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Raqs Sharki translates as "Dance of the East," or "Oriental Dance". Raqs Sharki is also a form of Egyptian classical dance, but the expression has broadened in meaning to include other forms. The central concept of the dance lies in a spiritually centered and earth grounded set of movements formalized by women. Some believe the dance originated in temples during Goddess worship; some believe the dance came from women helping the birth mother during her labor.
My mother was a classical singer. When she performed she often brought me along to experience the music and the people. At one venue, I started spinning to the music as my mother was doing an encore and the people around me starting throwing me money--coins--for good luck. My mother finished her performance, laughed and helped me pick up the coins. I never forgot the feeling -- I was four years old and continued with dance lessons after that. I had discovered a great pleasure in dance.
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