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Raqs Sharqi translates
as 'The Dance of the East', or 'Oriental Dance'. Raqs Sharqi is also a form of Egyptian classical dance, but the expression
has broadened in meaning to include other forms. The central concept of the dance lies in a spiritually centered and earth
grounded set of movements formalized by women. Some believe the dance originated in temples during Goddess worship; some
believe the dance came from women helping
the birth mother during her labor.
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"Suppose you scrub
your ethical skin
until it shines,
but inside there is no music, then what?"
Kahir
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My mother
was a classical singer. When she performed she often brought me along to experience the music and the
people. At one venue, I started spinning to the music as my mother was performing an encore and the
people around me started throwing money--coins--for good luck. My mother finished her performance, laughed and helped me
pick up the coins. I never forgot the feeling--I was four
years old and continued with dance classes after that.I had discovered
a great pleasure in dance.