| Balady/Beledi Style The fabulous Egyptian dancer, Zohair Zaki, always performed Raks Sharki this way. She is my favorite performer. I have never seen an American dance this way. She was magical and breath taking. Her style is also earthy like Fifi Abdo, but she utilized a small space best. She did intricate moves within her space and preferred, heavy, strong yet simple percussion, much like myself. She always wore a Beledi dress. Zohair Zaki is a beledi woman who was always in control of either quick hip locks or her band, very elegant and classy. She was a rare entertainer! Her energy, control and strong stage presence is a combination I have never witnessed by an American performer. Women many times in the Arabic world, dance for themselves, only. They play music and each lady gets up and does a"little something" for her sisters or friends without men watching and acting stupid. In Islam, woman lean toward being very modest and "let go" in the private company of other woman. Islamic females dance for each other for the Spirituality of female power and the Beledi woman feels freedom and beautiful in her personal self expression. |