Tito Egyptian male Raks Sharki (Oriental Dance/belly Dance)

SONG: Bi Basatta by Saber Robai.
What we call belly dance is a theatrical version of the social folk dance done in Egypt and other Middle Eastern countries. Its an expression of celebration and fun done by both sexes.
The perofessional version we are use to seeing was developed in the nightclubs of Cairo in the 1930's. It has been done almost exclucively by women because it is tied into the tourism market where the majority of the customers in the nightclubs are male. In recent years, men have began to join their sisters on stage as well. The first modern male dancers began in the U.S.A. in the late '60's and 1970's, then spreading to Europe in the '80's and '90's. Now the numbers of male dancers is increasing world wide.
Tito Seif known as Egypt's only professional male Oriental/belly dancer. He is the most acclaimed Oriental dancer in Egypt's popular resort town Sharm el Sheikh in the Sianai.
He is being sought out more and more in Cairo and Alexandria to perform in weddings and othere special eventsI. When I spoke to him this summer he was on his way to perform at a saint day celebration in Alexandria. I filmed this performance in Giza, July 2005.
I've been told that there are at least two more guys performing in Egypt's Red Sea resort towns, but I haven't seen them. In any case, Tito is definately the first man in modern times to perform this dance in a professional, rather than social setting for the general public, Egyptian and foriegn alike.

[@weykapuy]

I never get tired of watching this video. What i like the most in Tito is that he's not only an excelent dancer, but he dances like what he is: a man. He doesn't pretend to be a woman. He's coming to my country, and may God i can be there to learn from him.

[@tariksultan]

That's why I love the Egyptian style so much. Not only do you use your whole body, but you have to engae all your emotions. You also have to connect with your audience and have a sense of humor as well. Its a total mind body and emotions connection all expressing the music at the same time.

[@sharonazar1]

this guy is the real deal...I haven't seen any belly dancer do what he does..he has soul, spirit and great moves....bravo Raks Sharki!!!

[@angielabelle34france83]

Tito is a Real artist. He is genius and je brings joy to my heart. Love tito.bravo master belly dancer❤❤❤👌

[@newyorkusa9155]

I'm from USA, New York, this guys amazing,

[@mirsouf]

I didnt say that all men are better dancers than women. I think this man is the best belly dancer I have ever seen. And as you all probably noticed this men sparkless. He not only does some dance moves.. he gives you a certain feeling that you just want to stand up and dance with him and you cant stop looking and you just feel good. I dont think all male dancers are better than women but this one is!

[@paulpetritsis]

it's like a spell! you can't get enough of his dancing! his whole body is vibrating music!God bless him...

[@ronenj53]

The song is absolutely was born for the arab world !!! Flawless 💎💎💎💎 Saber El Robay his best song ever !!!

[@LourdesCruz-Cuba]

Love it! After having seen him dance both live and on DVD to very steady choreographies, i really enjoy even more seeing him dancing what i think is improvisation (looks very spontaneous) or posibly half/choreography. This is what i like the most: real Egyptian flavour. You gotta love Tito's bellydance talent!

[@julspower]

i completely understand!!! i cant get enough of him. as far as movement and crowd pleasing, this man has it all. he moves not like a man nor a woman but sooo smoothly. i lo0ve him. i want more videos!!

[@Pisces77]

Tito is truly tres magnifique! I've traveled to Dubai many times however I never got the chance to see male bellydancers and I have to say Tito gives the women a run for their money cause he is amazing!

[@fmiller36]

Tito Seif... you are wonderful... so inspiring.

[@tariksultan]

2: However, now men are also begining to do the professional version, RAKS SHARKI. It is a more accurate reflection of the real culture for both men AND women to perform this dance, since both men and women dance Baladi. Look at the other clips in my collection especially the interviews and educate yourself.

[@Spomeni73]

Can someone here, anyone, please make Tito aware about his growig youtube fan base. He deserves to know he is being sincerely admired. Mashalla!

[@ZeffrixSidekixEvix]

wonderful. he's far more graceful and expressive than some of the female hopefuls we see on youtube. bravo!

