1001 Belly Dance Song Inspirations: Part III

Here are five songs to get you shimmying right now! Follow me on Spotify for this playlist of 1001 Belly Dance Song Inspirations: Part III! The five songs are a mix of old, new, and hidden recent gems, from the Middle East and beyond, with singers and songwriters across genres, all that deserve another listen and are danceable for practice or performance. This selection focuses on high-energy numbers great for working up a sweat!

1. Aziza by Salatin Al Tarab Orchestra: A classic raqs sharqi song from 1954, this multi-layered big-orchestral sound piece lends itself to big opening numbers and sweeping through a big room and greeting your large, adoring audience.

2. Turn It Up by Bellyhouse: A heavy electronic banger, this number pulls on musical cues from the Middle East that works well for nightclub or dance class settings.

3. Wala Ala Balo by Amr Diab: Egyptian megastar singer belts out a whirling fun yearning pop number with lyrics: “My darling has no clue about my love for her / She's on my mind and so I call for her / And many nights I think of her, and long for her, but she has no clue / My darling has no clue about my love for her / She's on my mind and so I call for her / And many nights I think of her, and long for her, but she has no clue”

4. Silk Road, by Yasar Akpence: From the prolific Turkish music group Harem, this song is a brassy and big, full of delicious moments for changes in focus. Works well with finger cymbals!

5. Satalana by Abd El Basset Hamouda, Mahmoud El Leithy, Hamdy Batshan and Ali Rabee: A popular Egyptian shaabi song from 2023, this will get even the grandmas and grandpas on their feet.