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Sunday, 24 November 2013

Star Stalker Sunday: Didem



This week we featured a history lesson on the origins of Turkish belly dance and today we bring you a feature on one of Turkey's best belly dancers.


Didem Kanali, simply known as Didem, was born in 1986 in Turkey to a belly dancer mother and a drummer father. Her family is of Roma heritage, contributing to her style of dancing.
For a belly dancer who has gained a massive YouTube following, not much is known about her private life. As a Roma with limited education, it can be deduced that because her family made a living from performing live music and dancing, she developed her passion for belly dancing. 
 
Preparing for an appearance on the "Ibo Show"

In an rare interview on Turkish television, the stated that she was the first performer from Avcilar, a suburb not known for exciting night life. As she developed her skill under Sema Yildiz, she started making nightly appearances at Sultana’s Dinner and 1001 Nights Show. She danced here for four years as well as a spot on the “Ibo Show” alongside fellow Turkish dancer Asena. When Asena left the show following a controversy, Didem initially only wowed the crowds with her beauty. It took the audience a while to recognise her talent. Audiences who have seen this dancer live has always been left mesmerised, but TV appearances does not do her justice. A live performance in a venue really showcases her skill and energy. 


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