[@tariksultan]

This was actually at the Nile Group Festival in Giza. Tito dances regularly in Sharm el Shiekh in Saini at the Alf Layla wa Layla.

[@YogaBlissDance]

THanks for the explanation under the video, this really is just an extension of a more traditional dance that everyone did! I feel like in the West our take on "belly dancing" is so limited as we don't know enough about the cultures. I met a girl from Mali in Africa and they "belly dance" too, she says they start learning when they are young. Yet you don't tend to see it associated iwth Africa (in the general public's mind.)

[@Lucero2405]

I can't believe he dances better than me " a woman " i never get enough of him, he's really but really gooooooood! HI TITO! Nice dance.

[@redfoxyk]

Wow! I am quite impressed with his timeing and transitions. What got me the most is that he maintained his masculinity while doing it. Sadly, my experience with male dancers is they are gay or bi and having fun playing with their feminine side. I think this is very tasteful and female dancers could take a good note from him. He was ALWAYS smiling and got the audience involved right off the bat! I've never heard of Tito, but I think I shall look formore of him in the future.

[@unicornakhalteke]

I love the song and the dance of this man! Great!

[@ronenj53]

Flawless Unique and amazing song !!! 💙💙💎💎

[@ronenj53]

2:42 the lady in red with her hands up 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@belly18dancer]

I usually do not like male bellydancers but this guy is great!

[@tariksultan]

They do. Its not a woman's dance, its a dance tghat expresses joy and celebration. The stick dancing is inmmitating fighting, different energy. Baladi is about just having fun and being lighthearted.

[@ScorpionGirlabc]

Does anyone know the singer and title of this song? Belly dance is an art form, and I think he's gifted when it comes to that. Yes he's a male, but his good at dancing and does some difficult steps - that some females cant even do as well as he does. Its nice to see him dance the way he does!

[@ronenj53]

"Bebasata" - the name of thw singer is: Saber El Robaey

[@iambusy9861]

​@@ronenj53هههه تلقيه مات 😂😂😂😂

[@randomterran3260]

Egyyyypt

[@tariksultan]

Dear Sergio I read all your comments and this is getting back to a discussion we had months ago. Understand that the acceptance this dance has in the West now is because of a lot of hard work on the part of dancers to be taken seriously. There are still people in the dance community who do not think of this as a real dance and many times when we tried to participate in dance events we were denied, so the dance was hurt by the stereotype.

[@tariksultan]

That's it exactly. The dance is a form of expression. You can express anything you want to. When its done socially, its an expression of fun, but in a nightclub, because of the costume, it makes things look more sensual.

[@tariksultan]

And you're telling me you've never seen guys dancing baladi at a party or wedding? Where are you from for god's sake?

[@tashacook281]

HE HAS HIPS AND WILL TRAVEL! COME TO LOS ANGELES YOU EGYPTIAN ANGEL!

[@adrianahamad]

Tito in my opinion is one of they BEST male bellydancers I've ever seen with my eyes...This man CAN DANCE!!!!I know for a fact that Tito is loved and supported by bellydance world in the U.S.A Due all respect to those who think and feel other wise..Tito,were ever you.We ALL love and support you..

[@zooka85]

AT first when i saw this, first thing came to mind that this is not a man. But his dancing proved that he is profotional, and i do encourage him as a dancer no more, since the female dancers are showing their bodies more! Thanks to you for show this.

[@Hard.Castle]

عن ابن عباس رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول لله صلى الله عليه وسلَّم { لَعَنَ اللهُ المُتَشَبهِينَ مِنَ الرّجالِ بالنّسَاءِ، وَالمُتشبِهاتِ مِن النّسَاءِ بالرّجَالْ }

[@turkeysandwitch6719]

الرسول لم يقل ذلك عطني دليل ان كنت صادق اذا بتجيب لي حديث من الاحاديث اللي كلها افتراء على الرسول فانا احب اقولك انه ممكن اجبلك حديث عن ذو الاربه موجود وصحيح وهم ناس كانو لايشتهون الحريم وكان يسمح لهم للدخول بيوت حريم المسلمين واذا مو مصدق دور عالحديث وهو صحيح عشان تعرف التناقض وان الاحاديث غلط كلها و افتراء عالرسول والناس المغرضين اشكالك يقولون كذا عشان يتسترون على انفسهم وعلى معاصيهم

[@ahmadforoughi6851]

Hard Castle

[@ahmadforoughi6851]

Hard Castle

[@arla37]

Simply AMAZING, it would be to awesome to see him dancing with SADIE. AWESOME, he is the best male belly dancer and Sadie the best female belly dancer.

