“ The oriental dances , as performed here , were in no sense disorderly or vulgar , for the dancer scarcely lifted her feet from the floor , and her flowing skirts were fastened about her ankles . The music which accompanied the dance was peculiarly weird to Western ears .” ( The dream city : a portfolio of photographic views of the World ’ s Columbian Exposition 1893 N . D . Thompson Publishing Co .
archive . org https :// archive . org / details / dreamcityportfol00worl / mode / 2up )
( Thomas A . Edison , Inc , and Hendricks . Princess Ali . prod by Heise , Williamuction , Camera [ United States : Edison Manufacturing Co , 1895 ] Video . Retrieved from the Library of Congress ,
www . loc . gov / item / 00694136 /)
One of the performances in the Algerian Theatre is represented by an Edison film of Princess Ali . This was actually filmed two years after her performances there , on May 9 , 1895 , in Edison ’ s Black Maria studio in West Orange New Jersey , while Princess Ali was performing with Barnum & Bailey ’ s Circus in Orange , New Jersey .
Edison ’ s catalogue identifies this film with the title “ Egyptian Dance by Princess Ali , Star of the Midway Plaisance ”. I believe it is mislabeled “ Egyptian Dance ” and is more likely the traditional Algerian Scarf dance , observe this recent rendition : Video :
https :// www . youtube . com / watch ? v = -CsU6vNqS _ w
Traditional folk dances don ’ t change much through the years , and even the classical costuming remains almost identical . 1893 Algerian Theatre performer Salina wore the traditional Algerian garment called Karakou , a long sleeved , fitted jacket embroidered with gold and silver threads , still worn today : Video :
https :// www . youtube . com / watch ? v = Xwf _ P-hISSk
May 2022 � The Belly Dance Chronicles 21
