In the early 1930’s as nightclubs sprang up in Cairo for the first time, a new dance style for stage was created. It was named raks sharki (oriental
dance) by the people who worked on its development. Its base was the social dance that already existed, but they fashioned a refined style which
made use of stage. Oriental dance had a different image than the social style everyone participated in within the privacy of their homes. It also
differed from the Mohammad Ali Street style, Gawazi and gypsy performance styles already in existence, but performed outside, in coffee houses, or
in private homes. The dancers who performed those styles were often associated with the lower class or prostitution. Through stage and cinema,
oriental dance was able to elevate its acceptability. Although a stigma still exists about public performing, most Egyptians dance, young and old,
male and female, and, most recognize and acknowledge the differences between styles. Especially the atmosphere in which they are presented.
Since the 1960’s, oriental dance has become more structured, with fundamental movements and presentation unique to its style. Top nightclubs and
major hotels spotlight the featured dancer using a format of three or four orchestrated musical pieces, almost always using one popular classic and
one Egyptian Beledi or Saiidi. Costuming is becoming more and more elegant and Egyptian designers are departing from past western influences.
There is never a “routine”, nor is there “veil work” or a “drum solo” like we see in American Cabaret style. If there is something similar to a drum solo,
it is done “beledy” style. Oriental dance in Egypt has a classic look all its own.
Top oriental dancers in Egypt who dance in the 5-star clubs are paid well. They are talented and can move the audience emotionally with their skills
and professional presentation. They do not perform within the audience. They dance on stage. They do not dance for free or for tips. They work
and train hard and their shows are a complete program, a spectacular show that receives top dollar like box seats at an opera and with the same
status and respect due to a distinguished event. Yes, there are oriental dance nightclubs that feature a different dancing style. When I’ve ventured
into those three and 4-star clubs, I have been extremely disappointed with the dancing, it is quite mediocre. The dancing could simply be called
‘sensual movement’. It is often lackluster or with so much focus on audience participation that there is very little dancing. It is not skillful or
polished. It is interesting to note that this style is low-paid (or no-paid), often based on how much the audience tips the band. The costumes often
lack quality and the clientele in these clubs is noticeably different.
The good news? The positive developments in Cairo are spreading. Every time I study in Cairo I meet teachers and dancers from all over the world
training and studying oriental and folkloric styles. More dancers are taking advantage of these Egyptian styles and putting it to work in their home
country. Most likely there will always be a lesser style with low pay, or no pay, but a higher level of dance is there for those who are willing to work at
it. How do you go about introducing this style to your area?
If you are an established dancer, approach upscale restaurants with the very best promotional materials. Photos should be conservative, don’t rely
on sexiness which can give the wrong impression and make the event go in a different direction, or hinder future career opportunities. People talk.
Even if you don’t persuade the first few restaurant owners/managers you approach, you are still advertising yourself and promoting your career. I
use glamorous head shots or a glamour photo of me in a one-piece costume. I include written descriptions of the musical programs. These
informative programs describe the music, the musical instruments, the music’s meaning and its importance. Talk to owners about creating a 4-5
course meal at a set price. Have a dinner show with performances between courses. Arrange the dining room so that you have a “stage” area and
stay away from the tables. Don’t take less than 40-50% per meal/per person.
Get together with other dancers and put on quality shows. Along with all the basic promos—mailings, newspaper blurbs, posting flyers and
spreading the word through friends, family and co-workers—it is important to send notices to dance studios, performance organizations and high
school and college dance departments. The more you network with other dancers and invite dance organizations to your events, the more you will
promote your career and create paid performances.
If you teach, get involved with community events and professional dance studios. For years I taught in established ballet schools that offered
ballroom or other dance arts. This gave me opportunities to participate in their events and recitals, gave me great references, and paved the way for
excellent jobs.
