As soon as the private Egyptian satellite channel, Al-Qahera Wal Nas, broadcasted the first episode of its new show “Al-Raqesah” (The Dancer) in October, some public figures called for its banning, reported The Daily Star.
A group of Azhar Scholars, including Mazhar Shahin and Khaled Al-Gindy, who are both members of the Supreme Council for Religious Affairs, condemned the show and called for its banning to “protect the society’s moral fabric”, according to a statement they issued.
According to The Daily Star, Lawyer Samir Sabry filed a lawsuit against Tarek Nour, the channel owner, to ban the show. In the lawsuit, Sabry said that there is a difference between creative freedom and “insolence, ethical degeneration and immorality”.
The episode, also aired online, achieved high viewership, however. Egyptian bellydancer Dina was a judge on the show.
The controversies the programme raised reflect the different social perceptions of the dancing profession. Egyptian cinema has depicted these perceptions in representations that have changed over decades, said The Daily Star.
Now, however, a Cairo court has cleared the charges against Dina and the channel. Following several hearings, the court has found the show as innocent of promoting any wrongful acts.
Season One of the The Dancer ended with Ukrainian contestant Ella's victory after competing against ten international dancers.
