Lineage & Legacy in Emirati Dance
- Fanoos Magazine Oriana
- 18 hours ago
- 9 min read
Sultanette in conversation with Belly Art Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Marilyn Barrios is an acclaimed international belly dance master teacher,
choreographer, author and dance company director based in Dubai.
1. How did you start your belly dance journey and how was
Belly Art Dubai born?
I started belly dancing when I was very young, whilst living in Argentina,
because I was looking for a way to reconnect with my femininity. The
moment I discovered this art form, I knew I had found my passion. It
made me feel truly alive, and from that day on, I knew I wanted to
dedicate my life to dance.
I have always been very determined. When I set my mind on something,
I give it everything I have. That dedication helped me progress quickly,
and not long after, I was selected through a national audition in
Argentina to perform in the Arab world. Lebanon became my first
destination, followed by many years performing across different Middle
Eastern countries.
Eventually, I chose Dubai as my home and founded Belly Art Dubai, an
entertainment and performing arts company.
The name Belly Art Dubai reflects the vision I had from the very
beginning. I wanted to present belly dance not only as entertainment,
but as a true art form.
That's why I chose the word "Art." It represents creativity, culture,
education, and meaningful artistic expression. Combined with "Belly."
which immediately identifies the dance form, the name Belly Art Dubai
was born.
That vision has guided everything we've created since then from our
professional training programs to our theatre productions, including
“One thousand One Nights”, one of the first theatrical productions in
Dubai to present Oriental dance within a carefully crafted artistic and
culturally respectful narrative.
For me, Belly Art Dubai has always been much more than a dance
company. It is a platform dedicated to elevating Oriental dance as an
authentic performing art.
2. When did you start to dance professionally and who were
your mentors? Tell me how your dance company was born in
Dubai.
My professional career began when I was selected through a national
audition in Argentina to work as a professional belly dancer in the Middle
East. Lebanon became my first destination, where I spent six months
immersed in the Lebanese style while performing every night in restaurants
and live venues.
During that time, I had the privilege of studying with the renowned
Lebanese master Eyad, whose guidance helped me develop the technique,
musicality, speed, head movements, and stage presence that characterize
the Lebanese style. This intensive experience became the foundation of my
professional career.
After Lebanon, I continued performing internationally for many years in
countries including Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Tunisia, Djibouti,
Angola, France, and several others. Each country enriched my artistic
journey, allowing me to experience different audiences, cultures, and
interpretations of Arabic dance.
My greatest mentor has been the Middle East itself. Living, performing, and
learning within the culture gave me an understanding that goes far beyond
technique it taught me to appreciate the authenticity, history, and spirit
behind this beautiful art form.
Belly Art Dubai started as a oriental dance company evolved into a platform
dedicated to preserving Arabic dance through professional education,
theatre productions, cultural projects, and instructor certification programs.
I feel proud that Belly Art Dubai has introduced structured training, legal
instructor certification, original theatre productions, and artistic initiatives
that have contributed to the growth of Oriental dance in the UAE.
Looking back, I realize that what began as a personal search became my
life's mission: to inspire others through dance while honoring the beauty
and authenticity of Arabic culture.
3. Your book “Belly Dance - the Manual” was the first English-
speaking book about belly dance published in the Gulf. When
was it published? What makes it such a best-seller among
the international belly dance community and how you are
building a legacy in the Gulf through its publication and
through your teaching?
The book “Belly Dance The Manual” has been a major milestone in my
artistic journey. It is the first belly dance book published in English in the
Gulf region, released in 2025.
Seeing the book physically available in prestigious locations across the UAE,
including the iconic Dubai Mall, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, and Palm Jumeirah
Mall, has been an incredibly meaningful achievement. I still find it surreal
because traditionally, books can take a long time to reach physical stores,
and seeing this project become available within less than a year has been a
very special moment.
The publication process involved multiple stages of approval through the
UAE Media Council, ensuring that the book met all the necessary
requirements to be officially published in the country. This made the
achievement even more significant, as it represents not only a personal
accomplishment but also a contribution to documenting and recognizing
belly dance as an art form in the region.
The book can only be purchased physically in the UAE for time being, and
isn’t available yet nor for international shipping nor for digital download.
