Thread: Belly dancing in Turkey

I have no idea if this is the right thread for my topic. Sorry if it's not.

I'm a photographer from Egypt, and I'm gonna fly to Turkey in a couple of weeks. I would like to photograph belly dance performance on a stage. I have been looking over the internet for a month in order to find this kind of shows, but unfortunately, all I found is the restaurant/nightclub shows style. I don't want this of kind of shows which aims to entertain guests, it doesn't seem artistic (with all respect to dancers who perform in restaurants.. it's just my own opinion). I want to convey art, passion and emotions through dance moves.


Anyone here can help me with finding this sophisticated belly dance style anywhere in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, or Antalya, . Thanks.

Hi Mohamed,

You might ask Sema Yildiz. She is a friend and very famous Turkish Oriental and Rom dancer. She knows everything that is happening SEMA YILDIZ BELLYDANCE TEACHER

Thank you so much Salome for you recommendation. I will contact her.

You bet. I love Turkish style. And you are right, what you see in the nightclubs isn't always representative of the beauty, depth and feeling of this style.

Yeah, even though I didn't see so many belly dance shows in restaurants or nightclubs, maybe something like 3 times in my whole life, but I never enjoyed any of them. Turkish style is amazing. I love it as well.

I contacted Sema and she responded nicely offering help. She gave me her number, but I'm a little embarrassed, I don't wanna bother her or something. I will handle it with her any way.

Actually, I'm very much thankful to you, this is the first positive response I get about my inquiry. Also, you have a great site.

Thanks! Sema is a big star, that's nice that she will help connect you to the scene there. She is also a lovely person! After your trip, come back to this thread and let us know how it went for you.

Yeah, of course, I love to share my new experiences.