In photos: Discovering the dazzling art of Sham’adan belly dancing in Egypt
Raqs El-Sham’adan, or Candelabra Dance, is the art of dancing while balancing a candelabra on your head. Zeinab Hussein, known as Zouba Al-Kolobati and Shafiqa Al-Qibtya (Shafiqa the Coptic) were among the most famous candelabra dancers in Egypt.
The dance was originally introduced as part of the wedding zaffa (ceremony), but then it made its way to several stages in Egypt.
Although the dance is not widely practiced in Egypt today, it is one of the most difficult props to work with, as it requires precision and technique.
Dazzling the stages with their power and endurance are the Sham’adan dancers of Egypt’s past.
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