Here is a collection of recommended resources for those interested in learning more about topics related to Arab dance. These are listed in no particular order, though new additions will be added to the top of the list to make navigation of updates easier.
If you have a valuable resource you would like to recommend we include here, please contact us and let us know.
Publications:
- Research and publications by Heather D. Ward (Bellydance with Nisaa) https://www.bellydancewithnisaa.com/research.html. Nisaa is a dancer, teacher and researcher who does primary-source research into Egyptian dance. Her book Egyptian Belly Dance in Transition: The Raqs Sharqi Revolution, 1890-1930 is both an enjoyable read and a valuable account of the emergence of Raqs Sharqi as we know it today within Egypt, and dispels many common misconceptions that are frequently perpetuated in dance classes.
- The Best of Habibi Magazine https://thebestofhabibi.net/. Habibi was published from 1992-2002, documenting many facets of Middle Eastern Dance and related arts though informative pieces written by researchers and travelers.
People:
- Denise Enan https://www.baladi.ca/DeniseEnan/ is a native-Egyptian dancer and master-instructor now based in Gatineau. She was a principal dancer, together with her husband Ahmed, in the Firqa Qawmiyya (Egyptian Ministry of Culture’s National Troupe for Folklore Arts) from 1960-1974. Upon immigrating to Canada, Denise and Ahmed formed the Enan Egyptian Troupe to share Egyptian folklore with Canadian audiences.
- Nada el Masriya https://www.discoverbellydance.com/ is an native-Egyptian dancer, dance teacher, and former Reda Troupe member now based in Toronto who organizes workshops and festivals in Toronto and Cairo and posts regular content on her Facebook page sharing information about Egyptian folklore and Oriental dance.
- Farida Fahmy https://www.faridafahmy.com/ is an Egyptian actress and dancer who was the principal dancer of the Reda Troupe. Her website includes a number of articles and videos on Egyptian folklore and her time during the rise to fame of the Reda Troupe, as well as sales of her biographical book, costume books, and her thesis for her Master’s in dance ethnology from UCLA.
- Karim Nagi https://karimnagi.com/. Karim is a US-based native-Egyptian musician, performer, and educator who, in addition to his wonderful music, offers workshops, online classes, and events to increase understanding and appreciation folklore and folk dance styles from around the Arab world.
- Journey Through Egypt by Sahra Saeeda (Sahra C. Kent) https://journeythroughegypt.com/. Sahra is a dancer, teacher, music producer, and dance ethnologist who offers valuable blog post articles, workshops, and tours focussing on the dance styles of Egypt from an anthropological point of view.
- Khryia Mazin https://www.banatmazin.com/ from the upper-Egyptian Ghawazi group the Banaat Mazin, shares the history of her renowned artist family and offers lessons on upper-Egyptian Ghawazi Rasq Shaabi style. Traditional music is also available for purchase (direct dowload).
Online Networks:
- doCod: danse orientale Canada oriental dance Facebook group is a bilingual meeting place for dancers across Canada
- Bellydance Canada Events Classes Workshops Facebook group is a resource to learn about workshops, festivals, and other dance-related events happening in Canada
- Ottawa-Gatineau Bellydance Community Facebook group is a bilingual meeting place for dancers and fans of belly dance within the greater Ottawa-Gatineau region
- Bellydance Exchange Canada – Échanges Baladi Canada Facebook group is a bilingual network for selling and trading dance-related items with fellow dancers in Canada
- Canada’s Belly Dance Costume/Prop Swap Facebook group is a network for selling and trading dance-related items with fellow dancers in Canada
- Association Québécoise de Danse Orientale (AQDO) Facebook page for events organized by the Quebec association that has as its mission to promote baladi across the province.
- Ottawa Souk Facebook page for the event formerly known as the Dancers’ Bazaar
- Duniya Studio‘s Facebook page is where we post news and updates and share information we think will be of interest to our dancers