A look at some of my mentors...

While listening to one of my new CDs entitled "Golden Era of Bellydance" I felt inspired to start writing about some of my early mentors in the dance.  This album contains music which was popular during the 1940s - 1970s.  So, I thought, why not start with the ladies from this era who first inspired me?! 

The time period of the 1940s - 1970s is often referred to as the Golden Age or Golden Era of belly dance.  It was during that time that some of the greatest & most influential dancers elevated belly dancing through their performances in the finest night clubs and in film.

Today, I will present one of dancers of this "Golden Era" who was a tremendous influence on me as a beginning student of belly dance & still is now--Samia Gamal.

Her costuming choices, including dancing in heels, provided a strong influence on dancers who followed.  Prior to this time, dancers on stages or in night clubs, did not typically wear high heels to dance.  Her use of the veil as part of an entrance piece supposedly also started a trend.  (Apparently, the use of a veil as a dance prop was born out of a dance exercise.  It was one of her dance instructors who made Samia carry a piece of fabric while practising to improve her arm placement & upper body carriage).  Samia's cross-training in other dance forms, particularly ballet, changed how she presented the dance in comparison to her predecesors as well as her peers.  Her style is elegant, graceful, charming & dynamic.  I'm still in awe of her dancing everytime I watch any footage of Samia.

For a history on Samia (Samya) Gamal please refer to the following article by renowned musician Hossam Ramzy.

Hossam Ramzy's Article on Samya Gamal

Hossam created a series of videos entitled "The Stars of Egypt".  There are 2 titles devoted to clips of dancing by Samia Gamal.  These videos, only available on VHS at this time, are incredible treasures and are a must for any serious student of the dance.

I hope you've enjoyed learning a bit about one of my belly dance mentors.  Next, I'll write about another dancer from the Golden Age who I admire--Taheyya Karioka.