Samia Gamal GoBellyDance.com

Samia Gamal was born in 1924 in the small Egyptian town of Wana. Months later, her family moved to Cairo and settled near the Khan-El_Khalili bazaar. Samia Gamal then met Badia Masabni, the founder of modern Oriental Dance and accepted an invitation to join Badia Masabni's dance company. Samia Gamal became a soloist and brought forth a newer improvised style. Samia Gamal then incorporated technique from ballet and Latin dance into her solo performances. She was also the first to perform with high heeled shoes on stage. Then she met Farid E; Atrash and they fell in love with each other. They starred in many movies together such as: "Mat Oulch Lehad" (1952 and "Un verre et une cigarette: (1955). Later she was featured in other international films such as " Valley of the Kings" (1954). Samia's charismatic performances in Egyptian and International films, gave Oriental Dance recognition and admiration in Egypt and worldwide. Samia Gamal stopped dancing in 1972 when she was in her 60's but began again after given advice by Samir Sabri, danced till early the eighties, when she was 70 years old.

Links with photos & more info on Samia and other Famous Arabic Dancers

presented by Sana, of Paris, France

By EL GHAWAZI of France

Great article on Samia in Egypt

General info about the old great Stars

Samia and the US

In 1949, Egypt's King Farouk proclaimed Samia Gamal "The National Dancer of Egypt". That brought US attention to this famous Arabic dancer.

Samia came to the US in 1950. She appeared in Life with beautiful strobe like whirls, all photographed by G. John Mili . She also performed in The Latin Quarter, New York's trendy nightclub. She married so called "Texas millionaire" Shepherd King III (who, it was later reported, actually only had about $50,000), All this brought her to star proportions as far as the US.

For a wonderful article on the history of belly dance and belly dance music in the US (which was the source of this excerpt, please visit http://www.vinyllives.com)

Check out "Samia Shining Star of Egypt"

Famous Arabic Stars

video series at
www.bellydanceshoppe.

List of Films

Habib al Omr- A Love For Always - Henri Barakat 1948

Madam the She Devil -Afrita Hanen - Henri Barakat 1949

A dancer is Aimee by a poor singer, Asfour, but it him prefers a rich person young man, "Mimi Bey". By a turn of magic, Asfour comes into contact with a "she-devil", Simsim, which ends up carrying its heart. (written by Arabic reviewer)

Love of My Life - Henri Barakat_ 1950

A charming romantic comedy recalls an era in Egypt in which society's upper crust attended elegant nightclubs where the best in singing and dancing entertainment performed. Hamdouh, played by Arabic singing legend Farid Al-Atrash, is a struggling musician with dreams of performing at such glamorous venues. Together with his band, a group of cheerful buffoons led by physical comedian Ismail Yasin, &is sweetheart Touta, played by Egyptian belly dancing star Samia Gamal, they set out for Cairo from their backwater village determined to make it or break it. Inevitably, forces conspire to tear Hamdouh and Touta apart Hamdouh's band serves plan to reunite the band, bringing Hamdouh and Touta back to each other in the process.

Monster - Al Wahsh - Salah Abou Seif 1954

At the time of monarchy, Haute Egypt is terrorized by a pitiless brigand who works with many accomplices. Until ' so that ' one day a police officer intégre decides ' to finish some with him... (written by Arabic reviewer)

Come to Greet Me -Taala Sallem- Helmy Fafla 1951

Glass and A Cigarette - Wa Kass Will Sigara - Niazi Moustafa - 1955

Samia, dancer famous gives up her career by love for a young doctor, Nabil. They form a happy couple until ' at the time when Samia's husband is beguiled by the charms of a provocative nurse.

Appointment with the Unknown - Maweed Ma'a-l-Maghoul - Atef Salem - 1959

Ali Baba and Forty Robbers - Jacques Becker - France 1954

Servant of a commercial rich person Ali Baba buys a slave Morgiane for his Master, He discovers cave where 40 robbers hide their spoils. Ali becomes rich and repurchases Morgiane.

"Casino Badia"

Syrian born dancer Badia Mansabny, opened a European-Style nightclub called "Casino Badia"

in the 1930's featuring Arab/Egyptian entertainment. A large number of dancers were hired to dance in the chorus. The best dancers would perform solo. Among these was Tahia Carioca .

This was "the place" to perform. A place where stars were discovered. Many of the dancers at "Casino Badia" also became famous movie stars. Tahia Carioca became not only a dancer but was featured in many Arabic films.

Samia Gamal & Tahia Carioca

Samia Gamal and Tahia Carioca had much in common. Both came from lower class backgrounds. Both left home while still in their teens to work at the Casino Opera. More importantly, both were pioneers who aspired to elevate Raks Sharki to an elegant and beautiful artform. They succeeded!