ITV's 'Wood You Believe It'

Follows Sheffield Belly Dancer Sophie Mei

From Pitsmoor To the Pyramids of Eygpt

Sheffield’s’ own belly dancing star Sophie Mei, flew off to Cairo and Yorkshire TV went with her.

Sophies Challenging New Roles!

Sophie Mei who shot to fame in this years ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ and gained world wide recognition for her unique belly dance performances that even made TV’s Mr Nasty take notice… has now set off on a new adventure.

20 year-old Sophie who started belly dancing in Christ Church Hall, in Pitsmoor Sheffield, traveled to Cairo to gain the authentic dance techniques from some of the best teachers in the word.

Presenting

Presenter Sophie even had a chance to actualize her dream and present the show herself!

Interviewing

Sophie interviewed top belly dancers, costume designers and musicians in the home country of belly dance.

One to One tuition with Sara Farouk

Sara Farouk an internationally acclaimed belly dancer and teacher even gave Sophie Mei one to one lessons in her Cairo studio.

Costumes to Die for!

Egypt’s Eman Zaki the world’s best belly dance costume designer, designed a costume especially for Sophie Mei. “it is just fantastic and is by far the most impressive of my costumes yet.”

Sophie says, “The whole trip has been wonderful, and such a privilege to get one to one tuition from one of the most respected dancers in the world and in her own studio too. It has been my dream to visit the homeland of belly dance ever since I started belly dancing 8 years ago.”

“I hope that I can show the depth of belly dance and how special it is for women internationally - my favourite part of the whole trip was dancing at an Egyptian wedding!”

With the boom of Reality TV from ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ to the ‘X Factor’ it is important to maintain your own artistic drive and respect for the art form.

Discovering the Roots of Belly Dancing

Sophie believes: “This experience was so unique and helped me discover the roots of belly dance and reminded me of why I started dancing in the first place. It is essential for women to appreciate their own femininity whether that’s dancing together at parties or performing this emotional dance form.”

“This was a personal a journey that I’ll never forget.”

To see Sophie’s journey, discover more about belly dance and get a taste of Cairo culture- watch ITV Yorkshire this Monday at 10.40pm as part of the ‘Wood You Believe it!” series.