Egyptian belly-dancer Fifi Abdo has turned down an offer by one of the Arab satellite television channels, to be the official host of a new show that tackles the art of belly-dancing. Fifi was offered 25 thousand Egyptian pounds per episode in which she would talk about the life of one of the greatest belly-dancers in history.
According to the UAE based daily, Al Bayan, the reason behind Fifi's turning down of the offer is due to the fact that she is currently very busy shooting scenes for her upcoming TV drama series "Al Bahth An Al Hakika" (Seeker of Truth). The dancer added that she is also preoccupied with a play she is starring in, and has no free time to host a show.
Abdo was a guest on a TV show in which she talked openly about her journey throughout her career and life. Fifi said that after she resigned from her profession as a dancer she is not cleaning people's houses to make money, but instead will continue acting in different TV dramas and movies. She added that refused to take advantage of the fact that her current husband (the sixth one so far) is a wealthy businessman and use his money to produce films or TV series, to avoid endless gossip accusing her of such things.
Fifi noted that she and Lucy are the best dancers that ever emerged in Egypt and throughout the Arab world. When asked about what she thought of the belly dancer Dina, Fifi frankly said that Dina was the substitute dancer for her and Lucy. Whenever she and Lucy were not performing for reasons like having a headache, Dina would be called in to fill the empty spot, adding that Dina would always be waiting for such a chance. Regarding Dina's comment that dancing is a religious taboo, Fifi noted that if it was so why did she (Dina) dance in the first place and backed off her previous decision of resigning.
Regardless of the many disputes that will arise from electing a head for the Belly Dancing Association, the board of directors for oriental dance has made its decision that Fifi best fits the position. The board held a meeting in order to set the basic foundation for the association that will help protect the rights of dancers throughout Egypt.
Fifi was nominated for the position with regards to her long and rich career as a belly dancer, in addition to most people's opinion that Fifi is the most suitable candidate for the post. Previous attempts by belly dancers have been made to create an association that protects their rights, but for one reason or another have failed to be implemented. –Albawaba.com
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
