Turkish Dancers to Know
Nejla Ateş
Best known as the dancer in the film "Son of Sinbad" (1955), and for being the model on the infamous "Dances of Port Said" album cover. Originally from Istanbul, she came to the U.S. and worked in the New York clubs in the 1950s.Mine Coşkun
Mine Coşkun's name comes up repeatedly from those who knew the New York scene at the time. She came over from Turkey to work in the clubs as a singer, and discovered she was expected to dance, as well. She was said to be very skilled at both.Özel Türkbaş
A model and actress as well as a dancer, she had a successful career as a performer in Turkey before moving to the U.S. in 1959 to work in the clubs in New York. Well-known for her "How to Make Your Husband a Sultan" album, which helped popularize belly dance in America.Nesrin Topkapı
Known for her graceful and elegant style, she was the first dancer to be allowed on Turkish television. For several years in the early 1980s her dancing was aired as part of the Turkish New Year's Eve programming. More Egyptian-influenced than many of her contemporaries.Tulay Karaca
Considered by many to be the best, she retired in the 90s. Undisputedly the "queen of zills". She was known for her aloof stage persona, and her lively kicks and spins. Her Romani heritage gives her 9/8s that something special as well.Sema Yıldız
Very famous in the 80s, still teaches and performs today. Her style is sensual and fiery, with gorgeously graceful arms and earthy 9/8s.Birgül Beray
House dancer at the Orient House in Istanbul for many years, her career has shown surprising longevity in Turkey, where dancers tend to start in their teens and retire in their 30s. Her movements are sharp and controlled, with less grace but more power than other dancers, and her showmanship and humor on stage are nearly unparalleled. Fantastic "sultan shows".Princess Banu
Contemporary of Tulay Karaca and Sema Yildiz, Princess Banu considers herself an Egyptian style dancer, having studied in Cairo, and indeed, her style is more languid than that of a typical Turkish dancer.Burçin Orhon
Inci Adalı
Best known to Turkish Oryantal afficianados as the star of a film about a young hatcheck girl who dreams of being the dancer at the club where she works. Excellent Romani-style dancing.Zinnur Karaca
Niece of Tulay, also known for her excellent zill playing.Mezdeke
No list of "Turkish dancers" is complete without mentioning the phenomenon that was Mezdeke. The troupe Mezdeke consisted of women in Oryantal costumes with face veils, dancing exclusively to fast, poppy Arabic music (in fact, the word "mezdeke" is an Arabic one more-or-less meaning "party music"). Their style involved the notorious high kicks, arm work and coordinated spins, with little-to-no hip or torso work.Tanyeli
Popular in the 1990's, she was one of the last dancers in Turkey to perform frequently to Turkish music.Asena
The originator of the more recent Turkish style consisting of mainly sharp accents done with hips, torso, head, and arms. She was the dance star of the Ibo show featuring Ibrahim Tatlises, and his girlfriend as well, until she decided to leave both in the early 2000s and was shot in the leg, many believe arranged by Tatlises himself. After a long recuperation she has recently returned to dancing.Reyhan Tuzsuz
Not a bellydancer at all, but a Roma woman known worldwide for her teaching and performance of Turkish Romani dance. Definitely a name that any serious student of Turkish style should know. If you visit Istanbul I recommend lessons with her.Özgen
Born in Cyprus but now based in London, Ozgen is trained in many styles of dance, but has chosen to work as a performer, teacher, and choreographer of modern Turkish Oryantal and Turkish Romani dances. Don't miss a chance to study with him.Didem Kınalı
The best-known dancer in Turkey today, she was the featured dancer on the Ibo show until it went off the air. Currently she is the top dancer at Sema Yıldız's club, Sultana's. Her style is modern and strong, with precise articulations. She doesn't perform with finger cymbals, but, being of Roma heritage, her Roman-style performances are excellent.