Tahia Carioca was an Egyptian belly dancer and film actress. Born in the Egyptian town of Ismaïlia to Mohamed Kareem, Tahiya was discouraged from performing as a dancer by her family. Due to family differences that could not be settled with her father and brothers, she moved to Cairo to stay with an old neighbour, Suad Mahasen, a night club owner and an artist.
Tahiya had asked several times for employment in Suad’s nightclub but Suad refused to employ her due to the disreputability of working at a night club. However, many of Suad’s associates and friends became acquainted with Tahiya through various visits to Suad’s home. They all advised Suad to add her to one of the shows as a chorus girl but still she refused. Soon, Tahiya was mentioned to Badia Masabni, the owner of Casino Opera, one of the most prominent nightclubs of the time. Badia offered a position in her troupe to Tahiya. Tahiya accepted and was given the stage name Tahiya Mohamed. She soon began gaining popularity as a solo dancer and as she became more experienced she learned a popular Samba dance from Brasil at the time called the Carioca. After that she became known as Tahiya Karioca. Tahiya began starring in movies during what is dubbed as the Egyptian film industries “Golden Age”. Tahia Carioca was a talented dancer, singer, and actor.
Belly dancing has become more and more popular as it has been shown to the entire world through videos and travelling dancers. It seems that everyone wants to learn this exotic dance style. If you would like to see where belly dancing originated you should check out the dancers of Cairo Egypt. From the days of the Pharaohs, it has evolved into the art form we see today Belly Dancing in Modern Egypt.
The world has changed since belly dancing first appeared in Cairo. It was once an important part of Egyptian culture. Today, modern times have made it difficult to find authentic Egyptian belly dancing, but if you look you can still find places where the dance is as authentic as it was centuries ago. If you are planning a trip to Egypt then you should make it a point to find an authentic show.
It might be usual for you to ask your taxi driver or an employee of your hotel. They will most likely send you to Al Haram Street. Here you will find dancers that may not be Egyptian but they are very skilled dancers and can put on quite a show. There has been a great many foreign dancers who have come to Egypt in recent years.
There has been a significant crackdown on the laws regarding shows in Egypt. This explains the amount of foreign dancers who have travelled to Egypt. The dancers from the country have been discouraged by the laws that tell them what kind of costumes they are allowed to wear during their performance.
If you want to find more places in Cairo for an authentic experience you may have to pay a bit more. Five star hotels will typically offer the experience for their guests. The most famous belly dancers in the country will perform at these luxurious hotels. Don’t forget to book the show well in advance and make sure you inquire about the dress code.
The hotels and nightclubs are not the only place to experience an authentic belly dancing show. Check out the ships that offer a night of dinner and entertainment for tourists in Cairo. You will find that it might be a little expensive but it is a good deal for the money. Usually the dinner consists of a sumptuous buffet and the entertainment is outstanding
Whichever way you find to watch some authentic Egyptian dancing you will be sure to enjoy your wonderful night. Take the time to experience this unique and entertaining event.
Where the Origin of Belly Dancing actually was born?
The origin of belly dancing has been an issue that has been long debated by professionals because there is no clear answer to where the origin of belly dancing actually was born. Some professionals such as anthropologists believe that perhaps it was Egypt as there is evidence indicating this by the carvings left that seem to indicate the same movements and pictures that would be similar to belly dancing. Others believe that it originated from India, Central Asia, Middle East and even Africa and there is significant evidence left behind by these ancestors that would seem to support that belief.
The origin of belly dancing can be better defined and understood when you appreciate what the belly dancing purpose was for and who performed them. Many cultures of this day lived with the earth, as one with the earth and it is these societies that gave way for the origins of belly dancing. It is believed that these cultures utilized belly dancing to provide sensuality much in a way as today’s society would call foreplay and it stimulated sexual senses. It was also largely used in sacred ceremonies as well as initiation rites and fertility rituals as it was a helpful tool in creating spirituality.
In countries such as Polynesia and Africa the origin of belly dancing don’t show that it was specifically a dance exclusively for women, as most people today believe. There is plenty of evidence to suggest that dancers of both male and female variety participated in such erotic dancing that was accompanied by a blissful rhythm from the African drums.
In just the opposite of the African tribes who used belly dancing for the erotic dance form that is became the people in India took the origin of belly dancing and interpreted them as an act of worship. In fact, if you visit India it would be well worth your time to go to Konarak to see the temple wall. It is an Indian shrine that dates back to the 13th century and displays dancing girls that are carved in the stone in a variety of erotic poses. This is even one of the still standing remnants of years ago when the origin of belly dancing were beginning.
As with every art form that is studied for years, the origin of belly dancing also suggest that many dancers were banished from these temples because their dances became far more erotic than they were spiritual and were even involved in prostitution. It is from this bit of belly dancing history that people associated belly dancing with strippers and other undesirable professions. In fact, belly dancing is an art of Middle Eastern Dance with its exotic movements and the unique interpretation of the beautiful Middle Eastern music and rhythms.
Belly Dancing in Turkey is a very popular form of entertainment
Belly Dancing is a very popular form of entertainment in Turkey. It is quite common to find dancers performing in nightclubs and restaurants all over the country. However belly dancers are often hired for private events such as weddings, festivals, shows and parties.
