on the song ‘ A Ghadan Alqak?’ ….’Will I Meet You Tomorrow?’…is beautifully illustrated in this delightful clip!

Perfection! Her expression of musical nuance is impeccable as is her classic signature style costume, with the matching midriff stocking!… Visual poetry!

The music of what is considered the ‘Golden Era’ of Raqs Sharqi was slower than contemporary music. It had a ‘savoring’ in it’s composition… which is indicative of the ‘pace of life’ in those not too distant times! Of course Arabic music has many tempos, styles and rhythms..with the Baladi always at the heart ….and as classic as Suheir Zaki is… she is also ‘Bint al Balad’…(Daughter of the country)…complete with a sassy attitude….and Love of Music, Dance and Fun! Here is an old movie clip with a fun and different version of  Baladi..Suhair Zaki style!

Adorable…and love the Def Player Dance Chorus!

So…just as a finale…let’s feast our eyes on the “Famous Suheir Zaki Hips”…articulate…powerful…and always perfectly expressing the music!

Bravo.. Suheir Zaki…A living legend and a continual inspiration to us all!