The Golden Era Famous - Unknown Dancer Ymtisal Fawzi

Ymtisal Fawzi

The name Ymtisal Fawzi may be unfamiliar to contemporary Oriental Dancers but that is certainly not the case with the generation of the 1920’s. There was not anyone of that period who had not heard of the famous Oriental Dancer Ymtisal Fawazi.

As was one of the most renowned dance stars of that time, her photos covered walls in the streets and were to be found in every magazine and journal.

Ymtisal Fawzi portrait

Ymtisal was born into a poor family. At the age of 8 her parents were divorced. She had to leave her family home with her mother. Since her mother had no means to provide for Ymtisal she was forced to leave her little daughter with her very close friends, a Greek Family, who promised to take care of her.

This Greek family owned a phonograph (a record player) which was rare at that time. Ymitisal enjoyed spending her spare time listening and dancing to music

One Christmas night the Greek family held a big dinner. Ymtisal entertained their guests by singing and dancing for them. One of the guests who admired her so much was a night club owner. After her performance he whispered a few words in her ear that were destined to change her life.

The fame was her destiny 

Ymtisal believed in her talents and beauty and that she had the potential to be a great spectacular dance star. The opportunity offered by this gentleman’s promises proved true. He launched her career by showcasing her talents with a big publicity campaign which opened the doors of glory and fame.

In order to claim her destiny, Ymtisal ran away from the family home and became a dancer at the “Al Ghazzawi” night club in Alexandria, than to “Auzdina” night Club. From there her reputation and fame spread out to Cairo.

At this same time, Badia Massabni, had recently separated from her husband, Najib Mahfouz, and founded her new dance troupe. Badia put Ymtisal on the top of the list to be in her troupe.

Badia Masabni

Though Ymitsal became very popular and successful, she never stopped working on developing her career. She bought the best monologues and music for her performances.  

Badia Massabni said on her behalf, “She will be the next Badia Massabni.”

In spite of her good fortune Ymtisal, unluckily, had a very short life. She was killed by one her fans while dancing on the stage!

                                                                                                                                               Translated by Kathreen Saab

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