4. Could you please outline the cultural and social significance
of the contemporary Emirati female dress code, in particular
the Abaya and the Shayla?
The abaya and shayla are important elements of Emirati women’s identity,
representing modesty, elegance, and cultural heritage. While traditionally
connected to values of privacy and respect, today they have also become a
form of personal expression, with many women choosing different fabrics,
designs, and details that reflect their individual style.
The contemporary Emirati dress code beautifully combines tradition with
modernity, preserving cultural values while allowing creativity and fashion
to evolve.
5. Describe the Mukhawar and on which occasions Emirati
women wear it?
The Mukhawar is a is a full-length Emirati dress similar to galabeya and
kaftan, celebrated for its hand-crafted embroidery and rich fabrics,
known for its refined elegance and beauty. It is usually a long, loose-
fitting garment, decorated with colorful patterns and fine details that reflect the rich
heritage of the UAE. Emirati women wear the Mukhawar on special
occasions such as weddings, Eid celebrations, cultural events, and family
gatherings. It represents femininity, tradition, and pride in Emirati culture.
6. Describe the rituals and symbolism of the Emirati traditional
marriage ceremony and the Zaffa ritual. Tell us about usage
of Henna in the Emirates and its important cultural
significance.
A traditional Emirati wedding ceremony is a beautiful celebration that
reflects the values of family, respect, and heritage. The marriage usually
begins with the engagement and the agreement between both families.
Traditionally, the bride’s family and the groom’s family play an important
role in preparing and supporting the union.
The Emirati Zaffa ritual is the ceremonial wedding procession accompanying
the bride and the groom. It features traditional drums, chants, and
performers who escort the couple in a festive procession symbolizing the
union of two families. The Zaffa ritual was inscribed on UNESCO's
Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2025.
The wedding celebrations often include the signing of the marriage contract
(Nikah), prayers, blessings from elders, and joyful gatherings with family and
friends. Emirati weddings are known for their hospitality, traditional music,
dancing, and the beautiful customs that bring both families together.
One of the most beautiful traditions in an Emirati wedding is the Henna
night, known as “Laylat Al Henna.” It is a special celebration held before the
wedding, usually for the bride and the women of both families and close
friends. Traditionally, men and women celebrate separately, respecting
cultural customs.
During the Henna night, the bride’s hands and feet are decorated with
intricate henna designs, which symbolize beauty, happiness, blessings, and
good fortune for her new life as a wife. The celebration is filled with
traditional songs, dancing, perfumes, sweets, and joyful moments shared
among women.
Beyond its beauty, the Henna night represents the bond between women,
the support of the family, and the passing of cultural traditions from one
generation to another. It is a meaningful ritual that celebrates the bride’s
transition into a new chapter of her life.
Henna has a deep cultural significance in the Emirates and has been part of
the region’s traditions for generations. It is a symbol of beauty, celebration,
and good wishes. Emirati women traditionally use henna to decorate their
hands and feet, especially during weddings, Eid celebrations, and other
important occasions.
In weddings, henna plays a special role during the Henna night (Laylat Al
Henna), where the bride receives beautiful designs as a symbol of
happiness, blessings, protection, and a prosperous future. The gathering
also represents the connection between women, family support, and the
sharing of traditions from one generation to another.
Beyond its decorative purpose, henna is a meaningful expression of Emirati
identity, heritage, and the joy of celebrating important moments in life.
7. Describe the traditional jewels women usually wear in the
Emirates.
Traditional Emirati jewelry is known for its elegance, beauty, and cultural
significance. Women often wear gold jewelry pieces such as necklaces,
earrings, bracelets, rings, and head ornaments, which are beautifully
designed and sometimes passed down through generations as family
treasures.
These traditional pieces are especially worn during important occasions such
as weddings, Eid celebrations, and cultural events, where women celebrate
their heritage and express their beauty through traditional style. The gold
jewelry represents prosperity, femininity, and social traditions.
Although these elaborate jewelry pieces are admired in photographs and
special celebrations, many Emirati women today do not wear such
traditional gold sets every day. Daily jewelry is usually simpler and more
modern, while the traditional pieces remain an important part of special
occasions and cultural identity.
