The
following article is an interesting peek at the ongoing conflict between
Egypt's traditions and love of dance and the (seemingly) ever-lowering moral
standing that dancers are held at.
In
Egypt, saying you're a dancer can be the equivalent of saying you are for sale. No one is Egypt wants a dancer in the family
(unless, perhaps entertainment happens to be the family's occupation). And dancers from other countries who go to
dance there are admonished to be absolutely scrupulous in their dealings if
they are going to stay on the high ground.
On
the flip side, having entertainment (including dancer(s) and musicians, etc.)
is traditional at most celebrations. Growing
conservatism has been at odds with this part of the culture and it will be sad if
the day comes when Egyptian dance is no longer performed professionally by
Egyptians.
