Many regard belly dancing as part of the Egyptian and Arab culture and think of it as an art whilst others feel it’s merely a way of showing too much skin and being justifiably seductive. Perhaps this is why the recent belly dancing festival that took place at the pyramids in Egypt was very much ‘underground’! Over 48 countries took part in the festival sending their best dancers to perform for the audience and the most famous belly dancers such as Dina attended and performed!

Reporters were not invited to the event and are fortunate to have any pictures to publish but the festival has made many people unhappy! Firstly it seemed like a way to make money as opposed to appreciating culture. Foreign women arrive to learn how to dance and buy expensive belly dancing outfits and this is the purpose of the evening. Also the dress code was very inappropriate and seemed disrespectful to the local culture and religion! Should the government ban these festivals?!

By Karim