Raqs Sharqi Dancing in Cairo

More holidays » Featured Holiday

Hotels in Cairo and Ain Soukhna from Peltours A unique 7 nights itinerary offering a superb opportunity to visit Cairo, one of the most fascnating and vibrant cities in Egypt, and relax in the beautiful Red Sea Resort of Ain Soukhna. 7 days, from £311 (Hotel package). Peltours »

Better known in the UK as belly dancing, raqs sharqi literally translates as ‘Eastern dance’, and far from being simply an expression of feminine sexuality as it is often seen in the West, it can in fact be performed by members of both sexes, and at social gatherings by children and adults alike where it is part of the traditional, local culture.

Originating in the Middle East, Asia and North Africa, it is possibly the oldest ‘folk’ dance form in recorded history, and it is precisely this at once conflicting and complementary mixture of cultures that endows it with its appeal. Elements of Romany, Indian, Egyptian and Greek dance and music merge within the style, and it has been variously described as devotional religious, social and courtship art.

However we interpret its roots, the romance of Orientalism and the mystery of the ‘East’ are embodied within it, and it is a method of vibrant, powerful emotional expression. For modern dance enthusiasts, most particularly beginners, it holds even greater appeal because of the grace, poise and good posture that develops naturally in the performer as the techniques of muscle control, the tricks of constantly graceful movements and the discipline of proper mannerisms begin to have their effect – in other words, it’s a wonderful way to work out without even noticing!

There are hundreds of good belly dancing classes available but for something a little different, try a course in Cairo. The Raqs Sharqi Society provides a good list of options, including a week’s residential dance workshop in a Moorish-inspired Cairo hotel by the Nile. As well as six days of dance classes, available for all ability levels and accompanied by traditional Cairene musicians, there will be time for excursions to the nearby historical sites and museums, and trips to watch traditional Sharqi and urban Baladi dance at local venues.

Read more here

4 / 5 Review by editor larapiegeler

Have you been here? Why not add your own review or report an error.

If you liked that, you might like these...

• 

  Wildlife Safari Photography

  Have you ever tried to photograph a once-in-a-lifetime, heart-stopping holiday moment and found the result to lack more than a little of the spirit of...

• 

  Painting Holiday / Art Workshop in Kathmandu, Nepal

  This is an amazing workshop/holiday for any artist. Kathmandu is inspirational, the workshop is so well organised to allow painting time, excursion...

• 

  Dar Liqama

  The culinary courses offered by Dar Liqama are more like luxury holidays with excursions and pampering, plus a bit of cooking on the side. Don’t be...

• 

  Painting at Chateau Ventenac

  Amid the glorious scenery of the Languedoc vineyards, set on the peaceful banks of the Canal du Midi, is an area well known for its outstanding...

• 

  Tuscan Cookery

  An hour south of Florence, concealed amongst the warm, golden hills of Tuscany, lies the village of Montefollonico. Infused with centuries-old...