“Melaya Leff” is translated as “a scarf, which covers”.
This style doesn’t have ancient roots. It was made as a scenical interpretation of woman’s mentality: the strong and playful women, who never permit themselves too much, but they flirt constantly..
Melaya is a long wide shawl, which was used in Egypt many years ago.
Women used melaya to look worthily out.
This style is very theatrical. The sense consists in discovering a woman’s character.
Usually Melaya Leff Escandarani is associated with Alexandria (Egypt). The dance has scenes from the mediterranean life, connected with the sea and fishermen.
Melaya Leff Cairo presents Il Cairo – a dance dresses a suit, which is more typical for a town she wants to present to spectators. This interpretations named Shaab Baladi with using of melaya.
Melaya Leff can present different towns-a dancer clothes the costume typical for the town, that she wants to present to her spectator. This style can be performed by men and women together.
For europeans it is very difficult to understand the difference in styles of Melaya Leff. The boundary is very fine and if you want to feel it, it is necessary to live among these people, to breathe the same air and to eat the same bread.