History & Culture

The establishment of national folkloric¹ dance companies in Egypt marks a significant moment in the evolution, perception, and practice of Oriental...

Oriental dance as we know it today was shaped by the dancers that appeared at Badia Masabni’s Casino Opera cabaret...

Raqs at-taḥṭīb, which literally in Arabic means “fighting dance,” is performed by male dancers of the Sa’id (a region in...

In general, Middle Eastern men pride themselves on their masculinity and strength.¹ Islamic and Christian edicts are interpreted to condemn homosexuality,...

Although Jamila herself often used the terms ‘alma/‘awalim, ghawazi, and Ouled Nail interchangibly to mean a woman who dances, these...

The harem has been a source of fascination and fantasy in the United States and Western Europe, as seen in...

Before we can examine the subjects and histories that Jamila explored and introduced in her articles, we must introduce and...

Jamila Salimpour: Belly Dance Pioneer and the Mother Goddess Connection Jamila Salimpour was a trailblazing figure in the world of...