The "Who's Who" of Belly Dance!
- Thread starter Eshta
- Start date
Amanda (was Aziyade)
Well-known member
Samia Gamal had a huge influence on me, and one of my students. I still watch and study her videos because I love her balletic style and like to imitate it.
A lot of us are still watching her, so I would say living or not, she's a major influence!
A lot of us are still watching her, so I would say living or not, she's a major influence!
Eshta
New member
I'm going for alive and still active in some shape or form, even if it's not as active as they once were, if that makes sense.
So Mahmoud Reda I've included because his troupe is very much alive and well although his influence on belly dance has been over the past 50(plus?) years.
The only reason is because the list would become ENORMOUS as we would need to delve into belly dance history and name every fabulous dancer that's ever lived!
da Sage
New member
Didn't Neon do that?
62. Neon, US, for making mass-market bellydance videos affordable.
Amanda (was Aziyade)
Well-known member
Yeah, you're right -- she was the first.
Can I still nominate Michelle for the "Secrets of the Stage" video series, the By Dancers for Dancers performances, and for making videos based on what we'd like to see, based on posts on Bhuz, tribe, and Shira's group. ??
gisela
Super Moderator
Oooh good one Eshta!
65. Liza Laziza- Egypt
For being a wonderful Cairo dancer and teacher and so d*** pleasant to be around, and for speaking english so exceptionally well that she is able to explain what she is doing when teaching.
Eshta
New member
66. Sureya Hilal, UK
Hmm, the list appears to be slowing down, which is why I'm offering up Sureya Hilal and her disciples, I believe they have an international following? For those who don't know her, Sureya has developed her own style of belly dance which she says is far more authentic than the stuff we do
rolleyes with all our sequins and sexiness, and has a dedicating (dare I say 'cult-like'?) following.
Hmm, the list appears to be slowing down, which is why I'm offering up Sureya Hilal and her disciples, I believe they have an international following? For those who don't know her, Sureya has developed her own style of belly dance which she says is far more authentic than the stuff we do
rolleyes with all our sequins and sexiness, and has a dedicating (dare I say 'cult-like'?) following.
da Sage
New member
Definitely! I think Michelle Joyce has brought the video market to a new level of market responsiveness, with offerings for several levels (and interests) of dancers. I also respect Michelle for her straightforward way of compensating guest instructors for their time, creative, and intellectual contributions to her video line - I hear she actually pays them money, not just DVDs-to-sell.:dance: