The Egyptian Queens Who Defined Belly Dance

The 1940s–70s marked the golden era of belly dance, with Cairo at the epicentre, behind it all was Badia Masabni. Inspired by European cabarets, Badia opened her first nightclub in Cairo, Casino Badia. It became an institution frequented by Europeans and upper-class Egyptians, where local dancers, comedians, actors and musicians performed.

In the 1920s, belly dancing was usually performed in private, segregated settings, a dance used to allure mothers of eligible bachelors to show readiness for marriage. This form, however, was far more subdued and restrained. Masabny believed the dance needed to be altered for the stage, employing choreographers who introduced elements of ballet and ballroom. The costumes also differed, influenced by venues like the Moulin Rouge to appease Western audiences who felt the outfits were not "revealing" enough.

Masabny became known for platforming some of Egypt's most famous belly dancers at her world-famous Casino Opera. Tahia Carioca first started there, learning the samba dance "Carioca," which later became part of her stage name. She went on to become a vital figure in Egypt's golden-age cinema. Samia Gamal also started under Masabny as her star dancer, later being crowned the "National Dancer of Egypt" by King Farouk of Egypt.

Masabny helped create some of Egypt's biggest stars, including Naima Akef, Hagar Hamdi, Nagwa Fouad and Hoda Shams El Din, giving them all their first platform.

Words by @smizzowrites