Turkish Drop

Dilek, Turkish bellydancer from San Diego, performing to Karsilimas. A popular 9/8 Turkish rhythm. She does a flawless Turkish drop in this dance. The Turkish drop is when you spin and drop to floor in a backbend.

Tahia Carioca

Tahia Carioca, dancer and actress from the Golden Age of Egyptian Cinema. Mohamed Abdel Wahab is credited for having said that Tahia was able to show a great deal of movement in very little space. When she danced Raks Sharki, her style was purely "oriental".

Lebanese Bellydance - Merilla

A fine example of Lebanese Bellydance but mediocre use of the veil. The movements are more exaggerated and dramatic compared to Turkish and Egyptian. Shakira dances this style. Can you tell? Lebanese dancers also like to wear 3 inch stiletto heels.

The music being performed by the orchestra is Alf Layla, a Lebanese classic.

Original Azziza

Another Egyptian classic. They were so tasteful back in the day compared to Las Vegas pornorific cheez of today.

Naima Akif is dancing to Azziza which is my favorite song. This piece brings back memories when I used to play in Egyptian Orchestra and at Middle Eastern restaurants in San Francisco. It's the first musical repetoire I learned. Love the call and response of the chorus. So cute!