Dance for union: From Aug 12 to 17, dancers from 60 countries will meet at Kerry Hotel for the largest belly dance festival in the world. Photo provided to Shanghai Star

Awaiting the great jig

Royal Ballet coming to Shanghai

Artists from Egypt will present a belly dance gala show at Shanghai Oriental Art Center on Aug 8. This is the first time belly dancing from Egypt has a full-length presentation in a Chinese theater, says organizer of the show, Aoyouna, a Chinese belly dancer who has lived in Egypt for almost 10 years.

Most anticipated of the performers is Dina Tallat, who was on the cover of Time magazine. This will be her China premiere.

Nineteen dancers and musicians will present the diverse styles of Egyptian dance: Baladi, Saedi, drum solo, Nubi, to name a few.

It's a happy coincidence that the gala show will take place the same week as Belly Dance China's "Dance for Unity" event, Aoyouna says.

IF YOU GO

7:30 pm, Aug 8, Shanghai Oriental Art Center, 425 Dingxiang Raod, 021-6854-1234