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Welcome to Fanoos: Your Bellydance Magazine
Cover Photo provided by Vanessa /Created by Oriana/ April 2026
🌙 Fanoos Magazine – Middle Eastern Dance, Culture, and Expression
Fanoos Magazine is an international publication dedicated to Middle Eastern dance, culture, and creative voices. We feature in-depth articles, interviews, and photo essays exploring Egyptian dance, Raqs Sharqi, Raqs Baladi, and regional folkloric traditions across the Arab world.
Our mission is to preserve authentic heritage while highlighting modern artistry and diversity within the bellydance community. Fanoos amplifies voices that explore themes of body image, representation, costume design, and cultural storytelling, connecting dancers and readers from Cairo to California.
Writers, photographers, and researchers are invited to submit articles and essays to share their perspectives on Egyptian classical dance, music, and Middle Eastern arts. Each issue illuminates new insights into tradition, innovation, and identity through movement and meaning.
👉 Visit our Submit Page to join a global platform celebrating the beauty and evolution of Middle Eastern dance and culture.
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Spotlight On: Jennifer of Orlando
Fanoos caught up with Jennifer Ordon to discuss all things event production, organization, planning tips and more! Connect with Jennifer O-Town Bellydance Intensive
Fanoos Magazine Oriana
Apr 101 min read
Spotlight On- Ada Bobola!
1. You’ve performed extensively in Cairo and now book talent in Orlando. How has your experience on stage shaped the way you curate performers for events? So…it’s a very Western mindset that when you perform, you are being viewed, and you are separate from the audience. I’ve noticed in Orlando/Florida, that a lot of the dancers don’t intuitively interact with the audience. To me it is very important that the performers for events know how to interact with the audience. And
Fanoos Magazine Oriana
Apr 109 min read
1001 Oriental Dance Moves- Practice Cards!
Are you a teacher looking for a fun way to help your students practice movements and piece together combinations? Or a student needing a fun challenge? Natasa Kocar has you covered! 1001 Oriental Dance Moves Didactical Cards These cards are a sort of an upgrade to my 1001 Oriental Dance Moves book, which was released in 2020. I created them as a sort of didactic support and help with learning and teaching basic Oriental Dance moves, dance steps, creating dance combinations
Fanoos Magazine Oriana
Apr 101 min read
From Paris 1889 to Ghent 2026:The Raqs Sharqi Museum Opens Its First MajorExhibition
Rare antiques, signed photographs, and newly acquired treasures go on public display at Leylet Raqs Heritage Festival in Ghent, Belgium — the first exhibition dedicated to the history of Raqs Sharqi. By Lenka Badriyah Imagine holding a photograph that is over a hundred years old. The paper is thick and slightly yellowed. The edges are soft from time. And there, looking back at you, is an Egyptian dancer — her pose confident, her costume catching the light of a long- gone st
Fanoos Magazine Oriana
Apr 107 min read
Tips from an Event Planner
Nizana El Rassan As someone who has produced live and virtual events for many years, I have a few tips that could be helpful and save you some challenges. I have run local haflas as well as large-scale theater events, and in my day-job realm, I also have been involved with large scale event productions. First, realize that it is quite a bit of work- the larger scale, the more work there is. Enlisting reliable assistance for these endeavors not only lightens the load, but pro
Fanoos Magazine Oriana
Apr 102 min read
Spotlight On: Carlos Carmona
Fanoos was able to sit down with the incredible producer of Rakkasah Fest, Mexico! AND Fanoos has Exclusive NEWS on who is coming to instruct in 2026!
Fanoos Magazine Oriana
Apr 101 min read
Cover Story: Vanessa Of Cairo
In this interview for Fanoos Magazine’s Event Production issue, Vanessa of Cairo shares what it was like to spend 12 years in Egypt as the only American woman running her own entertainment production company. From navigating the rhythms of Egyptian business culture to orchestrating unforgettable performances, Vanessa offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to produce large-scale events in the heart of the Middle East. We talk about leadership, cultural
Fanoos Magazine Oriana
Apr 101 min read
Nizana El Rassan: The Healing Power of Bellydance
The Transformative Journey of Bellydance: A Celebration of Movement and Community So many bellydancers have benefitted from this form of dance for countless reasons. For some, it has been life-extending and even lifesaving. Bellydance is a beautiful art form that encompasses music, movement, costuming, friendships, and the rich tapestry of historical and evolving cultures. Engaging with all these elements releases endorphins and fosters creativity, community, and self-express
Fanoos Magazine Oriana
Dec 15, 20255 min read
Raqs Roundup!
