Meet Noura Al-Abdulaziz, Saudi Dance Queen

Dancing is part of any nation’s cultural tradition, allowing people to bond, communicate, celebrate life, and express their feelings and emotions. Dancing has also a liberating power, your body is moving freely, no censorship, and no pressure. If we take a look at the dancing world in Saudi Arabia, we notice the emergence of courageous, creative, passionate, and inspiring female dancers. Not only they are channeling positive vibes through their dancing, shattering stereotypes and the glass ceiling, they are also paving the way to aspiring dancers throughout the region. We sat down with the girl who is advocating for the dance culture in Saudi Arabia, Noura Al-Abdulaziz, to discuss hip-hop/ Afro-fusion dance culture, dreams, and self-confidence.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I'm a 25 years old, Saudi female who’s passionate about all forms of art specifically, hip-hop/ Afro-fusion dance culture and history, I’ve been dancing since I was 9 years old and took it as a profession when I turned 20 in 2016. I started teaching people of all ages/levels and spreading the awareness of the dance culture in Saudi.

How did you get into dance/freestyle/hip hop?

It all started when I was 9 years old and saw “Missy Elliot – Get Ur Freak on“ music video, I started imitating the dance moves and it got me interested on knowing each step and the history behind it. So I educated myself through the internet by reaching out to international dancers/ choreographers to get the full scope of all the techniques that I needed.

What does dancing represent to you?

On one hand, dance happens to be my language to express and communicate with people. On the other hand, I do believe it's my message to heal myself and others through art.

What are the main challenges that you faced?

Through my dancing journey I have faced different layers of challenges due to the lack of awareness regarding the dance culture in the GCC. However, Being a Saudi female artist who’s considered different among the rest, made me hungry to push and prevail on making a difference and to stand out in the region.

Any regrets?

In my journey, using the word “regret” is just a distress of mind. Moreover, it led me to communicate and connect with my self-confidence more. I’ve taken and grew in every opportunity that I can hold on to and I’m grateful for it. 

Your proudest moment?

My proudest moment could be the first time I started teaching and seeing the future of dance in the eyes of my clients and using it as my drive and inspiration to give them more of what I can provide.

How would you describe your dancing in few words?

Liberating, expressive, healing process.

If you could dance for any star, who would it be?

That would be Usher knowing that he isn’t only a singer but a dancer too, he uses his platform to showcase his appreciation to all the dancers internationally through music videos and concerts, unlike other singers who use dancers as an EXTRAS to their performances.

Have you always been so self-confident?

Self-confidence is a journey, I had to learn among my environment, culture and society. I wasn’t confident enough when I started, there were a lot of obstacles; however, it only made me courageous and motivated enough to proceed on creating a difference.

What are your future goals?

The change that we’re witnessing in Saudi nowadays made me hopeful towards my goals as an individual and a citizen. I want to officially introduce dance to the society by opening the first dance academy to teach varieties of dance genres. It will give the dancers in the region a place to feel respected and appreciated on practicing their passion freely and an opportunity to explore another form of art for the non-dancers.   

What message would you send to young Arab female dancers?

I’m highly hopeful for our new generation and their awareness, we have an ocean of talents and we can showcase and practice what we are meant to be. All the dancers in the region know that I understand the struggle and it’s not easy to express it openly due to the history and culture of the country. However, in order for me to be who I want to be I want them also to be who they want to be, so we can all BE. Take your opportunities, educate yourself, seek for improvement and importantly, keep your tunnel vision towards what makes you, U.