8. Regarding Khaleej dance in the Emirates: which among these
traditional dances are only for women and which are for
both genders? Describe into detail please: 1. Al Na'ashat 2. Al
Ayyala 3. Al Razfa 4. Al Liwa.
Traditional Emirati dances are an important expression of the UAE’s heritage
and identity. Al Na’ashat is a traditional women’s dance where dancers
move their hair gracefully to the rhythm of music, usually performed during
weddings and special celebrations. It represents beauty, joy, and femininity.
Al Ayyala and Al Razfa are traditional men’s dances performed in groups,
often in lines, accompanied by drums and traditional poetry. These dances
symbolize unity, strength, pride, and the values of Emirati society. They are
commonly performed during national celebrations, weddings, and
important cultural events, keeping the history and traditions of the UAE
alive.
Special mention for Al Ayyala dance, one of the UAE's most iconic traditional
performing arts. Two rows of performers face each other holding thin
bamboo canes, moving rhythmically to the beat of drums while poets or
singers recite verses. It is commonly performed during weddings, National
Day celebrations, and other cultural festivals, symbolizing unity, courage,
and community.
Al Liwa is a traditional Emirati coastal dance and musical performance with Afro-Arabian roots, introduced to the UAE through centuries of maritime trade with East Africa, particularly the Swahili coast. The performance
features dancers moving rhythmically in a circle around musicians playing
the mizmar , a double-reed wind instrument, and a variety of drums,
creating energetic and increasingly fast-paced rhythms. Historically
associated with pearl-diving and coastal communities, Al Liwa is now
performed at weddings, national celebrations, cultural festivals, and
heritage events. The dance reflects the UAE's multicultural history, maritime
traditions, and the cultural exchange that shaped the identity of its coastal
communities.
9. Describe the Khaleej journey within your dance career.
What makes my journey with Khaleej dance unique is that I truly discovered
its beauty when I became part of the local community and had the
opportunity to experience Emirati women dancing in their own social
environments.
By observing them, I learned the softness, elegance, and natural expression
that are part of the real spirit of Khaleej dance. This experience enriched my
understanding of the dance beyond technique, allowing me to connect with
its cultural meaning.
Throughout my career, I have come to see Khaleej dance from two different
perspectives. The first is Social Khaleej, which is the way local women dance
among themselves during gatherings and celebrations. It is a very elegant,
subtle, and authentic style, focused on femininity and expression.
Interestingly, in today’s social events, women usually do not use the hair
movements that are often seen in stage performances.
The second is Performance Khaleeji, which is the version commonly
presented on stage, where dancers use the famous hair movements and
more theatrical elements to create a visual performance.
I teach both approaches because I believe it is important for dancers to
understand the difference between performing Khaleeji for an audience and
experiencing Khaleej as a living cultural tradition.
For me, Social Khaleej represents the deepest connection to the roots of the
dance and its authentic expression.
Khaleej means “from the Gulf” in Arabic and in Spanish is spelled Khaliji and
in English has multiple spellings among which Khaleeji is the most popular.
The Emirates’ own local newspaper is named “Khaleej Times”.
10. The West knows well of Hussain Al Jassmi and deeply
appreciates him. Please mention other notable Emirati
Khaleej singers which every oriental dancer must know of.
There are more outstanding Khaleej singers with great songs such as: MAJID
AL MOHANDIS, BALQEES, RAHMA RIAD, WALEED AL SHAMI Those are my
personal favorites.
11. Please describe the meaning behind the “Dubai-it”
expression.
The expression “Dubai-it” is very interesting because it turns the name of a
city into a verb that represents a way of thinking and acting.
It reflects the idea of achieving extraordinary results, transforming dreams
into reality, and reaching goals with excellence and determination in record
time.
From my personal perspective, what makes this expression so meaningful is
that Dubai is a place where you can feel a strong mindset of growth and
ambition. Many people who live in the UAE are dreamers, creators, and
innovators who believe in building the future.
For me, “Dubai-it” represents the spirit of this city: having a vision, working
with passion, and turning possibilities into achievements. Dubai shows that
with dedication, creativity, and through the right mindset, even the biggest
dreams can become reality.
Links to Belly Art socials:
Website:
Facebook/Instagram/ TikTok/ YouTube at the bottom left-hand side of this
page:
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