[@tariksultan]

What I'm trying to communicate to you is that YOU do not see it that way, but there are still plenty of people out there WHO DO. I love the theatrical innovations that were brought into the dance. I don't have a problem with the costume, but I have to acknowledge, understand are respect that even within the cuklture there are people who do.

[@hottestday]

Love that comment! anyone with any intelligence would know that dance has no sexuality. I have seen many belly dancers but Tito has an outstanding style. love the smile on his face while dancing.

[@tariksultan]

Yes he did dance with the scarf, they have to so you can see the movements. Tito is just a theatricalized version of what you see in the traditional areas. The appliques on the Galabeya are just for dramatic effect because he's on stage. This stuff is a part of the real traditional culture and you know what? People all over the world LOVE IT. No kidding. They think it's very beautiful and moving. You would really be surprised how positive their opinion of it is.

[@ronenj53]

This beautiful song shows me how much I love arabic music. The beautiful words, the wonderful melody, and the perfect singer are remarkable and outstanding. They are absolutely stunning ! I love the way Tito dances to this excelent rhythm. I wish I could show you - Tito how I dance this marvellous song and hopefully would dance it , with you together. Tito I love when you smile to everyone, with warmth , and sweetness. You are a great performer and such a gifted dancer, but very modest and kind. This video is the most beautiful and amazing ever ! I can watch it so many times and still now. I'll keep do that , because It brings me joy and pleasure.

[@betsarama]

Excellent! The simple style of dress is so effective. Women should take note. It allows the dancer's expression to be clear. Such a great performance! Thank you for posting.

[@numofan]

hey - I'm so glad you posted this. Tito is a fantastic cancer, and it is *great* to see a guy onstage. I hope to get to see one of Tito's shows one day. He's elegant, graceful, very masculine, and very much in tune with the music.

[@sutil41]

My mouth water with anticipation just by looking at this man!! he dance sooo good!!!

[@MizRoxy2005]

Awwwwwwwwwwesome! No way can you not be affected by his absolute joy in dancing! Probably watched most of the KZbin videos of Tito now and really think he's incredible. Next step - check where he is performing and go and see him live! Woo hoo!

[@XYBellydance]

I saw him dance. He is a very good and charismatic dancer!I enjoyed his performance, and the best: he always smiling:)

[@mukhtarsalwa655]

بموت في رقص تيتو هو بينصهر في الرقص فنان درجة اولي و خاصة عندما يرقص علي اعاني صابر الرباعي رووووووووووووعة

[@heartlessxocean]

Anyone who says males shouldn't bellydance need to shove it. This guy is amazing, and seems to really enjoy it! Look at that smile. :) Great moves; Egypt should be proud. 5/5.

[@tlahuele69]

I'm in love of this dance, of the folk of that country and, of course, the sensuality of Tito moves; thanks for give us this incredible material, now I'm waiting for him,he comes to my country in june: welcome Tito to the marvelus,magical country, Mèxico.

[@Crazyofchocolate]

Smallah! Mashallah! Once of the best dancers ever!

[@tariksultan]

What! This boy is kicking ass. That's like saying men shouldn't dance Samba. There's room for Tito and all the others. Those of us who know talent when we see it enjoy it, no matter who'se doing it.

[@TRUTHTEACHER2007]

You've just summed up the situation perfectly. Most of them are driven to dancing out of sheer poverty and desperation, not a concept of artistic expression, but then again, most people forget that even in the West the concept of being an entertainer strictly for artistic passion is a rescent thing. It was always economics and poverty. Even ballarinas 60yrs ago were considered the same way dancers in Egypt are today. Your right, most of them want to be home not in public

[@lollylane]

fantastic timing, musical expression,graceful, masculine, complete command of stage space, charismatic, professional.......

