My Teacher the Mirror

Printed in "Al Cinema" magazine, 13 June 1946; Translated by Shining Peacekeeper; all images provided by Ahmed Elsemellawi

My Teacher the Mirror

[Nabaweya Mustafa is a name that shines in the world of Arab dance and has become a notable hallmark of most films on the white screen. Nabaweya is distinguished by her photogenic face and the special character of her dance that no other dancer has ever matched. In this article, Nabaweya speaks a bit on her art…] (Editors's Comment) ​

"Many people asked me when I learned to dance and who taught me how. Perhaps the last part of this question is due to the proliferation of dance schools these days, the abundance of teachers and the pride of many of my colleagues who boast about being a student of Professor So-and-So or Dancer So-and-So.

As for when I learned to dance, I can’t pinpoint it precisely. I grew up in an artistic family and I used to hear music and singing and dance melodies and see the singer-dancers swaying to the beats of the drum and tunes of the qanun and oud.
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I used to stare at each of them and go to bed after returning from the school, and I would think about what I had seen and heard. And how much I wished to grow up so my body would be full and mature in order to imitate those dancers and have my name as an actress and dancer on every tongue…"

Caption: Here the mirror guides me about a difficult movement, to know if it is acceptable or beautiful.

Caption: If it were not for the mirror, I would not have been able to master the movement of falling to the ground as you see here, while remaining upright.

​"Actually, I would steal any opportunity to get in front of the mirror and watch myself dance. This art reigned over my mind and I became more and more passionate about it. “The Mirror” started to become my first teacher, in front of whom I corrected my mistakes and attempted to find the most difficult movements. I worked hard to become an excellent dancer and this habit stuck with me until I grew up and was able to satisfy my identity in art, so I did not leave the mirror and did not reject it as an honest and trustworthy teacher who would tell me about my mistakes before people found out about them. It reveals to me the beauty of this movement or the corruption of that one before criticism and critics reveal it, and since the artist needs diversification and innovation every day in order to reach the desired perfection I have never humored the thought of listening to the advice of a coach or waiting for his innovations. Rather, I used to stand and still do, everyday in front of my first teacher, the mirror, for some time; trying out new moves, new outfits, and new colors of dance."

Caption: The flexing and bending is big exertion and requires a lot of physical training, this is what I learn in front of the mirror

Caption: The dance is not random shaking, the artist seeks harmony and beauty in each movement.

"On this occasion, I would like to offer advice to those who love art and cinema, which is that dancing is, first and foremost, a talent that is polished by humility, patience, perseverance and diligence. All of these are qualities that must be present in everyone who dreams to have her name recited in the world of art.

Perhaps many people remember that I started working in film acting many years ago. I did not have the opportunity to appear after that until two or three years ago. This did not make me despair or retire from practicing my art, but rather I continued working until opportunities arose again. Who knows, the day may soon come when I will act in a dance film. With the starring role to satisfy my acting identity as well!"

~Nabaweya Mustafa

Caption: This is one of the most difficult movements the mirror taught me.