Belly Dancing in Turkey has a long-standing tradition that has lately become a hot tourist attraction. In spite of its popularity these dances remain an intrinsic part of the private lives of all Turks regardless of age or class, and in its most basic form it is a dance for fertility.
In its native tongue it is called “Gobek dans” and it is still growing and changing even today especially as it comes under the influence of various cultures. And the authorities are mixed on where they believe the original dance came from, some say from the Greeks and others claim that it is from the Egyptians.
The art is very popular in Turkish nightclubs and is a profitable profession for women who receive their tips from men literally showering them in paper money, or by stuffing bills into their costumes. And of course a little known fact is that men also belly dance. It is not uncommon for men to jump up out of the audience and accompany the woman on stage. Of course this happens more often at private parties or festivals than in the clubs.
As belly dancing spreads the globe it is enjoying increased popularity as it hits different parts of the world. Perhaps the allure of the dance is due to its rich heritage that makes it so unique as a dance style. Because of this heritage many people associate the belly dancing from Turkey with religion and exoticism. And of course this causes some strong opinions about the art; some love it while others despise it.
In Turkey the dancer is generally a well-curved woman, with strong abs muscles who dances to a backdrop of traditional music. She will often accompany the music with the use of clangs, which are the little bells used during a Belly Dancing in Turkey. The music is very rhythmic and the dance emphasizes the movement of the hips and chest. The movements are solid and organic as the dancer moves bare foot across the floor in order to remain connected to the earth.
The cadence of the dancers body parts are the main characteristic of this style. The dancer moves with fluid, supple and well-integrated movements which are very sensual in nature. Most movements concentrate on the hips and shoulders, which alternate with shimmy and sliding moves.
Various other items are used by dancers, which are specific to Turkey such as serpents, swords, veils and candles. These items are most widely used in Turkish folk dances, and are said to have mystical powers. The use of a snake during dances come from the ancient cults and is a foundational element symbolizing male and female sexuality and even the concept of immortality.
The thing about it is that not too many women accomplish this. Belly dance is for most an out of reach world which borders on the exotic and exclusive. Honestly much too many women are exempted from this world either by lack of knowledge or lack of exposure. Therefore they do not even fathom the idea of belly dancing being part of their lives.
Because of this, many miss out on this wonderful dance and never enjoy the emotional and physical benefits which belly dancing can bring into their lives. Unfortunately many Bellydance books do not address the preliminary issues which may discourage someone from even giving belly dance a try. These books focus mostly on technique, which although important, is useless to someone who is not actively seeking what they are offering. Someone has to first WANT to do something before they can learn how to do it.
A lot of the time the hardest part is not the learning process, but acquiring the actual desire and interest in the thing we may later want to learn. We often have a million and one reasons to not do something, and the one reason we should do it, gets lost in the avalanche of those million & one reasons.
Jumping right into Belly dance
But jumping right in is the only way you begin to truly understand the dance. And because it’s such a feminine dance, for women it comes to them more naturally than they would expect. Essentially, Belly dance is a fun exercise which engages you on all levels-body, mind, and soul. When you welcome belly dance into your life, you are welcoming something which can enhance you in so many ways.
Belly dance is certainly an alternate mode of exercise and wellbeing
Although you may not have considered it before, Bellydance is certainly an alternate mode of exercise and wellbeing to consider. There are very few things left in the world that are truly feminine. All aspects of our lives seem to be infiltrated with blatant male influences. Belly Dancing is one of the few things in existence which really embraces us as women. This is a great comfort and should be reason enough for us to welcome this wonderful dance form in our lives.
Belly Dance-Freedom
Belly Dance offers a remarkable level of freedom from any constraints you may be feeling from your current exercise plan. It is also a natural, soulful fit for women and can be an exciting way to rejuvenate your fitness and emotional health.
Saeeda was my belly dancing teacher. She is soulful and magical.
Amèle Salihi-Younsi
I always love your performance, it is so bright and energetic. Looking forward to seeing some….
Murat Medany
I always love your performance, it is so bright and energetic. Looking forward to seeing some….
Murat Medany
Dear Saeeda, thank you very much for performing for us. It was really great!!!
Nadia Fatikh
Dear Saeeda, thank you very much for performing for us. It was really great!!!
Nadia Fatikh
I had some classes with you, and really enjoyed them. It was not only fun, but i started bellydancing from the first class. You are a really patient and professional teacher.
Andrea Mitchell
I had some classes with you, and really enjoyed them. It was not only fun, but i started bellydancing from the first class. You are a really patient and professional teacher.
Andrea Mitchell
Saeeda, i learnt to listen and understand to the Middle Eastern music and dance with it. Which it is really important in bellydancing. Looking forward to having new courses and classes with you.
Monika Peni
Saeeda, i learnt to listen and understand to the Middle Eastern music and dance with it. Which it is really important in bellydancing. Looking forward to having new courses and classes with you.
Monika Peni
You are one of the best teachers i have ever met. I learnt a lot of new thing with you and my dance really improved. Thanks a lot.
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