by Suli Adams Golden ages are defined as periods of great wealth, prosperity, stability and cultural and
scientific achievement. In western history there were 3 periods that exploded with creativity:
Elizabethan England, Renaissance Florence and America’s founding. A more classic example
of golden age is that of ancient Athens. During which many philosophical ideas were
developed, such as democracy.
The definition most applicable to dancers is that a Golden age is a period of time during which a very high level of achievement is reached in a particular field of activity especially in the arts and literature.
As dancers of the Arab culture, we think of the Golden Era as 1900-1960s, which peaks
between 1940-1960s when Egyptian cinema was booming. In the 1950s, Egyptian cinema was the 3rd largest in the world. Many movies featured Egyptian dancers who became very popular, they were trained by Badia Masabni, in her night club. These dancers such as Samia Gamal and Tahia Carioca are referred to as the Golden Era dancers.
These concepts of Golden Era can be applied in our personal lives. As a dancer/performer at
what point was your creativity at its personal best? Are you working towards your next highest achievement, your next Golden Era?
This concept of Golden Era can be applied to other aspects of our lives, something that matters to us, something we are passionate about. A Golden Era in your career perhaps, one of an achievement to be proud of. For some childhood is the happiest time of life, free of
responsibilities, being cared for and given the freedom to explore anything and everything.
Perhaps the joy of caring and raising a family is a Golden Era, or one of Romance and Love.
For others it begins at age 65 and beyond, an endless holiday in retirement, young enough and healthy enough to travel and explore anything and everything. It could be focusing on a project that really matters to you.
The possibilities are endless, and we can have more than one Golden Era in our lifetime. What is the Golden Era in your life? Are you working towards the next Golden Era for you?
Suli Adams lives in Pembroke, Canada and loves bellydance. She is on the Pembroke Diversity Advisory Commitee. She studies with Aziza of Montreal, writes and dances as much as she can. Most notably she has been recently published in I Will Dance 'til a Hundred and One!: Communal Wisdom on Dancing as We Age: Turner LCSW, Janine: 9781977583574: Amazon.com: