Editor’s Note
upon these views which makes for interesting
reading.
So the search continued. A few days later I had
received a draft email from Maani Vadgama,
London based Photographer, on the topic of
‘Who are the men at Haflas and events’. We
bounced comments back and forth by email un-
til Maani had reached what we have presently
in this issue. The article is an insightful piece
that captures a snapshot of who the men are, in
terms of performers, audience, and stage help,
notwithstanding the ‘creeps’. I am sure you will
also enjoy reading Maani’s account of this con-
troversial topic.
Dear Reader,
Quite naturally (or at least in my norms), Rachel
July’s issue of NAFOURA Magazine has been
Lally had contacted me for a general catch up
dedicated to Male Belly Dancing. There are
and the discussion ended with her committing to
several well known Male Belly Dancers around
write an article about Men’s skincare. Person-
the world (see page 14); however, so little is re-
ally, it was like the cherry on top of the sundae!
ally known about this style of belly dancing. I
It was like fate had wanted all of us to come to-
am sure that there will be many mixed views and
gether and write about this topic. ‘What perfect
opinions about this art form, i.e. whether belly
timing!’, I said. Having read the article myself, I
dancing is too feminine for men, etc. Nonethe-
would really recommend that you read it as well,
less, NAFOURA aims to promote the belly danc-
even if it doesn’t really apply to your gender, it
ing art, irrespective of gender.
might be quite useful for any of the guys in your
life (sons, husbands, brothers, friends, etc.)
The inspiration for this month’s issue came to
me, after a discussion (debate) with an Egyp-
Ok, ok, I must admit. The coolest and biggest
tian male friend about men being belly dancers
highlight of the last month (for me at least), was
and whether this was socially accepted in the
shooting the cover (‘Snake Boy’ Sunny) of this
Middle East or even in the Western world. Their
month’s issue in the company of Tanja, Sophia
view was that it wasn’t really accepted and that
and the makeup artist (Sunny’s sister Mandy). I
those who did perform ‘belly dancing’ weren’t
really can’t begin to express my thanks for ev-
really belly dancers but more accurately termed
eryone’s patience on the day, especially Sunny,
‘middle eastern dancers’. They had contin-
who had to endure several costume changes,
ued to explain that the technique and dress for
theatrical makeup and a Yoga lesson! A special
these dancers was significantly different to fe-
thank you also goes out to John Pike (see page
male dancers (obviously). This ‘middle eastern
61-62), for making the background so beautiful.
dance’ was actually more socially accepted, but
not as much as female belly dancers.
I can not begin to express how pleased I am to
be able to share this month’s issue of NAFOURA
Intrigued by this, I set forth on a journey to try
Magazine with you. It has taken several months
and unravel more about this mysterious art form.
of planning. I know that I have just mentioned
I was very fortunate to have been contacted by
these highlight articles, but there are also fea-
Cheryl Andion, Director of Bellyqueen Supertars
tures from Princess Farhana of Hollywood (see
in Colombia, who was more than willing to as-
page 64) and Performers’ write ups (see page
sist with writing an article on this topic. She
25) as well. As always, I would be interested to
explains how there are certain styles of belly
know your views, so feel free to get in touch.
dancing that were originally performed by men,
i.e. Saidi. Cheryl has a more spiritualistic view
Evete Fatima Medeiros
about belly dancing. Naturally, the article draws
evete@nafoura.com
4
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