Howdy Ya’ll! Raqs Roundup REGISTRATION IS OPEN!! Give yourself or your loved ones the gift of this amazing weekend experience filled with dance, learning, laughter, Vanessa Raqs and all things Cowgirl!! SECURE YOUR SPOT TODAY! This event sold out last year (thank you to everyone who showed your love and support!) All details and schedule information can be found on the graphics in this post. This is an immersive weekend experience — Weekend Package includes all workshops for
Fanoos Magazine Oriana
Dec 15, 20251 min read
Ancient Arabic Maqam and Drum Rhythms: How Egyptian Dance Reconnects Us to Ourselves, Joy, and Community
Souma Cinton Have you ever felt like your body had a story to tell that your mind couldn’t yet hear? For me, that story began at five years old, when I first felt drawn toward the enchanting world of Egyptian classical dance—long before I ever had words for why. Alongside performing, I studied cultural anthropology, ethnodancology, and ethnomusicology to understand these arts through both lived practice and academic rigor. A Return to the Body Egyptian dance, especially Raq
Fanoos Magazine Oriana
Dec 15, 20254 min read
The wonderful realm of Turkish oryantal
Fanoos Magazine is thrilled to share a new contribution inspired by our upcoming special issue dedicated to Vintage Raqs Sharqi — the golden era of Oriental dance that continues to enchant and influence dancers around the world. Recently, we received a thoughtful submission from a writer who discovered our call for articles on Instagram. Their piece delves into the Turkish influence on classic Raqs Sharqi , exploring how the vibrant Turkish style evolved alongside Egyptian d
Fanoos Magazine Oriana
Dec 15, 20251 min read
Save the Date: Summer Soiree
Save the Date: Jawaahir Dance Company’s 2026 Summer Soirée! Get ready, dancers and dreamers— Jawaahir Dance Company’s 2026 Summer Soirée is officially on the horizon, and it’s shaping up to be one unforgettable weekend! This summer, we’re heating things up in Minneapolis with the return of the incomparable Sadie , joining forces with our very own powerhouse Artistic Director Vanessa for a series of intensive workshops designed to challenge, inspire, and elevate your dance
Fanoos Magazine Oriana
Dec 15, 20251 min read
Spotlight On: Amany Farouk
We caught up with celebrated and longtime performer Amany Farouk of Cairo to discuss some of the most common questions asked of Egyptian instructors. A renowned master teacher of both Oriental (Raqs Sharqi) and Folkloric dance, Amany Farouk’s career spans decades of artistry, education, and stage excellence. She has performed with Egypt’s most prestigious ensembles — including the legendary Reda Troupe and the Qawmiyya Folkloric Troupe — and remains one of the foremost a
Fanoos Magazine Oriana
Dec 15, 20252 min read
COVER STORY: Samira
A Legacy of Dance: An Interview with Florida Bellydance Icon Samira of Lakeland We had the pleasure of sitting down with one of Florida’s true pillars of bellydance — the legendary Samira of Lakeland ! Known for her grace, authenticity, and decades of dedication to the art, Samira has inspired generations of dancers throughout the state and beyond. Now retired from the stage, Samira continues to shine through her beloved troupe, Inara Bellydance , which is now led by her lon
Fanoos Magazine Oriana
Dec 15, 20251 min read
When Cairo Met Chennai
How The Golden Era Reshaped My Artistic Compass By Shruti Narayanan | Director, Founder, Samai Oriental Dance Company There are certain moments in an artist’s life that feel like quiet revelations. My first encounter with the Golden Era of Egyptian cinema was one such moment. Not dramatic, not groundbreaking, simply… inevitable… Watching Samia Gamal glide across the screen, I felt a sense of familiarity I couldn’t quite place. It wasn’t Egypt I recognised. It was the sensibi
Fanoos Magazine Oriana
Dec 15, 20253 min read
Magnetic - with Diana Soto
That gap between what you imagine your dance could be and what it actually ends up being on stage, lets bridge it. Together. Join me...
Fanoos Magazine Oriana
Jul 24, 20251 min read
Hala Elsafi- Egyptian Saidi Dancer
Amr Aziz Rayes Metkal and his ex-wife, the most famous and the prettiest Egyptian dancer Hala Elsaffi, in one of the most known dances...
Fanoos Magazine Oriana
May 2, 20252 min read
Egyptian International Cartoonist in the U.S.
by Amr Aziz At the beginning of his tour in the U.S. Egyptian International cartoonist Amr Fahmy began a tour of the United States with...
Fanoos Magazine Oriana
Apr 12, 20251 min read
COVER STORY: Ramzy Labib
Fanoos sat down with Egyptian musician and composer Ramzy Labib of Cairo for this special music issue. It's so good to see you again!...
Fanoos Magazine Oriana
Mar 15, 20252 min read
On counting and other musical mathematics in oriental dance
Walladah How is your relationship with mathematics? If you are a musician or a dancer reading this, I am sure and please, be sure that...
Fanoos Magazine Oriana
Mar 15, 202510 min read
Frequently asked questions
Fanoos Magazine FAQS
To submit articles to Fanoos Magazine, please visit our 'Submit an Article' page or email your materials to orianaredstar@gmail.com (orianaredstar@gmail.com)and follow the guidelines provided. Ensure your article aligns with our focus on bellydance and Middle Eastern culture. Once submitted, our editorial team will review your article and get back to you.
The due dates for article submissions vary depending on the issue but materials are always due 5 days before the listed due date. Please check our 'Submission Deadlines' page for the most up-to-date information on upcoming deadlines. We recommend submitting your final draft articles well in advance to ensure they are considered for the desired issue.
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