Egypt’s Identity Crisis
I wrote this in 2014 but I didn't publish it back then. Two things you don't want to be while living in the Muslim world: gay and atheist. The consequences…
Stuff
My alternative title for this entry is ‘Shit Egyptians Ask Me to Bring Back from America.’ :D Whenever I leave Egypt for a vacation, I try to be discreet about…
The Fainting Drummer
If there's anyone in this godforsaken place who can get away with staring at my ass, it's my drummer. Actually, that's his job. I pay him to observe every drop,…
Of Men and Belly Dance
I'm going to share something personal, and perhaps a bit controversial. But you're already used to that from me. Belly dancers, be VERY careful who you fall in love with.…
My Foray into the Cabaret – Part 1
A strange thing happened in my dance career recently. The Nile cruise I'm contracted with now moonlights as a cabaret. It operates its regular tourism sails in the early evening,…
My Foray into the Cabaret Part 2
The single most important person in this production is my singer. His voice, charisma, and knack for getting customers to throw money keep us in demand every night. More than…
My Foray into the Cabaret – Part 3
The biggest factor in my ability to loosen up was my singer. With him in the driver's seat, I was able to relax knowing that if anything went wrong, he…
A Half Hour in Hell
The irony of a bright red sun setting so serenely as all hell breaks loose underground. People clamor for their lives, but the sun doesn't care. It sinks into the…
Birth Control, Secularism, and the Belly Dance ‘Revival’
In Egypt, belly dancers are hired for as many reasons as there are people. Some are hired for their looks. Others for their locks. Some are more affordable, while others…
Blame, Shame, and Shobha
Disclaimer: This was written a year ago. Let me begin by explaining the concept of shobha (pronounced shoub-ha). This idea-word is very much indebted to Islamic thought on gender relations.…