In class I have mentioned some names of legendary dancers I recommend that students look for videos of, and promised to write up a blog post with some names and links to get you started. To start with, here are just four icons I think every dance student should seek out on YouTube (or other video platform).
These legends aren’t just dancers; they’re cultural ambassadors, pioneers, and important sources of inspiration.
Fifi Abdou
Often considered the queen of modern Egyptian belly dance, Fifi Abdou rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s, becoming a household name in Egypt and beyond. She is still active on TikTok. Her signature baladi vibes, fearless play with sagat (finger cymbals), and magnetic stage presence make her a masterclass in performance quality.
🎥 Watch here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MNY7Opude4c
Soheir Zaki
A graceful bridge between the Golden Age and contemporary stage, Soheir Zaki’s career peaked in the 1970s and 1980s. She mastered the art of musical interpretation—especially when dancing to Umm Kulthum or with live drummers. Her fluid arms and sense of rhythm are mesmerizing.
🎥 Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=te-mAHP5NiA
Mona El Said
A poet in motion, Mona El Said was most active during the 1970s and 1980s, and continues to inspire dancers today. She blended deep musical sensitivity with technical finesse, popularizing the sultry, shoulder-focused ‘dalaʿ’ style that’s become a staple in modern raqs sharqi.
🎥 Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLsOnHJ4ZiI
Samia Gamal
No list is complete without the legend Samia Gamal, who rose to prominence in the 1940s and 1950s. She was the first dancer to be officially named ‘National Dancer of Egypt’ and was hailed for blending ballet and Latin dance elements into Oriental dance.
🎥 Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVoCF2vHus4
Why these dancers matter to students
– Musicality & artistry: Rather than just executing moves, watch how they feel the music; expressive shoulders, hips, eyes.
– Stylistic foundations: Samia and Soheir set the cinematic tone; Fifi and Mona influenced modern baladi and raqs sharqi alike.
– Stage presence: They all bring their own character and personality; Fifi’s playful defiance, Samia’s elegance, Soheir’s charm, Mona’s emotional depth.
How to dive deeper
– Pay attention to transitions, musical cues, and transitions. See how Soheir flows into shimmies, or how Mona builds to drum solos.
– Notice posture and frame, from Samia’s classic ballet influence to Fifi’s baladi groundedness.
– Compare costumes and staging. They performed across different decades, reflecting bold changes in presentation, and fashion.
Let me know which style grabs you most. Leave a comment below with your own favourite dancer that you come across during your browsing.