Princess Rajah
striving for authenticity in a sensationalist environment By Stasha Vlasuk Photos provided by Stasha Vlasuk
Princess Rajah ( sometimes spelled Radjah , nee Rose or Rosa Farran ) was among the first American dancers performing authentic Middle Eastern dance . In this article it is appropriate to speak of colonialism , appropriation , ignorance and stereotype , yet as far as Princess Rajah ’ s dance life is concerned , this focus is on one dancer ’ s striving for authenticity and making a living in a sensationalist environment . throngs to come to the several theaters that presented music , dance and other exotic attractions . We have ample photos of the dancers and musicians in these theaters . Sparse information exists on the performance sights and sounds , yet comparing and contrasting historical recordings and modern renditions of traditional folkloric dance can give us an idea of these events .
First , please permit a review of history and context . International Exhibitions , or World ’ s Fairs , were opportunities to bring together a wide variety of the world ’ s cultures and goods in one large scale location , highlighting innovations in science and technology . More than 100 such international fairs would be held in more than twenty countries around the world during the late 19th and 20th centuries . They included “ living exhibits ,” meant to introduce visitors to the many nations of the world : their architecture , costumes , customs , food , goods , and often music and dance . Today , these notorious exhibits have derogatorily been called “ Human Zoos ” and for good reason ; even babies in incubators were a popular exhibit ! However , considerably before widespread films and with radio not common until the 1920s , these broadening exhibits allowed the public to experience an unfamiliar culture . Let ’ s investigate the music and dance of these pan-Islamic “ Villages ”.
The 1893 Midway of Chicago ’ s Columbian Exhibition was a significant site for manipulating American fascination with the Islamic Orient . Multiple times a day , May through October , a festive procession filed through the main street . Dancing girls in native dress riding camels , sword fighters , and other colorful types created excitement among the
May 2022 � The Belly Dance Chronicles 19