Shaabi Modern Belly Dance

Shaabi (meaning of the people) is the music and voice of the streets in Egypt and the lyrics of shaabi songs are usually about politics, personal life or love. It's the core of Egyptian people music in streets and weddings and every day Egyptian life.

Shaabi, also spelt sha’abi, is a style of music and dance that has ancient roots in the folkloric traditions of rural Egypt, but which developed in the urban working-class neighborhoods of Egypt.

Dancewise, Egyptian Shaabi style is playful and flirtatious, a bit ‘cheeky’, with a strong folkloric influence. This style is full of feeling!

The movements are earthier without many spins nor big travelling steps; steps are mostly on flat feet and the style is funky, bouncy and upbeat. The melodies and remixes can be hypnotic and trance-like and often invoke the aid of a higher being.This new music is quite popular in Shaabi weddings as the repetitive rhythms and lyrics pull the audience in and are very danceable, getting you on your feet!

As a musical form, Shaabi is the voice of the street, an urban expression full of feeling, double entendres, and social commentary.

As a dance, Shaabi reflects a true and authentic expression of the Egyptian people and their humor and playfulness..