Egyptian Dancers: Why Shouldn’t Belly Dancing be Cancelled if Government Does not Recognize it?

A number of renowned Egyptian belly dancers, including Dina, Fifi Abdo, Lucy and the Japanese dancer Kasumi, have requested that the Professional Performers Association arrange for them to meet Yousef Shaaban, head of the actors’ organization, to discuss the association’s recent resolution rejecting the dancers’ membership applications. 

They also want to discuss the formation of an association branch for belly dancers. 

Dina told Al Sharq Al Awsat newspaper that the decision was unjustified.  

“If the government does not recognize this type of dancing, why shouldn’t it be cancelled, so that we would be relieved and relieve others,” asked the dancer. 

“If the government recognizes foreign dancers, it would be worthier to recognize its Egyptian dancers and give them legal membership instead of insulting them,” said Dina, adding: “Let them allow me to establish a private association, so that we won’t ‘spoil’ the reputation of other artists.” 

For his part, Shaaban said that the rejection was released on a majority vote, and he had to abide by the majority’s view because he alone did not run the association. 

“I do not personally object to Dina, Fifi or others whom I know joining the association, but I cannot guarantee that others are on the same level,” said Shaaban – Albawaba.com