[@KathleenEvans]

This was a refreshing change! To see a man enjoy the art of dance...I so enjoyed this! I wanted to get up and dance with him. Thanks so much for posting!

[@tariksultan]

He is known World wide amung the Oriental Dance community and gaining recognition in the Middle East.

[@zeedrippyvessel]

beautiful! Stunning! WOW! I've never seen or heard of a male belly dancer and this was just... amazing! WOW!

[@atoosas]

I pretty much decided I will never be able to dance anywhere close to Tito. He is extremely talented and his style is extremely energetic. I attended some of his workshops, and they were just incredible.

[@ancestralfirekeeper]

Oh, my goooooodnesssss! mmmmm mmmmm MMMM! This man is inside the music. What an inspiration! Beautiful! Thank you for posting! Keep dancing, Tito!!

[@gent491]

I believe this is the first video for Tito on youtube. Now, there are many very good video clips of Tito and in my opinion this one sill the best. many thanks Tariq.

[@KelseyMehlKittyKat]

He's amazing...and he's smiling the entire time! :D Makes it even more enjoyable to watch

[@AmayaWiseWoman]

I adore Tito. His joy shines!

[@SleepyheadV2]

I just took his workshop....HE IS AMAZING! So much better in person!!!

[@lilnaospree]

He came to NYC in July. He had WS and show, and I attended both of them, and it was great! Hope he comes back next year.

[@tariksultan]

WONDERFULL! WELCOME TO THE FAMILY!

[@HecateDancing]

WOW I just love this guy he dances from the heart with such joy......Bravo !!!

[@angielabelle34france83]

Love you master tito.you are the best belly dancer.a Real artist ❤❤❤

[@tariksultan]

It never hurts to educate someone. As long as they are polite, its okay. The comment wasn't meant in a mean spirited way and so I honor it. We will never understand each other unless we reach out and make an effort in the spirit of mutual respect and love.

[@julspower]

i cant get enough of this guy and the song is perfect!!

[@mariaf3]

tito is an amazing dancer ,such controlled moves he made them look so good and smooth, i could watch him again and again. thanks for posting

[@ALCAHOFA]

!!!!great!!! I,m mexican and love egyptian music, he is a wonderful dancer,,,,god bless middle east

[@L.Ayad16]

He can shake his hips way better than I can, way to go Tito! Mabruk ya wallad!

[@louisetta1000]

I AGREE WITH YOU -- I ADORE TITO -- HE IS SO GREAT !!!

[@papendrell]

Tito's dance is wonderful, so energetic and fun. I'd love to see him perform live!

[@jmhodder]

My first time seeing a male belly dancer and I've really enjoyed it!! Just as captivating as women!

[@zeezee37]

Mashalah he can move!! i hope he comes to London one day!!! love to see him.

[@japope1982]

fabulous! I'm just learning egyptian belly dance and think he's exceptionally skilled. Thanks for posting

[@tariksultan]

Understand that Tito is a professional entertainer. The way he presents the dance has to be more theatrical and dramatic than a couple of guys clowning around at a wedding. One upon a time the version of Eaks Sharki we now know was considered new and shocking. Tito and the guys like him who dance in Sharam are just a new developement in the dance. If you don't like it, you don't have to watch, but understand many people, in cluding Egyptians from all classes and backgrounds do

[@tine7v]

yeah, you are right... i give her a credit though... he's such a good dancer! so graceful!

[@yesiknowtoo]

Tito you are amazing.. I love you... who cares what everyone says... if they think belly dance is for men, then they should say the same thing about the Ballet.. men can be graceful and manly as well.

[@syilo21]

this man is FIERCE!!! i understand the cultural limitations and views of a male belly dancer and i applaud tito. he's amazing!! -sa3eeda

[@Spomeni73]

I can not stop coming back to this performance since I found this video several months ago. Thank you for posting it!!! Tito is a great performer, artist and a master to learn from. A true inspiration. Anyone who said he looks gay is far from the truth - you can see that he puts his heart and spirit entirely into his dance, what's gay about this? It is called genius and skill, by the way.

