In Arab communities, belly dancing has been form of artistic expression, entertainment and a staple of classic Egyptian cinema — Fayez Nureldine In a fitness studio in Saudi Arabia, dozens of women ...

LONDON -- The music being played was a famous song by the late Egyptian diva Umm Kalthoum. The dancing costumes were mostly imported from the Middle East, with hip scarves embellished with gold-plated ...

In a fitness studio in Saudi Arabia, dozens of women sway to Arabic music as they practise belly dancing -- an activity that many feel compelled to keep secret. Despite their enthusiasm, none of them ...

Despite their enthusiasm, none of them would give their real name or show their faces on camera, underlining the stigma and cultural prejudices surrounding the ancient dance. In Arab communities, ...