Many American dancers are too quick to look for dance jobs in existing tipping clubs or doing belly grams for divorce parties or men’s birthday
parties. If you are a serious dancer who wants to do something more with your skills, give it a little more thought. Establish your talent and plan
ways which will be rewarding financially as well as enhance a long term dance career. Make a career move that will endure the test of time.
dance) by the people who worked on its development. Its base was the social dance that already existed, but they fashioned a refined style which
made use of stage. Oriental dance had a different image than the social style everyone participated in within the privacy of their homes. It also
differed from the Mohammad Ali Street style, Gawazi and gypsy performance styles already in existence, but performed outside, in coffee houses, or
in private homes. The dancers who performed those styles were often associated with the lower class or prostitution. Through stage and cinema,
oriental dance was able to elevate its acceptability. Although a stigma still exists about public performing, most Egyptians dance, young and old,
male and female, and, most recognize and acknowledge the differences between styles. Especially the atmosphere in which they are presented.
Since the 1960’s, oriental dance has become more structured, with fundamental movements and presentation unique to its style. Top nightclubs and
major hotels spotlight the featured dancer using a format of three or four orchestrated musical pieces, almost always using one popular classic and
one Egyptian Beledi or Saiidi. Costuming is becoming more and more elegant and Egyptian designers are departing from past western influences.
There is never a “routine”, nor is there “veil work” or a “drum solo” like we see in American Cabaret style. If there is something similar to a drum solo,
it is done “beledy” style. Oriental dance in Egypt has a classic look all its own.
Top oriental dancers in Egypt who dance in the 5-star clubs are paid well. They are talented and can move the audience emotionally with their skills
and professional presentation. They do not perform within the audience. They dance on stage. They do not dance for free or for tips. They work
and train hard and their shows are a complete program, a spectacular show that receives top dollar like box seats at an opera and with the same
status and respect due to a distinguished event. Yes, there are oriental dance nightclubs that feature a different dancing style. When I’ve ventured
into those three and 4-star clubs, I have been extremely disappointed with the dancing, it is quite mediocre. The dancing could simply be called
‘sensual movement’. It is often lackluster or with so much focus on audience participation that there is very little dancing. It is not skillful or
polished. It is interesting to note that this style is low-paid (or no-paid), often based on how much the audience tips the band. The costumes often
lack quality and the clientele in these clubs is noticeably different.
The good news? The positive developments in Cairo are spreading. Every time I study in Cairo I meet teachers and dancers from all over the world
training and studying oriental and folkloric styles. More dancers are taking advantage of these Egyptian styles and putting it to work in their home
country. Most likely there will always be a lesser style with low pay, or no pay, but a higher level of dance is there for those who are willing to work at
it. How do you go about introducing this style to your area?
If you are an established dancer, approach upscale restaurants with the very best promotional materials. Photos should be conservative, don’t rely
on sexiness which can give the wrong impression and make the event go in a different direction, or hinder future career opportunities. People talk.
Even if you don’t persuade the first few restaurant owners/managers you approach, you are still advertising yourself and promoting your career. I
use glamorous head shots or a glamour photo of me in a one-piece costume. I include written descriptions of the musical programs. These
informative programs describe the music, the musical instruments, the music’s meaning and its importance. Talk to owners about creating a 4-5
course meal at a set price. Have a dinner show with performances between courses. Arrange the dining room so that you have a “stage” area and
stay away from the tables. Don’t take less than 40-50% per meal/per person.
Get together with other dancers and put on quality shows. Along with all the basic promos—mailings, newspaper blurbs, posting flyers and
spreading the word through friends, family and co-workers—it is important to send notices to dance studios, performance organizations and high
school and college dance departments. The more you network with other dancers and invite dance organizations to your events, the more you will
promote your career and create paid performances.
If you teach, get involved with community events and professional dance studios. For years I taught in established ballet schools that offered
ballroom or other dance arts. This gave me opportunities to participate in their events and recitals, gave me great references, and paved the way for
excellent jobs.
Many American dancers are too quick to look for dance jobs in existing tipping clubs or doing belly grams for divorce parties or men’s birthday
parties. If you are a serious dancer who wants to do something more with your skills, give it a little more thought. Establish your talent and plan
ways which will be rewarding financially as well as enhance a long term dance career. Make a career move that will endure the test of time.
COPYRIGHT 2003
| Career Moves by Cheri Berens |