[@lisaspotts]

I loved it. he is a beautiful dancer and you can tell how much he loves the dance.

[@nevermindforgetit]

That was very interesting. I'm glad that I approached this video with an open mind. I'm usually skeptical about male belly dancers because I'm used to seeing female belly dancers, but then, I used to feel the same way about ballet.

[@dustbin00]

I'm absolutely blown away. This is...WOW. Fantastic!!! :D Now, I'm addicted to the video. I love how he communicates with the audience.

[@innak100]

Thnx so much for sharing it with the rest of the world! It is my first time seeing male belly dancer- he is so natural in his moves and it is a great enjoyment to watch him entertain the crowd. Thnx again!!!

[@kaddourbachir9900]

النفسية محتاجه لمناسبات مثل هذه. برافوا مش طبيعي

[@KeiKunRooneyChan]

The music and his way of dancing. It's amazing.

[@dinavienna]

the guy is lovely, the way he enjoys the music and is all smiling. watch it for the second time and he makes me joyous even more than the first one :D

[@the13ers]

This is great - love his dancing!

[@Cesc8170]

He dances like this for his public and for him. A wonderfull way for someone to find self-realization =)))))

[@rainmandarin7848]

Very wow ... What can I say is only wow and great!. I wish I can dance like that.. Huhuhuhu!

[@Izabalicious]

Thanks Hanzelheidi. I was at my gym practicing my bellydancing with other students and to my surprise a photographer came and took pictures of the participants but I was pointed out since I was the only male dancer. I received a lot of compliments and support from the women students. So I will keep shimmying until my body gives out.

[@taymaanaser3926]

Love him can watching him for ever

[@bunnyxhat]

AHH this is awesome!!! thank you for posting this is was so wonderful to see that even in the bellydance world there are boudraries that have been broken and explored. this was a wonderful experience and i can honestly say that he is one of the best male bellydancers ive seen so far. (even beeter than some female dancers). he comands the floor and makes it glow with the vibrancy and intensity of his dance. and he truly looks happy doing it. thank you and all the best!

[@amismar]

oh maaaaaaaaan,,, he is skillful .. what a talent :).. I was always thinking that i dance well.. but after this "TITO" i am zero :D:D good job tito

[@siekisieki]

This song is just like GREAT!

[@aztcqn]

It's not so much the moves, but his great joy of life in his moves. He owns it beautifully.

[@tariksultan]

Exactly. You have to give it to him because Egypt is a very conformist society in ways that we couldn't begin to imagine in the West. Doing ANYTHING out of the ordinary is a big deal. This guy deserves a lot of credit for the courage to live life on his own terms undersuch conditions, not to mention he's talented as all hell!

[@davisfontanes]

I am a proud belly dancer and male and I think he is amazing better than me...BRAVO!!!!

[@the13ers]

Love it! what a great dancer!

[@AneliyaOrientaldance]

What an energy! Amazing!

[@TRUTHTEACHER2007]

Even with the new modern style that developed in the 20's and 30's men were involved behind the scenes. They choreographed. Nagwa Foud and many top dancers had male choreographers Naima Akef's cousin Ibrahim was very famous and taught Fifi and Dina. In the late 60s the dance began getting popular in the west and once again many teachers were men. Little by little men began to peform once again. Now with Tito, what happened was due to the growth of female tourism in Sharem.

[@doggiebritches]

AMAZING! Just stunning to watch!

[@playboysolrac]

Just simply wonderful and well done! Such a beautiful part of their culture!

[@TRUTHTEACHER2007]

Hey Walid, girls just wanna have some fun. This is Egypt baby! As if in Morocco when the Chabbi music starts playing the guys don't start shaking it too! Puleeze! If you're going to burn this, then you better make a fire big enough for algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Somalia, Congo, Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria, Brazil, Hawaii, Turkey. These are just some of the countries where you will find guys SHAKING IT. Get real buddy!

[@kendrat199]

This is amazing! I love how he can move just as fluidly as a female bellydancer and yet has much more clothing on. It shows how fluid he is in his isolations

[@IrishEvey]

That's great - I don't see any reason why a man cant bellydance too and he's obvisouly very talented.