Arabian oriental dance

Arabian oriental dance is a sophisticated and stylish urban dance with expressive footwork and movement of the arms. At the dawn of the 20th century Egyptian cinema had a golden age, and many movies were made featuring scenes of music and dance. At that time an Egyptian dancer called Samia Gamal introduced classic steps into her dance. Egyptian movies were watched across the Arabic speaking world, and consequently its dancers became stars and oriental dance became popular to an extent never seen before.

The great musician and Egyptian composer Mohamed Abdel Wahab was responsible for the modernization of the Arabian music introducing instruments from the occident such as violins and guitars.  Arabian music is  very romantic, with passionate and melancholic lyrics. With an elaboration such as is found in classic music it “grew” in a way that left behind its previous folk character. Over time, Arabian dance developed under the influence of the modernization particularly through the work of Abdel Wahab.  These changes acted on the dancers as well, and this new wave led them to search for new ways of expression.  So in Arabian dance today we can observe classical Arabian dance, urban Arabian dance, and also the influence of Egyptian cinema and its dancers from the 40’s until present.