Belly dancing is now very popular due to its import to the rest of the world via video clips and famous dancers. Now everyone wants to learn to belly dance. If you want to see where it all started then you should look for Cairo belly dancing. This is where the dance started, from the time of the Pharaohs, and is a tradition that is still present in modern day Egypt.



Things have changed since the time of ancient Egypt when belly dancing was revered and held a central part in Egyptian culture. Today Cairo belly dancing faces some obstacles but authentic shows are still available for the curious. No visit to Egypt is complete without a belly dancing show.

Avoiding Tourist Traps

If you ask any taxi driver or hotel employee for the best place to watch a Cairo belly dancing show they will most likely direct you to Al Haram Street. The dancers in this place may not be Egyptian; lately there has been an influx of foreign belly dancers into the scene. This has not affected quality as many of these dancers are skilled and have learned from Egyptian dancers.

This is partly due to the fact that there has been a crackdown on what can and cannot be done in regards to belly dancing. Authentic Egyptian dancers have been discouraged with new conservative laws dictating what can be worn and performed.

If you would like to explore places other than this popular tourist destination then you will have to pay a little extra. The authentic Cairo belly dancing experience is to be had at the 5 star hotels. This is where the famous belly dancers perform. You will most likely have to book in advance and there will be a dress code.

Other than the hotels and nightclubs you can also experience Cairo belly dancing by boarding a ship that will provide you with both dinner and entertainment. A cruise like this may be a little steep but it's good value for money. You will have a wonderful buffet dinner, a cruise on the Nile, and the beautiful dancers entertaining you all night.

However you choose to experience Cairo belly dancing it is likely to be a magical night. There is nothing quite like the 'real' thing. You will go away feeling like you have been transported, temporarily at least, to a magical world. The time when Egypt was an empire, when the Pharaohs ruled, and the dancers danced without restriction.