The Golden Era of bellydance in America began with "Little Egypt" dancing in Chicago in 1893.

It flourished in immigrant Greek, Turkish, and Arabic nightclubs throughout many U.S. coastal cities in the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Homesick Algerian, Greek, Turkish and Arabic people thronged to clubs that featured live music and belly dancers. Many dancers featured in this dvd started their careers in these clubs.

These American icons then introduced terminology, workshops, concert shows, studios and even merchandise to this fresh mainstream market. They picked up the torch when they noticed nationwide interest in physical fitness, spiritual empowerment, and attraction to the exotic music, beautiful costuming and fluid body movement.

To be a serious dancer in our Raks Sharqi arena, it is important to understand where we came from; to know the historical dancers from the past upon whose shoulders we stand on. We should know their names and respect their contributions to our quality and standard of dance today. Because of the great interest that swelled in the 60s and 70s in this American "fad," belly dance classes spread to Europe, Canada, Japan, Australia and many other westernized countries around the world.

...The dance pioneers that started the belly dance movement in the U.S! To know your dance history is to know your craft. A must-have DVD for all serious students of Oriental Dance!

Adriana
Aida Al Adawi
Aisha Ali
Aziz
Dahlena
De Ann
Helena Vlahos
Ibrahim "Bobby" Farrah
Jamila Salimpour
John Compton
Morocco
Roman "Bert" Balladine
Plus bonus tracks: Ahmed Jarjour & Amir of Boston